Holistic Nutrition approach towards Malnutrition

Malnutrition includes both undernutrition and overnutrition, affecting millions of people globally. Even if it comprises both, for Indians undernutrition is the main cause of concern. It presents as underweight, wasting, stunting, and deficiencies in certain micronutrients. In 2023, almost 74% of Indians lacked access to healthy food, and 39% did not get enough nutrients, according to The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World. (1) Malnutrition is caused by several factors, such as cultural dietary habits, poverty, illiteracy, and limited access to healthcare. It takes a diversified strategy that makes use of both conventional expertise and modern advances to address these complex concerns.

Collaborative efforts between Governments, NGOs, and the Private Sector, nutrition education in schools and colleges, medical interventions, etc all play a role in tackling in malnutrition problem. However, a more holistic approach that integrates our Indian traditional nutrition practices with modern solutions can be an effective method.

Traditional Nutrition Practices: The traditional dietary practices of India are diverse due to their rich history. The knowledge accumulated by our ancestors through observations is transmitted from one generation to another. Meals emphasizing on balanced diet, local produce, traditional foods, ayurvedic herbs & medicines are what it is all about.

Seasonal & local produce: Many of us crave different foods seasonally. In the summer, one might prefer more fruits or salads, and in the winter, more citrus or root vegetables. The nutritional advantages of seasonal vegetables frequently correlate with the body’s seasonal requirements. Citrus fruits, for instance, are in season throughout the winter, when an excess of vitamin C helps fight infections. A diet including fresh produce offers the highest amount of nutrients, antioxidants, and phytonutrients. (2)

Power-packed ingredients: Indian herbs and spices have many medicinal properties apart from great flavours. Turmeric, for instance, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, while fenugreek helps in blood sugar regulation. In Western countries, quinoa is a great source of protein whereas in India, it can be replaced by amaranth millet (rajgira) which is locally available everywhere. Fermented foods like yogurt, idli, and dosa are staples in many Indian households. These foods are rich in probiotics, which improve gut health and nutrient absorption, essential for combating malnutrition.

Ayurvedic Principles: India has the unique distinction of having six accepted medical systems. They are yoga, naturopathy, homeopathy, Siddha, Unani, and Ayurveda. However, there is a greater influence of Ayurveda. (3) This age-old medical approach promotes a diet that suits a person’s constitution and the changes of the seasons. Ayurvedic concepts can be used to develop individualized diet regimens that support general health. Both preventive and curative methods are the basis of Ayurveda. Inadequate or inappropriate meals can lead to several common health issues. Ayurvedic texts describe nutritional issues in a scattered manner. Similar to PEM (Protein Energy Malnutrition), Balashosha illness is a condition marked by stunted growth, impaired cognitive development, and other symptoms. It arises from inadequate food intake and low immunity. In Ayurveda, the prevention and treatment of Balashosha involve enhancing a child’s agni and immune system through a healthy diet and the use of herbal remedies. (4) This is how a few principles of Ayurveda can be used to tackle Malnutrition problems.

Modern Nutrition Practices: The problem of malnutrition cannot be tackled by only following past practices. Hence with tremendous research and studies, researchers came up with solutions to overcome the problem.

Fortification: The process of fortifying common foods with necessary vitamins and minerals is known as food fortification. It has been repeatedly demonstrated that fortification is the most economical way to address vitamin deficiencies, particularly in populations with lower incomes. For example, the government’s attempt to fortify salt with iodine resulted in a beneficial reduction in the prevalence of goiter in communities. Also, FSSAI has encouraged the industry to fortify other staples like milk, oil, wheat flour, and rice with vitamins and minerals.

Supplementation: Researchers have formulated ONS (Oral nutritional supplements) which are ready-to-drink or powdered formulas of carbohydrates, protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals. They can be used to supplement someone’s diet with needed calories and protein, or they can be used as an occasional meal replacement. Another example of how supplementation can be helpful is- WHO recommends approximately 5000 IU of vitamin A to children suffering from severe acute malnutrition every day, either as part of a multi-micronutrient formulation or as an essential component of a therapeutic diet. (5)

Nutrition education & behavior change: Mothers need to be empowered with knowledge and a facilitative environment by involving communities and families, especially husbands. Extensive use of communication channels should be made to reach the mothers in their local language, with a solution to the issue. Thus, the key to improving the outcomes is through change in the care giving behaviours of mothers. Reaching mothers through behaviour change communication to enhance their knowledge, attitude and practices with regard to early and exclusive breast-feeding, timely and age-appropriate complementary feeding, inclusion of proper dietary diversity, immunisation and other services is crucial for reducing malnutrition.

In order to effectively fight malnutrition in India, a holistic strategy combining traditional expertise with modern nutrition techniques is needed. One can develop long-lasting solutions that enhance everyone’s health by utilizing advances in science and embracing India’s rich dietary heritage. Greater acceptability and adherence may result from the implementation of community-based nutrition programs and conducting education and awareness campaigns that include regional dietary patterns while teaching present nutrition principles. For example, educating communities on how to fortify or add nutrient-dense ingredients to traditional meals to improve them for instance instead of throwing leftover water while preparing paneer at home, one can utilize it in gravies, kneading doughs, etc. as it is full of whey protein. This thorough approach promotes social stability and general well-being in addition to addressing the underlying causes of malnutrition.

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