Yoga and Nutrition in Changing Lifestyle: An Integrative Perspective

Authors

  • Dr. Dhananjay D. Mankar Center for Hospital Management, School of Health Systems Studies, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai, India Author
  • Dr. Pulkita Pream Center for Public Health, School of Health Systems Studies, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai, India Author
  • Muskan Center for Public Health, School of Health Systems Studies, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai, India Author

Keywords:

Saucha, Ahimsa, Vata, Pitta, Kapha

Abstract

Context: In today's world, everyone is trying to find the balance between changing lifestyle and healthy practices. Yoga and nutrition are the two most important aspects of a healthy human life.

Aim: This review paper examines the multidimensional relationship between yoga and nutrition, emphasizing how dietary practices influence the physical, mental, and emotional benefits of yoga. It explores traditional yogic dietary principles, their scientific basis, and their feasibility in modern lifestyles, considering challenges such as food adulteration, processed diets, and conflicting dietary trends. It also emphasizes the growing interest in integrating yoga and evidence-based nutrition for optimal health.

Materials and Methods: A systematic review of published literature was conducted across databases such as Google Scholar, PubMed, ResearchGate, JSTOR, and ScienceDirect, focusing on research papers from 2010–2024.  Studies related to yoga, nutrition, and their relationship were included in the study.

Results: This review explores the dynamic relationship between yoga and nutrition in the context of modern lifestyle changes and food quality concerns. Evidence suggests that yoga offers significant health benefits, including improved metabolic control and reduced reliance on medications. However, the traditional yogic diet's relevance is challenged by urbanization and the availability of processed foods.

Conclusion: This review advocates adaptable, practical approaches to yogic nutrition that align with contemporary needs while preserving its core principles of awareness, balance, and sustainability. It concludes that integrating yoga and nutrition requires adapting ancient principles to modern needs, emphasizing evidence-based dietary strategies that consider individual body types and cultural differences.

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Author Biographies

  • Dr. Dhananjay D. Mankar, Center for Hospital Management, School of Health Systems Studies, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai, India

    Dr. Dhananjay Mankar is experienced Public Health and Healthcare Researcher with a demonstrated history of working in the higher education industry. Skilled in Hospital Management, Healthcare Quality, Data Analysis, Strategic Planning, Research, Public Health, and Healthcare Information Technology (HIT), Yoga and Holistic Medicine, Indian Knowledge System (IKS), WASH & Public Health Nutrition. Strong research professional with an M.Phil. & Doctor of Philosophy - Ph.D. Focused in Hospital and Health Care Facilities Administration/Management from Tata Institute of Social Sciences. Mumbai.

  • Dr. Pulkita Pream, Center for Public Health, School of Health Systems Studies, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai, India

    Dr. Pulkita Pream is a clinician-turned-public health scholar whose work spans health systems, social determinants, and community-based interventions. She has worked as a Programme Coordinator for the UKHFWS–TISS project on independent monitoring of Ayushman Arogya Mandirs in Uttarakhand and State Consultant (Mental Health & NCDs) with the National Health Mission, Tamil Nadu. Her academic contributions include co-editing an upcoming book at TISS. With experience in mixed-methods research, programme implementation, and policy analysis, she is committed to bridging global frameworks with local realities to advance equitable public health

  • Muskan, Center for Public Health, School of Health Systems Studies, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai, India

    Muskan, MPH, specializes in Social Epidemiology with a strong academic and professional background in public health. She has worked extensively across diverse health verticals, including health outreach programs at Sir H. N. Reliance Foundation Hospital, Mumbai, and projects under the National Health Mission (NHM), Madhya Pradesh, with a focus on child health. She has also contributed to research and proposal development at the ICMR–National Institute of Epidemiology. Her academic research includes a thesis on the prevalence of hospital-acquired infections and infection control practices in a tertiary care hospital.

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Published

09/01/2025

How to Cite

Yoga and Nutrition in Changing Lifestyle: An Integrative Perspective. (2025). Aathiyoga Indian Journal of Ancient Medicine and Yoga, 2(08), 1-10. https://aathiyoga.in/irjoyas/index.php/issue/article/view/69