Evaluation of diet and life style in the etiopathogenesis of Urdhwaga Amlapitta (non-ulcer dyspepsia)

Abstract

For a long time, infectious (communicable) diseases were the biggest killer diseases globally. But now, the trend is changing toward increased prevalence of chronic diseases with causative factors mostly related to diet and lifestyle. Among them, Urdhwaga Amlapitta (non-ulcer dyspepsia), a gastrointestinal tract (GIT) disorder, has acquired majority of the share with causative factors like improper diet and habits, stress, spicy irritant food, oily foods, bakery products, etc., A survey study was conducted on 138 patients, irrespective of sex, religion, etc., who had presented with the clinical symptoms of Urdhwaga Amlapitta and attended the OPD of Department of Basic Principles, at I.P.G.T. and R.A., Gujarat Ayurved University, Jamnagar, between February 2009 and June 2010. Information on demography, dietary intake, and lifestyle factors was collected by standard questionnaires. The data revealed that majority of the patients indulged in faulty dietary habits like excess Katu Ahara Sevana (99.3%), Amla Ahara (95.65%), Guru Ahara (90.57%), Snigdha Ahara (86.23%), Viruddha (81.88%), Abhishyandi Ahara (81.88%), Atiushna Ahara (73.9%), Vidahi (51.44%), Pistanna (47.10%), etc., and the data on lifestyle revealed that majority of the patients indulged in Diwasvapna (89.85%), Antarodaka Paanam (81.88%), Chinta (79.71%), etc., This survey study upholds the novel concept of diet and lifestyle of Ayurveda. The data reflects that dietary patterns, lifestyle choices, and physical activities play an important role in the etiopathogenesis of Urdhwaga Amlapitta, and it is important for patients to have access to diet and lifestyle modifications. Currently, research in this area is minimal.

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

“…[5][6][7] Publications on preclinical and clinical studies on food ingredients like dairy products, pomegranate, garlic, and other spices 8,9-11 Some clinical work on the effect of a particular diet on a specific condition has also been done. [12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24] However, the research work was found to be inconclusive with basic lacunae such as lack of standardization and standard operating procedure for preparation and administration of diet without a watch on compliance and specific outcome. The studies also had considerably short duration, conducted on a small and non-representative sample.…”

Disease proportions and drug prescribing pattern observed in a free health camp organized at Dhorphirdi Village Development Committee of Western Nepal

“…Also, food and life style related factors might have led to this result which is supported by the fact that gastrointestinal disorder, is caused mainly by improper diet and habits, stress, spicy irritant food, oily foods, etc. [ 8 ]. Due to the lack of diagnostic facilities in the camp setting, diseases requiring diagnostic techniques were included less in number (e.g.…”

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“…Main causes for the disease are improper diet, not following AharaVidhiVisheshayatana, Viruddhahara, and Asatmyaahara which is the main factor of impaired digestive function, i.e., Mandagni. [2] Risk factor…”

“…Among them, nonulcer dyspepsia, a gastrointestinal tract disorder, acquires majority of the share. [2] Amlapitta is a burning problem of today's society. This has given rise to many other serious diseases.…”