Breast Milk's Role in Infant Disorders: An Observational Study

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Journal name: Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine
Original article title: Breast milk as an etiological factor in infantile disorders – An observational study
The Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine (JAIM) is an open-access publication promoting collaboration between Ayurveda, traditional medicine, and biomedicine, publishing research on integrative health sciences
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Original source:

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Author:

Rajanish Meti, Gireesh Ankad


Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine:

(A monthly peer-reviewed publication)

Full text available for: Breast milk as an etiological factor in infantile disorders – An observational study

Year: 2021 | Doi: 10.1016/j.jaim.2021.06.011

Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-ND 4.0


Download the PDF file of the original publication


Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Breast Milk's Role in Infant Disorders: An Observational Study”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.

1) Milk:
Milk, specifically breast milk, is a crucial element in infant nutrition, as emphasized in Ayurveda. It is considered essential for growth and development in infants, and its quality can be influenced by the mother's diet and health. Vitiated milk can lead to various health issues in children.

2) Table:
In the context of the text, tables are used to present organized data regarding the characteristics of breast milk, the symptoms of infantile disorders, and the effects of different doshadushti (vitiation of doshas). Such tables aid in clarifying research findings and enhance readability.

3) Vitiation (Vitiated):
The term vitiated describes milk that has undergone alterations rendering it potentially harmful for infants. This concept underscores the importance of monitoring and assessing breast milk quality, as vitiated milk can lead to negative health outcomes and various disorders in the consuming infant.

4) Samhita:
Samhita refers to ancient Ayurvedic texts that compile medical knowledge and practices. Texts such as Charaka Samhita and Kashyapa Samhita provide insights into the ethical approaches to health and disease, along with guidelines for treatment, including the significance of pure breast milk.

5) Dosha (Dosa):
Dosha are the three fundamental energies in Ayurvedic philosophy—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. These energies govern various physiological processes in the body. Imbalances in doshas can result in health issues, and their identification helps in the assessment of breast milk quality and health implications for infants.

6) Vata:
Vata is one of the three doshas in Ayurveda, associated with air and space elements. Its qualities include mobility and dryness. In the context of breast milk, signs of Vata dosha vitiation can indicate health issues in the infant, making its measurement essential in evaluating milk quality.

7) Varanasi (Varanashi):
Varanasi is a city in India, often associated with Ayurvedic education and practice. The mention of Varanasi in scholarly texts signifies the historical and cultural relevance of the city as a hub for traditional medicine, including the study and practice of Ayurveda.

8) Stanya:
Stanya translates to 'breast milk' in English. Within Ayurveda, Stanya is recognized for its vital role in the nutrition of infants. The purity and quality of Stanya are crucial for healthy growth and development, highlighting the need for assessment of breast milk characteristics.

9) Osha (Osa):
The term Osha may refer to the laws or characteristics applied to the study of dosha imbalance related to breast milk. It implies an understanding that each aspect contributing to milk quality and its effects must be recognized and evaluated carefully in infants.

10) Sanskrit:
Sanskrit is the ancient language of India, in which many Ayurvedic texts are written. The usage of Sanskrit in the texts provides a rich historical context for the study of Ayurveda, emphasizing the depth and tradition behind practices like assessing the quality of breast milk.

11) Disease:
In the context of the text, disease refers to the various health disorders that can arise from the consumption of vitiated breast milk. Ayurveda emphasizes the connection between the characteristics of Stanya and the potential health impacts on infants, highlighting disease prevention through dietary awareness.

12) Pitta:
Pitta is one of the three doshas in Ayurveda, associated with fire and transformation. It governs digestion and metabolism. Understanding Pitta characteristics in breast milk evaluation is essential, as imbalances can lead to disorders in infants, necessitating careful assessment of milk quality.

13) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is an ancient Indian system of medicine that emphasizes balance in the body's energies. It provides a holistic approach to health, incorporating diet, lifestyle, and herbal remedies. The relevance of Ayurveda in assessing breast milk quality significantly impacts maternal and infant health.

