The health outcomes of a society are governed by the evolutionary shifts in the pattern of human activity driven by social and environmental changes. The evolution of human societies has witnessed significant shifts in living conditions owing to the steady rise in urbanization & sedentary lifestyle. Although they have provided numerous advantages in terms of efficiency, technology, security, industrialization, and concentrated living environments, they also have profound implications on human health, such as the emergence of lifestyle disorders.
According to the WHO, 60% of health and quality of life factors are related to lifestyle, especially nutrition. Since 1975, obesity rates have almost tripled. In 2020, approximately 39 million children under five were overweight or obese, creating significant public health questions. Diet & lifestyle are proven to impact individuals’ health and life expectancy significantly.
Lifestyle disorders arise due to indulgence in faulty lifestyle choices such as diet, physical activity, sleep patterns, etc. It includes disorders such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, chronic respiratory diseases, mental health disorders, and sleep disorders that are on steady rise in the present era.
In Ayurveda, the above concept is explained as Gramya Dosha.
Gramya Dosha represents the defects arising from the community or population. Habits of the community and practices that, when indulged over time, are responsible for the production of various ailments & have a negative impact on the strength, immunity, health & well-being of an individual. It has three components- Ahara (diet), Vihara (lifestyle) & Vichara (mental factor).
Analysis of Gramya Dosha:
Gramya Ahara
(includes the Rasa (tastes), food products, incompatible foods, and improper eating habits)
- Amla- Sour- fermented dairy products, vinegar, drinks, sour cream
- Lavana-Salty– cheese, pizza, canned foods ketchup, dressings, sauces, processed meats, snacks
- Katu-Pungent– hot peppers, hot spices, wasabi, jalapenos, cayenne, paprika
- Kshara (alkaline), Ruksha (dry)– seaweed, alkaline beverages, dried foods
- Shushka Shaka – dry vegetables- dehydrated vegetables, flakes
- Shushka Mamsa– dried, dehydrated meat
- Tila, Palala– sesame as toppings, oil, tahini, muesli, sesame bars
- Abhishyandi, Klinna, Guru, Puti, Pryushita – foods that are capable of obstructing the channels, heavy, putrid, stale food like curd, mayonnaise, cheese, meat
- Pishtanna- flour & flour products, baked goods
- Viroodha, Nava Shuka-Shami Dhanya– Sprouted grains, newly harvested cereals
- Viruddha Asatmya ahara– Incompatible & unsuitable foods (milkshakes, honey + warm water, honey and ghee, meat & dairy)
- Vishamashana & Adhyashana– Indulging in irregular diet or eating while the previous meal is undigested (continuous snacking habits)
Gramya Vihara
(includes the lifestyle including physical activities)
- Stri madya Nitya- mindless indulgence in sex, alcoholic beverages, drugs, smoking
- Divaswapna- waking up post sunrise, afternoon naps, irregular sleeping habits
- Sharira Sankshobha- excessive exercises leading to injury, tremors, agitation
- Avyayama, Ativyayama, Vishama Vyayama- Sedentary lifestyle, excessive gym use (addiction, dependence), irregular exercise patterns
Gramya Vichara
(includes the mental factors and the disorders they can lead to)
- Bhaya-Fear- leading to fatigue, PTSD (Post traumatic stress disorder)
- Krodha- Anger- negative impact on cardiovascular system, digestive issues, blood pressure, skin problems
- Shoka- Grief- clinical depression, suicidal thoughts, anxiety
- Lobha- Greed- addiction to shopping, gambling, compulsive behaviors, obsession
- Moha- Confusion- delusions, hallucinations, deviant behavior.
The indulgence in the above-mentioned foods, food habits, & activities (both physical & mental) has seen a dramatic increase over the past two decades as a result of accelerated urbanization and a sedentary lifestyle, resulting in devastating effects on an individual’s health.
On the one hand, urbanization has facilitated the mass production & distribution of processed foods, exposure to high levels of noise, stress & social isolation, and, on the other hand, technological advances and widespread use of automobiles, computers, and mobiles have promoted passive activities leading to a sedentary lifestyle. Combined, these factors give rise to symptoms such as general feelings of malaise and lassitude, depressed mood, lethargy, dyspnea, vulnerability to various diseases due to lack of immunity, deficits in memory, intellect & luster, and eventually leading to the inability to achieve the maximum lifespan.
Researches show that sedentary behavior (characterized by prolonged periods of inactivity and minimal physical exertion) & virtual lifestyles negatively impact physical & mental wellbeing, longevity & life expectancy. They have proven effects over the.
- Vascular function leading to high CVD (cardiovascular disease) mortality risk
- Respiratory system- COPD (Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), dyspnea
- Damaged DNA methylation leads to epigenetic changes
- Changes in metabolism leading to metabolic disorders
- Mental health- higher rates of depression, anxiety & cognitive decline
- Weight changes & musculoskeletal system
leading to a higher risk of developing non-communicable diseases like obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, cancer, and increased morbidity & mortality.
Strategies for mitigating the Impact of Lifestyle Disorders
- Promoting Physical Activity: Daily exercise, accessible recreational areas encouraging physical activity, public health campaigns focusing on the importance of daily exercise & creating awareness about Dinacharya, Rutucharya, Sadvritta & Achara Rasayana.
- Dietary Interventions: Promoting balanced diets, mindful eating, educational campaigns emphasizing the importance of nutrition, Nitya Sevaniya Dravya, Pathya, Satmya Ahara, Ahara Vidhi, Rasayana Prayoga, and encouraging the consumption of whole foods.
- Mental Health Support: Integrating mental health resources such as counselling services and community support groups, understanding Dharaniya Vega, reducing social isolation, providing opportunities for social connection without promoting physical inactivity, and avoiding staying awake late at night.
In a nutshell, mindful indulgence in the habits of eating, physical & mental activity is essential. The incorporation of Ayurvedic principles in modern health practices, especially the integration of balanced dietary habits and active lifestyles paves the way to combat the adverse effects of urbanization and modern living, helps to better manage disorders due to improper lifestyles and improve overall health and longevity.
In this increasingly fast-paced, competitive, tech-savvy, sedentary, and socially isolated lifestyle, it becomes imperative to utilize technology without affecting the healthy state.