An Ayurvedic Approach on Protein Energy Malnutrition W.S.R. to Balsosha

When the body of child does not receive the necessary quantity of protein, vitamin, mineral, and other nutrients to maintain good health, there is condition called malnutrition occurs. Food is considered the primary source of energy because of its ability to regulate bodily circumstances from conception through subsequent growth stages. For humans, appropriate nutrition is a big challenge. The condition which follows from abnormal nutrition is called malnutrition. The term "malnutrition" refers to both excessive and insufficient eating. Ayurvedic texts describe nutritional disorders in a fragmented manner. The diseases which originate from the vitiation of Rasavaha Srotas, Balsosha is considered in one of them. The name Balsosha is composed of the syllables "Bala" and "Shosha," which together imply "child emaciation." According to descriptions found in Ayurvedic scriptures, children's nutritional deficiencies—known in modern science as protein energy malnutrition—are the cause of this emaciation. It is a physical condition or process that results from improper food intake results in low immunity infection, poor growth, reduced cognitive development, etc. Ayurveda is based on curative as well as preventive measures. Ayurvedic approach is the prevention and treatment of Balsosha involve enhancing a child's Agni and immune system through a healthy diet and the use of herbal remedies.