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Role of Dairy in Medoroga Pathogenesis: A Critical Review

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Journal name: Ayushdhara
Original article title: Role of Dairy Products (Curd, Cheese & Paneer) in Pathogenesis of Medoroga: A Critical Review
AYUSHDHARA is an international peer-reviewed journal. It focuses on research in Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy, Allopathy, and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
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Author(s):

Rahul Kothiyal
PG Scholar, Dept. of Roga Nidana Evam Vikruti Vigyana, National Institute of Ayurveda (Deemed to be University), Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
Sunita Saini
PG Scholar, Dept. of Roga Nidana Evam Vikruti Vigyana, National Institute of Ayurveda (Deemed to be University), Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
Rohini Jat
PG Scholar, Dept. of Roga Nidana Evam Vikruti Vigyana, National Institute of Ayurveda (Deemed to be University), Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
Preeti Gavali
Assistant Professor, Dept. of Roga Nidana Evam Vikruti Vigyana, National Institute of Ayurveda (Deemed to be University), Jaipur, Rajasthan, India


Ayushdhara:

(A peer-reviewed, bi-monthly open-access journal)

Full text available for: Role of Dairy Products (Curd, Cheese & Paneer) in Pathogenesis of Medoroga: A Critical Review

Year: 2022 | Doi: 10.47070/ayushdhara.v9iSuppl1.1011

Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA 4.0


Download the PDF file of the original publication


Summary of article contents:

Introduction

In Ayurveda, food is considered a fundamental aspect of our health and plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of diseases. The treatment of ailments is tailored to one's dietary habits, making it essential to understand the impact of various foods on the body. Dairy products, particularly curd, cheese, and paneer, have become ubiquitous in modern diets, often incorporated into convenience foods without consideration for their health implications. This critical review aims to analyze how these dairy products may contribute to the development of Medoroga, or obesity, by affecting digestive health and metabolic processes.

The Role of Dairy Products in Medoroga

Dairy products such as curd, cheese, and paneer are frequently consumed, often without appropriate regulations. While these items are rich in nutrients, their heavy and difficult-to-digest nature can impair Agni (digestive power) and lead to the production of Ama, a toxic byproduct of improper digestion. The overconsumption of these dairy products is linked to the vitiation of the three Doshas�Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—as well as blood disorders. Consequently, indiscriminate intake of these foods can disrupt metabolism, contributing to an abnormal Medodhatu, which is associated with various metabolic diseases, including obesity.

Alarming Trends in Obesity

Recent data indicate a troubling rise in obesity rates globally, with India ranking among the top three countries with the highest numbers of obese individuals. Factors such as sedentary lifestyles, competitive pressures, and the easy availability of high-calorie food products are exacerbating the problem. Dairy products play a significant role in this context, with their high fat and calorie content contributing to weight gain and related health issues. The review identifies that the frequent and unrestricted consumption of dairy products is a pathway leading to Medoroga, ultimately resulting in metabolic syndromes like obesity, hypertension, and diabetes.

Conclusion

The analysis reveals that while curd, cheese, and paneer are commonly regarded as healthy sources of protein and nutrients, their heavy and complex nature makes them unsuitable for daily consumption. These dairy products can adversely impact the body by vitiating the Doshas and causing metabolic disturbances. Through frequent and unregulated intake, individuals increase their risk of Medoroga and associated diseases, including cardiovascular issues and certain cancers. Therefore, it is critical to reassess dietary habits concerning dairy consumption and adhere to Ayurvedic guidelines to promote better health outcomes.

FAQ section (important questions/answers):

What is the role of dairy products in Medoroga?

Dairy products like curd, cheese, and paneer are identified as factors causing Medoroga. Their heavy digestion impacts digestive fire (Agni), leading to the production of Ama, which contributes to the pathogenesis of Medoroga.

Why are curd, cheese, and paneer discouraged in daily diet?

Curd, cheese, and paneer are heavy to digest and can vitiate Vata, Pitta, and Kapha doshas, along with blood, leading to various health issues, including Medoroga when consumed regularly without adhering to dietary guidelines.

How does modern consumption of dairy affect health?

Modern lifestyle has led to increased consumption of dairy, particularly in junk foods. This unregulated intake contributes to obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and metabolic disorders, reinforcing the need for mindful dietary habits regarding these dairy products.

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Role of Dairy in Medoroga Pathogenesis: A Critical Review�. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.

