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PREKSHA MEDITATION, THERAPY AND CURES / 205
Emphysema. However, extensive scientific observations are necessary before a claim is made.
4. Disorders of Digestive System
Eating is an important, essential and pleasurable activity of life. Food provides essential energy and nutrients to the body thus maintaining proper growth and development. Like a vehicle, body too, needs proper fuel in the form of food. As it is absolutely essential to use a pure fuel suitable for the designed engine of a vehicle, it is equally important for the body as well. But, unfortunately, intake of junk food, alcohol and smoking along with fast-food varieties are giving rise to various disorders, like gas, indigestion, ulcer and hyperacidity. Like a vehicle confined to garage becomes unusable, our sedentary life-style with minimum physical activity and lack of exercise regime have further deteriorated the digestive health. Ulcer and other diseases, if left untreated for long durations, may even lead to dreaded cancer.
Basic tenets of Jainism - Satvik or balanced diet and to shun food intake after sun-set are meant to maintain a healthy digestive tract. It is observed that the food is digested within three hours if body stays awake. On the other hand, sleep soon after dinner results in partial digestion and causes long term disorders. Some such disorders are - irritable bowel syndrome, ulcers, gastritis, heartburn and flatulence. All these diseases are mostly caused by the type, quantity and frequency of food we eat. A strong discipline in all the three factors – type, quantity and frequency, is essential for healthy body and thus, healthy mind.
The correct type is - a balanced diet. Breath and food are two fundamental requisites of a body. These activities start right at birth and continue till death. A right approach to both needs to be cultivated. Mahapragya, therefore sermonizes Aahar-Vivek. The entire wisdom of good food can be summarized in just two lines -
• Relinquishing non-vegetarian foods, fast-foods, spicy and oily foods. • Adopting vegetarian diet with optimum quantities of salt and sugar.
The correct quantity is -- the moment our mind senses satiety. Our body has a very intelligent feedback mechanism. Whenever we eat or drink, certain chemicals send a message to the mind that enough has been consumed. We all have experienced it very distinctly when we drink water, after certain quantity is consumed, mind receives a signal that the thirst has quenched. Similar is the case with food, where a signal of satiety is transmitted. We must stop eating
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