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HEALTH & WELLNESS JULY 24, 2026 | The Indian Eye 44

More People Turning to Ayurvedic Doctors

Diet for Better Health Highlight Tests for
Early Detection of

nterest in the Ayurvedic diet is Disease
steadily rising as more people seek
Iholistic and preventive approaches outine health check-ups that
to health, prompting renewed atten- focus on blood sugar and cho-
tion to India’s centuries-old system of Rlesterol may not be enough to
nutrition. Health experts say the di- identify an individual’s long-term risk
etary philosophy focuses on balancing of heart disease and diabetes, with
the body’s natural constitution through medical experts now recommending a
mindful eating, seasonal foods and more personalized approach using ad-
lifestyle practices rather than calorie vanced biomarkers and imaging tests.
counting or restrictive meal plans. According to recent expert rec-
Unlike conventional diets that ommendations, five additional tests,
follow a one-size-fits-all approach, fasting serum insulin, Apolipoprotein
Ayurveda recommends food choices B (ApoB), high-sensitivity C-reactive
based on an individual’s dosha, Vata, protein (hs-CRP), Lipoprotein(a)
Pitta or Kapha believed to govern [Lp(a)], and Coronary Artery Calci-
physical and mental characteristics. um (CAC) scoring, can help detect
The approach encourages consuming metabolic and cardiovascular risks
fresh, minimally processed foods, eat- years before symptoms develop.
ing according to the seasons, and main- While these investigations are not
taining regular meal timings to sup- meant for routine screening of every-
port digestion and overall well-being. one, they can offer valuable insights
Books and beginner guides on the for individuals with obesity, diabetes
Ayurvedic diet have gained traction risk, a strong family history, or other
among readers looking to understand cardiovascular risk factors.
the principles of traditional nutrition. Medical specialists note that
These resources explain the funda- fasting insulin can identify insulin re-
mentals of identifying one’s body con- sistance well before blood sugar lev-
stitution, selecting suitable foods, us- ments are advised to consult qualified als seeking long-term health benefits els become abnormal, while ApoB
ing herbs and spices to aid digestion, healthcare professionals before mak- over short-term weight-loss solutions. provides a more accurate measure of
and adopting sustainable eating habits ing significant changes to their diet. As awareness of holistic wellness artery-clogging lipoprotein particles
that align with daily routines. The growing interest also re- continues to expand, the Ayurvedic than conventional LDL cholesterol.
Nutrition experts, however, cau- flects a broader shift towards pre- diet is emerging as more than a tra- Similarly, hs-CRP detects chronic in-
tion that while Ayurvedic principles ventive healthcare, with consumers ditional practice, finding relevance flammation linked to heart disease,
can complement a healthy lifestyle, increasingly prioritizing natural foods, among modern consumers looking and Lipoprotein(a), a genetically de-
dietary changes should be tailored to mindful eating and wellness-focused for sustainable and personalized ap- termined marker, can identify inherit-
individual health needs. People with lifestyles. Ayurveda’s emphasis on bal- proaches to nutrition while integrat- ed cardiovascular risk with a one-time
chronic medical conditions, food al- ance, moderation and personalized ing ancient wisdom with contempo- lifetime test. A CAC scan, meanwhile,
lergies or specific nutritional require- nutrition has resonated with individu- rary health goals. detects silent calcium deposits in cor-
onary arteries and helps guide preven-
Nearly Half of Dementia Risk Can Be Prevented: WHO tive treatment decisions in people at
intermediate risk.
Experts caution that these tests
p to 45% of dementia cases ery year. The disease is the seventh environmental hazards linked to should complement, not replace, es-
could be prevented or de- leading cause of death worldwide cognitive decline. However, the tablished screenings such as blood
Ulayed by addressing lifestyle, and a major contributor to disability organization advised against rou- pressure, fasting glucose, HbA1c, lipid
medical and environmental risk fac- among older adults. While there is tinely taking vitamin B or E sup- profile, liver and kidney function tests,
tors, the World Health Organization currently no cure, experts say many plements, omega-3 fatty acids, or and ECGs. They stress that test se-
(WHO) announced on Wednesday risks can be reduced through health- multivitamins solely for dementia lection should be based on individual
while releasing its updated global ier lifestyles and better management prevention unless a deficiency has health profiles and medical advice rath-
guidelines on reducing cognitive de- of chronic diseases. been diagnosed, citing insufficient er than routine full-body check-ups.
cline and dementia. The updated guidelines rec- evidence of benefit. Doctors emphasize that early
The recommendations urge gov- ommend quitting tobacco, limiting Health experts believe the re- identification of hidden cardiovascu-
ernments and individuals to adopt alcohol consumption, staying physi- vised recommendations reflect sig- lar and metabolic risks enables timely
preventive measures throughout life, cally active, maintaining social con- nificant advances in research since lifestyle changes and targeted treat-
as dementia continues to affect mil- nections, eating a balanced diet, and the WHO’s first dementia preven- ment, significantly reducing the like-
lions worldwide. controlling conditions such as high tion guidelines were issued in 2019. lihood of heart attacks, strokes and
According to the WHO, more blood pressure and diabetes. They emphasize that adopting type 2 diabetes. Preventive health-
than 57 million people currently live The WHO also highlighted healthy habits across the lifespan can care, they say, is about choosing the
with dementia globally, with nearly the importance of reducing ex- improve brain health and reduce the right test for the right patient at the
10 million new cases diagnosed ev- posure to air pollution and other global burden of dementia. right time.

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