1) Food:
In Ayurveda, food (Ahara) is considered crucial for both health and disease, influencing bodily constitution and ailments like Medoroga. It is believed that the body is an end product of food intake, and Ayurvedic texts like the Kashyap Samhita emphasize its significance ('Maha Bhaisajya').

2) Curd:
Curd, referred to as Dadhi in Ayurveda, is a common dietary item rich in protein and calcium, but it's heavy to digest and can vitiate the Kapha, Vata, and Pitta doshas, contributing to Medoroga. Modern consumption habits often overlook these properties, making it a regular dietary staple.

3) Medoroga (Medas-roga):
Medo-roga is the Ayurvedic term for obesity or adiposity-related disorders. It is caused by Medodushti (adipose tissue pathology) due to improper diet. Foods like curd, cheese, and paneer, when consumed excessively, contribute significantly to the pathogenesis of Medo-roga.

4) Disease:
In Ayurveda, disease is often linked to dietary habits. Foods that vitiate doshas, like dairy products, can lead to various diseases, including Medoroga. The pathogenesis of diseases is studied through texts like Charak Samhita and Sushruta Samhita, which detail the impact of food on health.

5) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda, an ancient Indian medical system, emphasizes the role of diet (Ahara) in health and disease. Texts like Charak Samhita and Sushruta Samhita provide extensive knowledge about how foods and lifestyle choices impact bodily doshas and diseases like Medoroga.

6) Samhita:
Samhitas are comprehensive Ayurvedic texts that detail various aspects of health, disease, and treatment. Important texts like Charak Samhita and Sushruta Samhita provide insights into the impact of diet on doshas and diseases such as Medoroga, emphasizing the holistic approach of Ayurveda.

7) Cancer:
Research has linked high-fat dairy products like cheese to an increased risk of cancers, including breast and lymphoid cancers. The study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute highlights that these foods may exacerbate health risks, pointing to dietary regulation in managing disease.

8) Kapha:
Kapha is one of the three doshas in Ayurveda, responsible for structure and lubrication in the body. Dairy products can vitiate Kapha, leading to Medoroga (obesity) and other health issues by impairing metabolism (Agni). Ayurvedic texts caution against the excessive intake of Kapha-aggravating foods.

9) India:
In the Indian context, the rise in dairy product consumption has been linked to the increase in obesity (Medoroga). The Ayurveda Journal mentions India’s significant number of obese individuals, illustrating the societal shift towards a high-calorie diet facilitated by easily accessible dairy products.

10) Diet:
Ayurveda underscores the importance of a balanced diet (Ahara) in maintaining health. Unregulated consumption of dairy products like curd, cheese, and paneer can impair digestive fire (Agni), leading to the vitiation of doshas and conditions like Medoroga. Proper dietary guidelines are emphasized.

11) Dosha (Dosa):
Doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) are fundamental to Ayurvedic physiology, representing different bodily energies. An imbalance in doshas, often due to improper diet and lifestyle, leads to various diseases. Dairy products can vitiate doshas, causing Medoroga and other metabolic disorders.

12) Ahara:
Ahara, or food, is central in Ayurveda, considered 'Maha Bhaisajya' (great medicine). The type and quality of Ahara consumed significantly influence health, with improper diets leading to dosha imbalances and diseases such as Medoroga. Ayurvedic texts provide guidelines for balanced Ahara.

13) Blood:
In Ayurveda, blood (Rakta) can be vitiated by improper diet and lifestyle. Dairy products, due to their heavy and vitiating nature, can obstruct blood channels and lead to disorders. Monitoring one's diet is essential to prevent diseases arising from blood vitiation, like Medoroga.

14) Vitiation (Vitiated):
Vitiation in Ayurveda refers to the imbalance of doshas. Foods like curd, cheese, and paneer can contribute to the vitiation of Kapha, Vata, and Pitta doshas, leading to conditions like Medoroga. Proper dietary practices are essential to maintain dosha balance and overall health.

15) Pitta:
Pitta is one of the three doshas associated with metabolism and transformation. Excessive consumption of heavy foods like curd and cheese can vitiate Pitta, contributing to metabolic disorders like Medoroga. Ayurvedic texts caution against such dietary habits to maintain dosha balance.

16) Dadhi:
Dadhi, or curd, is considered rich but heavy to digest in Ayurveda. It can vitiate Kapha, Vata, and Pitta doshas, leading to diseases like Medoroga. Despite its nutritional benefits, Ayurveda advises moderation and specific timing for its consumption to avoid health issues.

