Diet for Different Age Group Children in Ayurveda

Importance of Ahara

The word “Ahara” is very much familiar since time immemorial. Various classics describe Ahara in their own unique way. Shabda Kalpa Druma explains that Ahara is a substance which is swallowed through throat after eating [7]. Acharya Dalhana opines that the substance which is swallowed through Anna-nalika is called Ahara. Acharya Chakrapani opines that Ahara means anything that is ingested and thus it includes both diet and drugs. Acharya Gangadhara says that anything which is ingested by the tongue down to the throat is called Ahara. Therefore, drugs are also included in Ahara. From the above statement, it can be concluded that the word Ahara means any substance which is taken in via the mouth and swallowed through throat. A passage from the Taittariya Upanishad describes the Ahara as “Brahma or the creator” and accords it the status of supremacy [8]. It is so true that all are created and maintained by Ahara. Right from the point of conception in mother’s womb, all are nurtured by the Ahara Rasa or the nutrients unconditionally supplied and shared by mother. This food garnished with love and affection reaches through the foetal circulation, passing through the placenta or Apara. The foetus grows and matures with the help of this Ahara Rasa coming from the mother. Even after birth, the child growth depends on the mother diet, later period on own diet. So, the right diet and lifestyle from early years leave a permanent impact on the child’s physical and mental wellbeing.

Modern dictionary named Collins Dictionary has defined the word food as “Any substance that can be ingested by a living organism and metabolized into energy and body tissue is known as food” [9]. According to Taber’s Dictionary food is defined as “Any material that provides the nutritive requirements of an organism to maintain growth and physical well-being” [10].

Current Days Food Habits and Probable Disease Conditions

Unhealthy food and eating habits such as eating too much, not enough, or restricting eating, can be harmful to a child’s health and welfare now and in the future.

Eating Too Much: Overeating, particularly eating unhealthy foods raises a risk of being overweight or obese. Overweight or obese children are more prone to develop type 2 diabetes, sleep apnoea, and hip joint problems. Long-term risks include heart problems and some cancers.

Not Eating Enough: Children who adopt fad and crash diets do not get enough nutrients for appropriate growth and development. Severe under dieting can cause health problems as well as fatigue, poor concentration, a loss of bone density and muscle mass. Eating disorders in children include bulimia, anorexia, and avoidant restrictive eating disorder.

Restricted Eating: Unless a child has a medically diagnosed food allergy or intolerance, they should not restrict foods such as dairy or gluten products. Nutritional deficits and other health difficulties may occur if a youngster follows a limited diet without sufficient planning and/or expert monitoring. A child who does not intake dairy for an extended period of time, may not be getting enough calcium, vitamin D, energy, and protein to maintain ideal bone mass. A poorly constructed long-term vegetarian diet can prevent a child from getting enough nutrients, particularly iron and vitamin B12. Girls who have started their periods are especially vulnerable.

Ahara According to Different Age Group of Chidren

Ayurveda emphasizes on nutrition of children for maintenance of health. It has classified children on the basis of diet into 3 categories [11] viz. Ksheerapa (from birth to 1 year)- who take predominantly breast milk [11],  Ksheerannada  (from age 1-2 year)- who take both breast milk and food [11] and the Annada (above 2 years of age)- who take food similar to an adult [11]. Ayurveda recommends for exclusive breast feeding up to 6 months of age and advises for complementary feeding, thereafter (after 6 months) in the form of Annaprashan/Phalaprashana samskara (first time food/fruit eating ceremony in children). Early initiation of breast feeding, exclusive breastfeeding, avoiding of the bottle feeding, hygiene and appropriate complementary feeding are important factors for the maintenance of the nutritional wellbeing of children.

Ahara for First 6 Months Duration: For a newborn, breast milk (Stanya) is considered as Amrita and Ayurveda praises breastfeeding i.e., Stanyapana. Mother’s milk contains the exact proportion of fat, cholesterol, protein, and carbohydrates to fulfil the needs of a baby during first 6 months duration. Mother’s milk is not only a perfect nutritional choice; but also protects against several diseases. So, it is exclusively advised at the early age of the child. The mother should start feeding the child from the very first day [12]. During first three days, there is the secretion of Piyush or colostrum, which is necessary for the development of immunity in children. According to Acharya Kashyapa breast feeding results in good growth, strength, longevity, and good health of the child as well as not causing any trouble or disease to the child [13].

• In any unavoidable circumstances or in the absence of Mother’s Milk, goat milk or cow milk may be given in appropriate quantity, without dilution and with proper hygiene [14].

• The Ghritpan method: involves making ghee with components including Siddharthaka (white mustard), Vacha, Jatamasi, Payasya (Kshirakoli), Apamarg (Chinchada), Shatavar, Sariva (Anantmool), Brahmi, Pippali, Turmeric, Sugandh Kuth, and Rock salt to feed to a breastfeeding child [15].

Ahara for 6 months- 2 years duration: Rapidly growing baby needs extra energy and calorific food and only breast milk can’t suffice this need. Failure to which may lead to definite nutritional problems. Therefore, Breast milk should be continued as a main food along with complementary food in the beginning.

• Minimum three complementary foods along with breast-feeding and five complimentary foods in non- breastfeeding children should be given.

• Phalaprashan  and Annaprashana Samskara are the special procedures explained in Kaumarabhritya. Initially the baby was given with fruits followed by solid food prepared with milk as the base. Both Samskaras explain the concept of weaning in Ayurveda.

