ROLE OF ILAJ BIL GHIZA (DIET THERAPY) IN PREVENTION OF LIFE STYLE DISORDERS

Abstract

Tibb-e-Unaniis a completely developed system of medicine which is well known for the prevention and management of the diseases. In classical literature of Unani system, modes of treatment classified as Ilaj-bit-Tadbeer-wa-Taghzia, Ilaj-bi'l-dawa and Ilaj-bi'l-Yad. The basic concept of disease in Unani system is that disease occurs when the individual is deviated from Asbab-e-Sitta Zaroriyah (six essential factors). Modification in these essential factors is necessary to achieve the health and maintenance of normal functions of the body. Makool-wa-Mashroob (foods and drinks) is the second most important factor among them. Good nutrition is vital for complete health and essential for physical growth, normal body composition and mental development. Individual's nutritional state can protect them from or predispose them towards chronic disease. Nutrition is thus both a preventive and a healing science. A modified diet is one that has been altered to include greater or fewer nutrients, to impact a variation in the texture or consistency of what is ingested, or to limit the consumption of any substance. Almost all ancient Unani scholars and [2] physicians such as Hippocrates, Galen and Rhazes etc. have compiled number of books on diet therapy on the basis of the principle of Makool wa Mashroob (foods and drinks). Some specific modified diets such as Ma'ushaeer (barley water), Ma'ulahm (meat distillate), Ma'ul Asl (honey water), Rububiyat (fruit's extract), Ma'ul jubn (whey), mentioned in authentic Unani literature. These modified diets are very much effective in the prevention of noncommunicable diseases (NCD's). Recent studies exhibited these modified diets are rich in nutrients, antioxidants, minerals, etc. Therefore it may be used for prevention of various ailments such as diabetes, obesity, hypertention, etc. In the present paper an attempt has been made to discuss the importance of Unani ditetics in the prevention of NCD's.