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@article{190323,
        author = {Dr. Yogesh Kashinath Shewale and Dr. Kiran Krishna Magar and Medha Bharati},
        title = {Review of effect of Modern Food Habits on Mind w.s.r. to Ayurveda.},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2026},
        volume = {12},
        number = {8},
        pages = {2367-2369},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=190323},
        abstract = {Anxiety has become one of the most prevalent mental health challenges in contemporary society. Although it is commonly linked to psychological stress, competition, and lifestyle pressures, Ayurveda provides a deeper and more integrative explanation by identifying diet (Aahara) as a central factor influencing mental equilibrium. Long before modern science described neurotransmitters or the gut–brain axis, Ayurveda emphasized that food directly affects not only physical nourishment but also emotional stability and mental resilience. According to Ayurvedic principles, Aahara is one of the three fundamental pillars of life. It governs digestive fire (Agni), maintains Dosha balance—particularly Vata, which regulates nervous functions—and shapes the mental qualities known as Satva, Raja, and Tama. When food is unsuitable in quality, quantity, timing, or manner of consumption, digestion becomes impaired. This leads to the formation of Ama (metabolic toxins), obstruction of mental channels, and gradual disturbance of psychological balance, often manifesting as anxiety.
Modern dietary patterns dominated by processed foods, excessive stimulants, refined sugars, irregular eating schedules, and distracted eating habits weaken digestion and overstimulate the nervous system. From an Ayurvedic perspective, these habits aggravate Vata and Raja while increasing Tama, resulting in restlessness, emotional instability, fear, and mental fatigue. Contemporary research supports this view by demonstrating strong links between gut health, hormonal fluctuations, altered microbiota, and anxiety disorders.
Ayurveda also recognizes individual mental strength, or Satva Bala, as a key determinant of resilience. While stress may be unavoidable, a nourished digestive system and balanced diet strengthen Satva, enabling the mind to cope more effectively. Importantly, Satva is not fixed; it can be cultivated through conscious dietary choices and mindful living.
In conclusion, modern anxiety is not merely a psychological phenomenon but a reflection of disturbed internal balance driven largely by faulty food habits. Ayurveda reminds us that lasting mental well-being begins with restoring digestive harmony. Food, when chosen and consumed wisely, becomes the first and most powerful medicine for mental health.},
        keywords = {Ayurveda, food, satva, anxiety, mind, diet.},
        month = {January},
        }