17) Vata:
Vata is the dosha governing movement and communication in the body. Foods like curd, cheese, and paneer, which are heavy to digest, can vitiate Vata along with Kapha and Pitta, leading to diseases such as Medoroga. Ayurvedic guidelines emphasize diet control to balance Vata.

18) Rohini:
[see source text or glossary: Rohini]

19) Dhatu:
Dhatus are the seven fundamental tissues in Ayurveda that nourish and sustain the body. Medodhat, one of these tissues, when vitiated by improper diet and lifestyle (including excessive dairy intake), can lead to Medoroga. Balancing dhatus is crucial for maintaining health.

20) Roga:
Roga refers to diseases in Ayurveda. Pathogenesis of diseases like Medoroga involves the imbalance of doshas caused by factors such as improper diet. Ayurvedic texts outline the roles of specific foods, like dairy products, in aggravating or alleviating rogas (diseases).

21) Agni:
Agni, the digestive fire in Ayurveda, is crucial for metabolism. Improper diet, especially heavy foods like dairy products, impairs Agni, leading to the formation of Ama and diseases like Medoroga. Maintaining a strong Agni is essential for preventing metabolic disorders.

22) Sushruta-samhita (Susruta-samhita):
Sushruta Samhita is an authoritative Ayurvedic text providing insights into surgical techniques and medicine. It discusses the effects of diet on health, noting that improper consumption of foods like curd can vitiate doshas and lead to conditions like Medoroga (obesity).

23) Kaphadosha (Kaphadosa, Kapha-dosha):
Kapha dosha governs stability and structure in the body. Overconsumption of dairy products can lead to Kapha dosha vitiation, manifesting as metabolic disorders like Medoroga. Ayurvedic guidelines stress the importance of dietary moderation to maintain Kapha balance.

24) Medadhatu (Meda-dhatu):
Meda dhatu refers to the adipose tissue responsible for lubrication and protection. When vitiated by improper diet and lifestyle, it leads to Medoroga (obesity). Foods like curd, cheese, and paneer disrupt Meda dhatu, causing metabolic and systemic health issues.

25) Samprapti:
Samprapti, or pathogenesis, is the Ayurvedic process of disease development. Improper digestion and diet lead to Medodushti (pathology of adipose tissue), causing Medoroga. Curd, cheese, and paneer are examples of foods that, when improperly consumed, can contribute to disease progression.

26) Bhaishajya (Bhaisajya):
Bhaisajya means medicine in Ayurveda. Ahara (food) is termed 'Maha Bhaisajya' (great medicine) due to its profound impact on health. The right food can heal, while improper food choices, such as excessive dairy consumption, can lead to dosha vitiation and diseases like Medoroga.

27) Ashtanga (Astanga, Ashtan-anga):
[see source text or glossary: Ashtanga]

28) Madhura:
Madhura (sweet) is one of the six rasas (tastes) in Ayurveda. Foods like curd and paneer have a Madhura rasa, which can be nourishing but also vitiate Kapha when consumed excessively, leading to diseases like Medoroga. Dietary balance in rasas is essential for health.

29) Visada (Vishada, Visha-da):
Vishada describes a quality that is clear and clean. In the context of foods like paneer, Vishada indicates its impact on the body. However, despite its qualities, excessive consumption can lead to dosha vitiation and conditions like Medoroga as per Ayurvedic principles.

30) Snigdha:
Snigdha (oily) is a property associated with Kapha dosha. Dairy products like curd, cheese, and paneer have Snigdha qualities, which nourish but can also lead to dosha vitiation when consumed excessively, contributing to disorders like Medoroga. Moderation is key in diet.

31) Mineral:
Dairy products like paneer are rich in essential minerals such as calcium and iron. However, excessive intake of mineral-dense foods can lead to metabolic imbalances and dosha vitiation, manifesting as conditions like Medoroga (obesity) in the long run.

32) Ruksha (Ruksa):
Ruksha (dryness) is one of the properties influencing dosha balance. Paneer and some dairy products can cause Ruksha qualities, leading to dosha vitiation when consumed improperly. Balancing these properties is crucial to prevent diseases like Medoroga.

