Status of Evidence-based Ayurveda Dietetics and Challenges in Research: A Review

Abstract

Diet is considered one of the basic need for good health since it is the critical reason for disease as well as the preservation and promotion of health. According to Ayurveda, in both the conditions, viz. health and disease, diet is a prime factor to be thought about. Basics of clinical nutrition, one of the important disciplines in modern medicine can be traced out from the concepts of dietetics in Ayurveda. Though the research of the past few years has focused on various aspects of dietetics mentioned in classical texts of Ayurveda, a systematic review of these studies is still not available. A comprehensive review of evidence-based research works carried out different aspects of Ayurveda dietetics can be an indicator of present lacunae challenges and future strategies. Though few attempts were made to establish some of the basic aspects of Ayurveda dietetics, individualized approach, seasonal diet, contradictory food (viruddhaahara), contraindication of certain diet are still to be studied systematically. Diet-medicine-lifestyle interface, pharmacovigilance of Ayurvedic diet, systematic review or meta-analysis, preclinical and Randomised Controlled Clinical Trials with standard control in the field of dietetics in Ayurveda are some of the prime areas requiring more attention.