The Interplay of Ayurvedic Diet and Lifestyle in Cancer Prevention: A Holistic Perspective

Abstract

As defined by World Health Organization (WHO), cancer is an umbrella term for various diseases characterized by the uncontrollable growth and spread of abnormal cells in nearly any part of the body. They can either invade nearby tissues or spread to distant places in the body. Cancer is thus among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality all around the world. According to WHO, in the 21st century, 3 out of 10 people suffer from cancer. The diet rich in fats, fast food, and processed food in addition to a sedentary life style, stress, drinking alcohol and smoking are either direct or indirect causes in the vast majority of cancer patients (Nidan). As much progress has been made in the treatment of this disease, the interest in preventive measures has grown in recent years, especially those based on traditional medical approaches. One of the oldest systems of medicine in the world – Ayurveda is based on the holistic approach to health care and includes diet, lifestyle, and mind-body practices. The paper discusses the role of Ayurveda-based dietary and life style suggestions in cancer prevention. According to Ayurvedic literature, cancerous conditions were termed as 'Arbuda', which is defined as uncontrolled, progressive and non-movable growth of hard, painless tissue masses. The condition 'Arbuda' results due to the imbalance of all the three doshas, especially the Kapha along with the weak Agni and accumulation of Ama. Some of the fundamental principles of Ayurveda include the consumption of fresh, seasonal and Sattvic foods according to the person’s Prakriti. Apart from these, the use of Rasayana herbs such as Ashwagandha, Turmeric, Guduchi and Amalaki that possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and help in boosting immunity. Apart from these, the use of practices such as the daily and seasonal routines including yoga, meditation and pranayama are recommended in order to keep the mind and body in good health. The Aahar and Vihar plays a crucial and influential role. There are some findings that suggest that the application of Ayurveda practices including the use of polyherbal formulation and the practice of maintaining the Agni may help in decreasing the risk of cancer.

Keywords: Ayurveda, diet, lifestyle, cancer prevention, Arbuda, Aahar, Vihar.