Improper diet main cause of NCDs

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Global Ayurveda Festival continued its discussions on management of non-communicable diseases(NCDs) through ayurveda with M R Vasudevan Nampoothiri presenting a paper on effective interventions.  Citing ancient scriptures such as Bhavaprakasha and Charaka Samhita, Vasudevan Nampoothiri said that  improper diet was the main cause of NCDs.   “Improper diet can be further classified into three kinds such as ‘Samasana’ (un-desirable food), ‘Adhyasana’ (eating before 3 hours from the previous meal), and ‘Vishmasana’ (untimely food irrespective of quantity). The right amount of food at the right time itself keeps away diseases,” he said.     Vasudevan Nampoothiri said that processing of food, psychological condition of the people, age, season, habitat, status of health and digestion were all important factors that should decide what you eat.   ‘’While taking food, one must take at least 20 minutes to complete the dine and one must fill only half his stomach with food, quarter with water and remaining quarter must be left free,” said Nampoothiry pointing out that along with food, regular exercise is also required for a healthy living. The doctor also stated that according to the vedas, milk is for the body and ghee for brain.    C R Agnives, speaking on the topic ‘Obesity - A treatment protocol in ayurveda perspective’ said that total starvation should never be attempted as treatment for obesity. Sathiyamurthi, who presented a paper on ‘Non-Communicable Diseases - Genomics and Prakrithi’ said that DNA repairing capacity decreases along with ageing.   “Rasayana enhances the DNA repair activity and maintains the original functions of the cells. Amalaki rasayana and Brahmarasayana, which is made out of at least 35 herbs, are the most effective for these defects,” he said. He also narrated a study he had made on defected flies and found these defects were diminishing by giving them Brahmarasayana.  The plenary lecture of the Global Ayurveda Fest concluded with E P Jeevan’s sensitising session on the scope of ayurveda in Europe. His lecture titled ‘Ayurveda in Europe: What we achieved and what we have to create’ focused on the increasing prospects of ayurvedic medicine in Germany, where he is the Founder of Ayurveda Care, an ayurveda centre in Berlin.