Review of Dietary rules described in Ayurveda

Ahara, Nidra and Brahmacharya are the three pillars of health, out of which food is the most important component, as it is required for growth and repairing of the tissue. Ayurveda believes that food not only nourishes the body but it also replenishes the mind. so, to strike the body and mind balance, one must follow dietary rules advised in the Charak Samhita under “Ashta Ahar Vidhi Visheshayatana” which include Prakruti (nature), karana (processing), Samyoga (combination), Rashi (quantity), Desha (place), Kala (time/stage of disease), Upayoga-Sanstha (rule for use), and Upayokta (consumer). “Ashta Ahar Vidhi Visheshayatana” are the eight dietary rules to be considered before starting to eat the food which encompasses properties and quantity of food to Jatharagni, Methods of cooking, Combination of foodstuff, Proper time for eating, Effect of time on food properties, etc. For proper digestion of the food, quality and quantity of food is an important factor as it directly depends on the strength of the Jatharagni. In today's era of globalization, food and food habits are taken for granted which leads to digestive disorders at a comparatively younger age so Ayurvedic physicians need to emphasize the importance of “Ashta Ahar Vidhi Visheshayatana” with respect to the status of Jatharagni to make the patient realize the importance of food in health maintenance.