33) Nidana:
Nidana refers to the causes or etiological factors of diseases in Ayurveda. Foods that are Snigdha, Madhura, and Guru, like dairy products, are considered Nidana for Kapha, Pitta, and Vata vitiation, leading to Medoroga. Understanding Nidana helps in disease prevention.

34) Rakta:
Rakta (blood) can be vitiated by improper diet and lifestyle. Foods like curd and cheese can lead to blood disorder through Kapha dosha vitiation and Medodushti (fat tissue pathology), contributing to conditions like Medoroga. Ayurvedic texts emphasize maintaining a balanced diet.

35) Grahin (Grahi):
Grahi refers to the property of absorbing or drying in Ayurveda. Foods like paneer and cheese, which exhibit Grahi quality, can cause dosha and blood vitiation, leading to conditions like Medoroga when consumed excessively. Balance is necessary to manage their impact on health.

36) Cina:
According to a Lancet study, China is one of the top countries with the highest number of obese people along with India and the USA. This highlights how dietary habits, including high intake of dairy products, contribute to global health issues like Medoroga.

37) Guru:
Guru (heavy) is one of the properties in Ayurveda that indicates a food's impact on digestion. Dairy products like curd, paneer, and cheese are Guru, making them difficult to digest. Excessive consumption leads to dosha vitiation, contributing to Medoroga and other health issues.

38) Maha (Maha°):
Maha means great. In Ayurveda, Ahara (food) is referred to as 'Maha Bhaisajya' (great medicine) in texts like Kashyap Samhita, emphasizing the profound impact of diet on health and disease. Right dietary practices can prevent dosha vitiation and conditions like Medoroga.

39) Medas (Meda, Medash):
Meda refers to adipose tissue or fat. Vitiation of Meda dhatu, influenced by improper diet and lifestyle like excessive dairy intake, leads to Medoroga (obesity). Ayurvedic principles focus on maintaining Meda balance through proper diet and activity to prevent such disorders.

40) Milk:
[see source text or glossary: Milk]

41) Ashtangasamgraha (Astangasamgraha, Astangasangraha, Ashtanga-samgraha, Ashtanga-sangraha, Ashtangasangraha):
[see source text or glossary: Ashtanga-samgraha]

42) Ashtangahridaya (Astangahrdaya, Ashtanga-hridaya):
Ashtanga Hridaya is a foundational Ayurvedic text that offers guidelines on health and diet. It includes warnings about the consumption of heavy foods like curd, which can lead to the vitiation of doshas and conditions like Medoroga. Dietary balance is emphasized for maintaining health.

43) Agnidushti (Agnidusti, Agni-dushti):
Agni-dushti refers to the impairment of the digestive fire. Foods like dairy products can disrupt Agni when consumed improperly, leading to Ama (toxins) and Medoroga (obesity). Maintaining a balanced Agni through diet and lifestyle is crucial in Ayurveda for preventing metabolic disorders.

44) Vatadosha (Vatadosa, Vata-dosha):
Vata dosha governs movement and flow in the body. Improper diets, including heavy dairy products, can vitiate Vata along with Kapha and Pitta, leading to conditions like Medoroga. Ayurvedic guidelines emphasize balancing Vata through appropriate dietary and lifestyle practices.

45) Rajasthan:
The study was conducted by scholars from the National Institute of Ayurveda in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India. It emphasizes how regional eating habits, including the intake of dairy products, contribute to common health issues like Medoroga, underscoring the need for dietary regulation.

46) Knowledge:
Ayurveda provides an extensive body of knowledge about health, disease, and the role of diet (Ahara). This knowledge, documented in texts like Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita, helps in understanding the impact of foods like dairy products on dosha balance and diseases like Medoroga.

47) Nighantu (Nighamtu):
Kaiyyadeva Nighantu is a classical Ayurvedic lexicon that gives detailed descriptions of medicinal substances, their properties, and uses. It includes entries on dairy products, specifying their effects on doshas and health, aiding in the Ayurvedic understanding of diets like those causing Medoroga.

48) Medicine:
In Ayurveda, medicine (Bhaisajya) includes both pharmacological treatments and dietary guidelines. Food (Ahara) is considered 'Maha Bhaisajya' for its significant impact on health. Understanding the medicinal properties of foods like dairy products helps prevent diseases like Medoroga.

49) Samgraha (Sangraha):
[see source text or glossary: Samgraha]

50) Pregnant:
Pregnant women should be cautious with dairy products like cheese due to the risk of Listeria infection. This bacterium can cause serious complications for both the mother and the infant. Proper food safety measures are essential to prevent such risks during pregnancy.