14) Study (Studying):
The study referenced in the text aims to validate methods for assessing the quality of breast milk in lactating mothers. It emphasizes understanding the implications of dosha vitiation for infant health, providing insight into Ayurvedic practices and contributing to existing knowledge in holistic medicine.

15) Kapha:
Kapha is another of the three doshas in Ayurveda, associated with earth and water elements. This dosha relates to structure, fluidity, and stability in the body. Variations in Kapha may indicate specific qualities of breast milk and have implications for infant health assessments.

16) Rules:
Rules within the Ayurvedic framework establish guidelines for health practices, dietary considerations, and patient evaluations. They guide practitioners in ensuring the purity and quality of breast milk, directly impacting the health outcomes of infants and highlighting essential practices in Ayurveda.

17) Diet:
Diet plays a significant role in Ayurveda, impacting both maternal health and the quality of breast milk. An appropriate diet for lactating mothers is crucial for ensuring that the nutrients passed to infants support their growth, development, and overall health status.

18) Sharman (Sarma, Sharma, Sarman):
Sharma refers to a common surname in India, often associated with many authors and scholars in the field of Ayurvedic literature. The mention of Sharma may indicate contributions to understanding traditional medicine through writings that describe practices and observations related to health.

19) Ashtanga (Astanga, Ashtan-anga):
Astanga, or 'eight limbs', refers to a comprehensive approach to yoga and health in Ayurveda. The integration of Astanga principles in health practices emphasizes the importance of a holistic lifestyle that nurtures both maternal and infant wellness, particularly through quality nutrition.

20) Samgraha (Sangraha):
Sangraha refers to a collection or compendium. In Ayurvedic literature, it often denotes texts that compile essential knowledge on medicine, including practical guidance on health assessments and treatment approaches. It serves as a comprehensive resource for practitioners and scholars alike.

21) Varna:
Varna means color in Sanskrit and is relevant in Ayurveda for assessing milk and bodily fluids. Different colors may indicate various qualities and conditions of breast milk, providing insights into its vitiation status and the potential health implications for the infant consuming it.

22) Observation:
Observation is critical in Ayurvedic practice for assessing the characteristics of breast milk and any associated symptoms in infants. Detailed observation allows practitioners to identify dosha vitiation and provide appropriate corrective measures or treatments, emphasizing the element of patient-centric care.

23) Kashyapa (Kasyapa, Kashya-pa, Kashyapanamdana):
Kashyapa is one of the ancient sages in Ayurveda attributed to several texts, particularly those concerning pediatrics and maternal care. His teachings emphasize the importance of maternal health and the quality of breast milk, laying the foundation for modern practices in child health.

24) Sign:
In the context of the text, 'sign' refers to indicators or characteristics of vitiated breast milk and its effects on infants. Identifying these signs is essential for diagnosis and management of potential disorders, facilitating better health outcomes through accurate assessments in Ayurveda.

25) Nidanasthana (Nidana-sthana):
Nidanasthana translates to the section of Ayurvedic texts focusing on the causes and manifestations of diseases. This body of work aids practitioners in understanding disorders linked to vitiated breast milk, contributing to the overall assessment and treatment of affected infants.

26) Upadhyaya:
Upadhyaya is a term representing a teacher or scholar, particularly in the context of traditional Indian education settings. In Ayurvedic literature, Upadhyaya figures often contribute to the knowledge and understanding of treatments, providing codes of practice fundamental to modern Ayurveda.

27) Kaphaja:
Kaphaja refers to disorders or symptoms originating from an imbalance in the Kapha dosha. Recognizing Kaphaja conditions is crucial when assessing the quality of breast milk, as it guides practitioners in determining dietary and lifestyle adjustments necessary for optimal infant health.

28) Jala:
Jala means water in Sanskrit and is crucial in Ayurvedic diagnostic methods, such as Jala Pareeksha, used to evaluate the characteristics of breast milk. Understanding water's properties and its role in assessment enables practitioners to distinguish healthy breast milk from vitiated samples effectively.

