what is health?

health is multidimensional where several factors come into play. ayurveda and modern science are two languages that define the common pillars of health. in this blog, we'll explore how both approaches define health, looking beyond just the physical body. 

ayurvedic view of health

ayurveda views health as the harmonious interplay of various factors within the body and mind. it emphasizes on achieving a balance of the three doshas—vata, pitta, and kapha—which are fundamental to bodily functions. additionally, maintaining a healthy digestive system is crucial for proper metabolism and overall well-being. ensuring equilibrium among the seven body tissues (dhatus) and efficient elimination of bodily wastes (malas) are vital aspects of ayurvedic health principles.

furthermore, ayurveda underscores the importance of a happy mind and senses, highlighting the integral connection between mental and physical health. ultimately, ayurveda recognizes the significance of nurturing the soul, acknowledging that true health encompasses not just the body and mind but also the deeper aspects of our being.

let’s understand what these terms mean in ayurveda.

doshas: vata, pitta, and kapha are the three vital energies or life forces governing our body's functions. their balance is essential for health.

agni: refers to the digestive fire and metabolic processes. balanced agni is necessary for proper digestion and nutrient assimilation.

dhatus: the seven bodily tissues that make up our body structure and function.

malas: waste products eliminated from the body through sweat, urine, and stool. regular elimination is vital for health.

atma, indriya, and manas: these represent the soul, sense organs, and mind, respectively. their harmony is crucial for overall well-being.

modern science view of health

as per modern science, health is the intersection of physical, mental and social well-being:

a physically healthy body is free of diseases and can sustain enough strength and energy to support your daily activities. you are mentally healthy if you are free from mental disorders, maintain a positive self-image, can cope with daily-life stress and have a positive purpose in life. lastly, you’re socially healthy if you can sustain supportive relationships with family, friends and the community.

there are 8 signs of holistic health:

1. your body’s physical barriers (skin and mucous membranes) responsible for protecting it from pathogens are functional

2. your immune system can regulate your body’s environment to combat minor health threats before they escalate

3. your body can regulate tissue and organ health by making new cells and repairing or replacing old ones

4. your internal body systems can communicate and coordinate seamlessly

5. you maintain balanced circadian rhythms

6. your body can adapt well to changes in its environment or to stress

7. you can tolerate a moderate amount of stress

8. your body can effectively heal wounds and regenerate damaged tissues to recover from injuries

Làvi’s approach to health

being healthy goes beyond the food you consume or the amount of exercise you do. It is a balance between the mind and body. it is essential to pay attention to your mental health as well. stress and anxiety in our personal or professional lives can often lead us to finding comfort in junk food as a reward for a bad day. however, all that does is add on to the stress that the body has to manage. 

Làvi focuses on the connection between the gut and brain to curate a lifestyle plan that takes every factor into account for your health. Làvi focuses on modern nutrition and the ayurvedic perspective of seasonal and digestive capacity, and aims to maintain gut health and overall physical and mental health.  

how do we do that?

we are focused on gut health. our approach for you originates from an in-depth health analysis and your goals. It’s not just about eating right. at Làvi, we help you make a healthy lifestyle a habit with ease. 

at Làvi, we offer:

1. personalized meal plans – eat what's most effective food dealing with the health or lifestyle issues you're facing

2. lifestyle changes– we help you embrace smarter lifestyle choice for long term health benefits

3. embrace seasonality – eating seasonal food reduces the effort your body needs to adapt to the changing seasons. 

4. efficient nutrition absorption – our meal plans combine compatible food items minimizes the effort your digestive system needs to absorb nutrient

5. taste – these meal plans account for your likes and dislikes and are modified as per your tastes and -preferences

6. kitchen support – we enable you to cook at home with ease and help you control the quality of ingredients, your portion sizes and practices that preserve food's nutritional value