AROGYAM BHOJANADHEENAM AND IMMUNITY IN CHILDREN: A CRITICAL REVIEW

Dr. Yogita Shrivas* and Dr. R. P. Tiwari

ABSTRACT

India being a developing country didn‟t succeed in reducing Under Five Mortality Rate by 2/3rd till the year 2015.Infections remain a major cause of death upto five years of age. Preventing and Fighting infection pose a great challenge to the medical fraternity. Apart from the use of vaccines and antibiotics to deal with infections, a strong immune mechanism in children is required for laying foundation of good health and promotion of growth and development. This defence mechanism is termed as Vyadhikshamatwa or Bala in Ayurveda texts. And, it can be achieved with the help of healthy food practices. Hence food is considered as one of the three pillars of life. Acharya Kashyapa, the father of Ayurvedic Paediatrics, emphasises food as the secret to good health and the best medicine.

Keywords: Ayurveda, Vyadhikshamtwa, Bala, Ahara, Kashyapa.