Phalaprashana Samskara: It is performed at 6 months [16] and fruits are given to new-borns as a supplement. Vitamin C, D, and iron are lacking in mother’s milk and must be supplemented by the fruits. These nutrients are abundant in fruit juices. Fruit juices, in addition to Agni vridhi, help to supplement extra nourishment, ease constipation, and keep children hydrated.

Annaprashana Samskara: After 10 months [16], children require concentrated energy- dense foods to maintain an adequate rate of growth. Many carbohydrates rich food should be taken as first choice for Anna Prashana. Carbohydrates are easily available, easily digestible and high energy yielding foods. Teeth begin to erupt, a biting movement begins, and the tendency to push solids out of the mouth decreases and the digestive system is mature enough to digest solid food. As the birth weight doubles, breast milk alone is no longer sufficient to provide nutritional needs [17].

• After six months, complementary foods that are simple to digest and nutrient-rich (Brimhana), should be introduced in a sequential manner while taking the baby’s tolerance, demand, and digestion into account (Agnibala). A variety of regional meals, including Ragi- halwa, Nachni-halwa, Rajgira-halwa/Laddu, Idli, Dosa, Ambali, Hurihittu, Payasam, Dhan ki Kheer, Mixed Millet and Drumstick Leaves Dosa, Mung (green gramme) kheer, Khichadi, etc., can be offered as a complementary food [18].

• Paddy should be taken and fried with husk intact, which helps to restore micronutrients and vitamins. Later, husk should be removed and rice is powdered. Powdered rice can be given to the baby by mixed milk and ghee/ coconut oil. This acts as a nourishing food [19].

• Many wheat preparations like Godhuma and Yava can be given by considering the congeniality and hypersensitivity [20].

• Shali, Godhuma, and Yava preparations can be mixed with Vidanga, Lavana, oil and Ushna Avaleha are prepared. This acts as a very good nourishing food [21].

• Introduction of solid food to an infant is mostly associated with gastric upsets. Hence, Atisara is common. Therefore, Kodrava like high calorific diet with slight Madakari effect should be given to improve the intestinal bacterial flora and to decrease the intestinal motility [21].

• Acharya Vagbhata explains certain nourishing food for weaning the baby. Priyala Majja, which is rich in essential fatty acids is mixed with Madhuka, Madhu, Laja and Sita and cooked into a Modaka form. This acts as a high calory nourishing food for the baby and is best given during weaning period. This should be mixed with Deepaneeya drugs, Lava Tittira, Sharkara, Laja, Saktu, Dhataki Pushpa to enrich with energy [22].

• The Ghritpan method: Ghee prepared from Mulethi, Vach, Pippali, Chitraka, and Triphala should be offered to the youngster who is consuming milk and food [23].

Ahara for 2 Years-10 Years Duration: A child from the age of 2 years is considered in Annada Awastha [24]. In this age child should be shifted on the cereals. All types of food with all forms i.e., Lehya, Peya, Bhojya etc. can be given during this age of life. Child should be fed well-cooked food made at home. Vegetables of all kinds, milk, nuts and seeds, whole grains, lentils, beans, and berries, among other foods, should be consumed. There should be at least 4 meals every day (2 major and 2 on-demand snacks) [18].

Ahara for Above 10 Years: There must be a minimum of three meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) per day, separated by at least two and a half hours. Whole wheat bread and starches, fruits, vegetables, ghee, lentils, eggs, fish, meat, milk, and dry fruits should all be included in a daily serving [18].

The Ghritpan method: Children should be offered ghee fortified with Panchamool, Kshirvidari, Tagar, Bhadradaru (Devdaru), Golmircha, Madhuka (Mulethi), Vidang (Vayvidang), Draksha (Munakka), and both Brahmi (Mandukaparni and Brahmi) Sadhit ghee. When ingested, this type of ghee promotes health, strength, intelligence, and air quality [23].

Growth and development are normal biological phenomenon of all living beings. Child growth and development examine the physical, biological, Social and emotional growth of young child to adult. Family, play, health, and nutrition are important factors that have an impact on their typical growth and development in this procedure. The child’s nutritional food is digested by Agni, resulting in appropriate growth and development. Ayurveda lays a great deal of emphasis upon proper diet for the preservation & promotion of positive health, and prevention and cure of diseases.

Ahara is considered as Bahyaprana as it gives nourishment to body and protects from the infection, improves functioning of sense organs, imparts physical and mental well-being and enhances process of growth and development in child. Human nutrition is the only factor that influences health. Three main activities including Ahara, Swapna (Nidra), and Brahmacharya determine how long a person’s “Swasthya” will last. Ahara has an important function in the stages of health, illness, and recovery. Wholesome diet is essential for the body’s growth and development, while an unwholesome diet contributes to a number of disorders. Agni is essential to the life, health, and strength. But the food that people eat also constantly replenishes Agni. Eating a balanced diet is therefore crucial for maintaining “Sama Agni.” Balanced foods are important. Throughout the whole life span, nutrition is a crucial pillar of human survival, health, and development. Most of incurable diseases are produced due to improper nutrition. To prevent diseases and properly maintain good health, one should first eat food in the right quantities. An intelligent and self-controlled person should take conductive food in the right quantity and at the right time. The quantity of food to be taken again depends on the pattern of digestion. The powers of digestion and metabolism again vary according to the season as well as the age of the individual. The eating patterns developed now have an impact on later food preferences and health. Based on one’s ability to digest food, one should establish the recommended serving size of food. With sufficient nutrition and environmental assistance, long-term repercussions of under-nutrition (cognitive impairment) may be prevented or alleviated.