Healthy Progeny and Epigenetic Programming an Ayurvedic Perspective

The ancient concept of Putreshna (healthy progeny) depends on several factors. Every individual is solely responsible for producing a healthy future generation. An inappropriate lifestyle and exposure to unfavorable conditions lead to several diseases. Especially in pregnant women, daily regimen interactions with the environment may cause epigenetic modifications that affect gene expression and change the phenotype or well-being of their progeny. The human body is constituted by what type of nourishment and environment we provide to it. The quality and functioning of every single unit of the body can be improved through a balanced diet ( Ahar ), sleep ( Nidra ), and Brahmacharya (Triupstamb) . Understanding good morals and thoughts and all pregnant women should protect themself with a healthy lifestyle as mentioned in Garbhini Parichaya . Garbha Samskara is one of the traditional procedures by which parents can avoid the Beeja Dushti or Beejbhag avyav dushti (epigenetic mutation). Garbhini is very much susceptible to disease due to the aggravation of Doshas because the body is in a highly sensitive state, so the use of a balanced diet plays important role in pregnant women for their health and the development of the fetus. Quality and quantity of nutrition directly affect the functioning of the body during the pregnancy period.