Āhāra And Vyādhi Kṣhamatva: An Integrative Ayurvedic Review Of Diet, Immune Resilience And Health Preservation

Abstract

Introduction: In Ayurvedic theory, the concept of Vyādhi Kṣhamatva (disease-resistance/immunity) is foundational to health and longevity, and central to the preventive dimension of Ayurveda. Diet (Āhāra) is one of the key pillars influencing immunity, yet integrative reviews of classical Ayurvedic dietary principles in light of modern immunology remain limited. Methods: A literature review was conducted using classical Ayurvedic texts (e.g., Charaka Samhitā, Sushruta Samhitā, Aṣṭāṅga Hṛdaya), and modern biomedical databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, AYUSH portals) for English-language publications up to 2025. Inclusion criteria encompassed conceptual studies on Vyādhi Kṣhamatva and Āhāra, experimental or clinical research addressing diet-immune links in Ayurveda, and reviews on immunomodulation via diet or Rasāyana. Exclusion criteria included non-English articles without abstract, purely phytochemical studies without immunity context, and animal-only studies lacking translational relevance. Results: The review identified thematic domains: (i) Ayurvedic conceptualization of immunity (Vyādhi Kṣhamatva, Ojas, Bala) and the role of Āhāra; (ii) dietary quality, digestive/metabolic fire (Āgni), and immune resilience; (iii) classical prescriptions of healthy vs incompatible foods (Hita/Ahita Āhāra) and their immunological correlates; (iv) modern evidence linking nutrition, gut-immune axis, and Ayurvedic interpretations; and (v) gaps in clinical trials and mechanistic bridging. Classical texts consistently emphasize that wholesome diet, regulated digestion and tissue nourishment underpin Vyādhi Kṣhamatva; modern studies confirm diet’s role in innate and adaptive immunity, gut microbiome, and inflammatory modulation. Discussion: The integrative analysis underscores that Ayurvedic dietary guidelines (quality, quantity, compatibility, and timing) can be interpreted in modern immunological terms (nutrient-immune signalling, gut-microbiome-immune axis, metabolic health). Nevertheless, translational gaps persist particularly the lack of well-designed human trials linking Ayurvedic dietary regimens directly to immune endpoints. Future research should employ standardized dietary interventions rooted in Ayurveda, with immunologic biomarkers and longitudinal design. Conclusion: This review reinforces that Āhāra is a central modulator of Vyādhi Kṣhamatva in Ayurveda, and invites further rigorous research to operationalize these ancient principles into contemporary immune-health frameworks.