29) Post:
The term post in this context refers to the postnatal period, during which lactation occurs. During this time, the quality of breast milk is particularly critical, as it directly influences the infant's health and development, and requires careful monitoring and assessment.

30) Ashtangasamgraha (Astangasamgraha, Astangasangraha, Ashtanga-samgraha, Ashtanga-sangraha, Ashtangasangraha):
Ashtanga-sangraha refers to an important Ayurvedic text that narrates essential concepts of health and disease, including practices relevant to maternal health and the assessment of breast milk quality. It serves as a crucial resource for both practitioners and students of Ayurveda.

31) Pittaja (Pitta-ja):
Pittaja refers to symptoms or disorders stemming from an imbalance in the Pitta dosha. Evaluating Pittaja symptoms in infants after consuming breast milk aids practitioners in diagnosing and addressing potential health challenges, emphasizing a holistic and personalized approach in Ayurvedic care.

32) Doshaja (Dosha-ja, Dosaja):
Doshaja refers to conditions or symptoms that arise due to dosha imbalances in the body. Recognizing Doshaja correlations with breast milk vitiation allows for informed and effective interventions in Ayurveda to promote the health and well-being of infants.

33) Delhi:
Delhi, as an Indian city, is associated with various educational and healthcare institutions, including those that teach Ayurveda. Its mention typically denotes an urban influence on Ayurvedic practices, facilitating modern approaches to traditional medicine and research efforts in maternal and infant health.

34) Glass:
Glass is referenced in the context of performing experiments, such as the Jala Pareeksha method, where milk is examined in transparent glass containers. The use of glass ensures accurate observation of properties like consistency and behavior in water, critical for assessing breast milk quality.

35) Water:
Water plays a crucial role in different Ayurvedic diagnostic methods, specifically in dilution tests. Understanding how breast milk interacts with water can reveal characteristics and quality parameters, which help practitioners determine the suitability of milk for infant consumption.

36) Kasa (Kasha):
Kasa is the Sanskrit term for cough, which is an important symptom to observe in infants. In the context of the text, Kasa highlights a manifestation that may arise from consuming vitiated breast milk, indicating a need for careful assessment and management.

37) Sharirasthana (Sarirasthana, Sharira-sthana):
Sharirasthana refers to the section in Ayurvedic texts that discusses the body and its functions. This section may provide insights into the physical properties of breast milk and how it relates to systemic disorders, emphasizing the interconnectedness of body health and nutrition.

38) Annapanavidhi (Annapana-vidhi):
Annapanavidhi encapsulates dietary regulations prescribed in Ayurvedic texts, particularly concerning breastfeeding mothers. This term signifies the importance of a balanced diet in maintaining the quality of breast milk, critical for the growth and development of infants.

39) Sutrasthana (Sutra-sthana):
Sutrasthana refers to the part of the Ayurvedic texts that provides essential aphorisms and instructions for physicians. It encompasses guidelines on health practices, including the evaluation of breast milk and its significance to child care and maternal health.

40) Similarity:
Similarity pertains to the correlation between the conditions of breast milk and the manifestations seen in infants. Identifying these relationships is essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment in Ayurveda, ensuring a holistic understanding of maternal-infant health dynamics.

41) Knowledge:
Knowledge within the Ayurvedic context encompasses the wisdom and understanding needed for effective practice and patient care. This includes insights into the qualities of breast milk, the impact of vitiated milk on infants, and the principles of maintaining health through diet and lifestyle.

42) Container:
Container refers to the vessels used for collecting and analyzing breast milk. Proper choice and usage of containers are essential to avoid contamination and ensure accurate assessment of milk properties, which directly impacts the study's reliability and results.

43) Vagbhata:
Vagbhata is an ancient Ayurvedic scholar known for his contributions to medical literature, particularly in the formulation of Ayurvedic texts that emphasize the importance of maternal health and the effects of breast milk on infants, reflecting traditional approaches to health care.

44) Tridosha (Tridosa, Tri-dosha):
Tridosha encapsulates the Ayurvedic principle that emphasizes the balance among Vata, Pitta, and Kapha doshas. This triad is essential for maintaining health, with disruptions in this balance potentially leading to various health issues, especially in contexts such as assessing breast milk quality.