51) Atisara:
Atisara means diarrhea in Ayurveda. Curd, though beneficial in some conditions, can aggravate Atisara if consumed improperly, contributing to digestive issues. Moderation and timing are crucial in its consumption to avoid vitiating doshas and aggravating symptoms.

52) Hridaya (Hrdaya):
[see source text or glossary: Hridaya]

53) Vishama (Visama):
Vishama means irregular or uneven. Vishama jwara, or irregular fever, is one of the conditions where curd is therapeutically effective according to Ayurvedic texts. However, improper use of curd can lead to dosha vitiation and contribute to other health issues like Medoroga.

54) Karshya (Karsya, Kashrya):
Karshya refers to cachexia or severe weight loss. Despite its nutritional benefits, improper consumption of curd can worsen conditions like Karshya by vitiating doshas. Ayurvedic guidelines recommend balanced dietary practices to manage such health issues effectively.

55) Atyamla:
Atyamla means excessively sour. Curd, when it becomes overly sour, can aggravate doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha). Excessive consumption of atyamal foods can contribute to metabolic disorders like Medoroga, emphasizing the need for caution in dietary habits.

56) Kashaya (Kasaya):
Kashaya is the astringent taste in Ayurveda. Foods with Kashaya properties can influence dosha balance. Dairy products, depending on their preparation, may exhibit such tastes, impacting digestion and health. Understanding these properties helps prevent vitiation and related diseases like Medoroga.

57) Dravya:
Dravya refers to substances or materials in Ayurveda. Foods and their properties are discussed extensively in Ayurvedic texts. Dairy products like curd, paneer, and cheese are considered Dravyas that can affect dosha balance, contributing to conditions like Medoroga when consumed improperly.

58) Vikara:
Vikara refers to pathological conditions or diseases. Medoroga is one such Vikara resulting from the vitiation of doshas due to improper diet and lifestyle, including excessive dairy consumption. Ayurvedic texts provide insights for managing and preventing Vikara through balanced diet and routine.

59) Srotas (Shrotas):
Srotas are channels within the body that facilitate various functions. Dairy products can cause obstruction in Srotas, leading to the accumulation of Ama (toxins) and diseases like Medoroga. Maintaining clear Srotas is crucial for health, achieved through proper diet and lifestyle.

60) Jaipur:
Jaipur, the location of the National Institute of Ayurveda in Rajasthan, India, is the setting for the study on dairy products and Medoroga. Scholars from this institute contribute to research on the effects of diet on health, focusing on Ayurvedic principles.

61) Nature:
[see source text or glossary: Nature]

62) Indian:
Indian dietary habits, including the frequent consumption of dairy products, contribute to increasing rates of Medoroga. Data indicates a surge in obesity, highlighting the need for adherence to Ayurvedic dietary guidelines to maintain dosha balance and prevent metabolic disorders.

63) Aruci:
Aruchi means tastelessness or loss of appetite. Despite its nutritional benefits, curd can cause Aruchi when consumed improperly, leading to digestive issues. Ayurvedic guidelines recommend careful dietary practices to manage such symptoms and prevent dosha vitiation and related diseases like Medoroga.

64) Ushna (Usna):
Ushna means hot in Ayurveda. Dairy products, particularly curd, possess Ushna properties but can also disrupt dosha balance when consumed excessively or in the wrong season, leading to conditions like Medoroga. Maintaining proper dietary practices aligned with seasonal changes is crucial.

65) Nitya:
[see source text or glossary: Nitya]

66) Ayus (Ayush):
[see source text or glossary: Ayush]

67) Fever:
Conditions like Vishama jwara (irregular fever) are managed in Ayurveda with the appropriate use of foods such as curd. However, improper consumption can lead to other issues like dosha vitiation and Medoroga. Understanding the medicinal use of foods is essential for health management.

68) Birth:
[see source text or glossary: Birth]

Other Science Concepts:

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Discover the significance of concepts within the article: �Role of Dairy in Medoroga Pathogenesis: A Critical Review�. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:

Nidana, Ahara, Ama, Kaphadosha, Vata and Pitta, Overweight and obesity, High-fat diet, High Protein Diet, Pathogenesis of Medoroga, Digestive problem, Adiposopathy, Dairy product.

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