45) Visarpa:
Visarpa refers to skin disorders in Ayurveda, including those that may arise from consuming vitiated breast milk. Understanding Visarpa helps practitioners diagnose and manage related symptoms in infants, revealing the interconnectedness of diet, health, and disease manifestations.

46) Vriddha (Vrddha):
Vriddha denotes aspects relating to growth and old age in Ayurveda. This term is significant in the assessment of maternal and infant health, connecting dietary practices to growth, and ensuring that breast milk remains nutritious and free from vitiation.

47) Vyakhya:
Vyakhya refers to the commentary or explanation provided along with Ayurvedic texts. This component of Ayurvedic scholarship aids practitioners in understanding the principles and practices behind health assessments, including evaluations of breast milk and its implications for child health.

48) Writing:
Writing is pivotal for documenting Ayurvedic knowledge, including practices concerning breast milk quality assessment. Written texts serve as vital references for practitioners and scholars to understand the interconnections between diet, dosha balance, and the overall health of mothers and infants.

49) Quality:
Quality in the context of breast milk refers to its overall characteristics such as taste, smell, and consistency. The evaluation of quality is essential in AYurveda to ensure that milk is suitable for infants, as poor quality can lead to significant health problems.

50) Sharira (Sarira):
Sharira translates to body in Sanskrit and pertains to the physical aspect of health in Ayurveda. The well-being of the Sharira is interconnected with the quality of breast milk, as it directly influences the growth and health of the breastfeeding infant.

51) Science (Scientific):
Science in the context of Ayurveda represents the systematic exploration and understanding of health practices, such as the study of breast milk. Incorporating scientific methods helps validate traditional practices and establish evidence-based approaches in promoting maternal and infant health.

52) Tantra (Tamtra, Tantrism):
Tantra refers to a system or technique within Ayurveda that encompasses holistic approaches to health. Within the study of breast milk and its properties, adhering to Tantric principles can enhance understanding of the energy dynamics involved in nutrition and health.

53) Kamala (Kama-la):
Kamala is often associated with jaundice in Ayurveda. Understanding this condition's relation to vitiated breast milk is significant, as it sheds light on the potential health implications for infants and emphasizes the need for careful milk assessment during breastfeeding.

54) Sthana:
Sthana translates to place or location in Sanskrit, often indicating specific topics or areas of focus within Ayurvedic texts. In the context of this study, Sthana signifies important knowledge areas concerning health assessments and maternal care in Ayurveda practices.

55) Vihara:
Vihara refers to lifestyle or behavior in Ayurveda. It plays a crucial role in defining health parameters, including how physical activity and emotional well-being impact breast milk quality, directly influencing the health and growth of nursing infants.

56) Vataja (Vata-ja):
Vataja indicates conditions or symptoms that arise due to Vata dosha imbalances. Identifying Vataja characteristics is critical in the context of breast milk evaluation, aiding practitioners in tailoring interventions for infant health through diet and lifestyle adjustments.

57) Madava:
Madava, potentially referring to Madava Nidana, is an Ayurvedic text outlining the causes and diagnosis of various disorders. Its principles contribute to understanding the implications of vitiated breast milk, supporting the assessment of health in infants.

58) Nature:
Nature refers to inherent qualities or characteristics of substances, including breast milk. The understanding of milk's elemental nature aids Ayurvedic practitioners in assessing its quality and appropriateness for infants, connecting back to the principles of dosha balance.

59) Ahara:
Ahara signifies dietary intake in Ayurveda and plays a vital role in overall health. The quality and composition of Ahara have a direct effect on the maternal health, which subsequently influences the characteristics of breast milk vital for infant growth.

60) Desha (Desa):
Desha means location or environment and is an essential consideration in Ayurveda regarding how geographical and cultural contexts influence health. The local dietary habits and lifestyle can affect the quality of breast milk, requiring tailored understanding from practitioners.

61) Roga:
Roga translates to disease or disorder in Sanskrit. Understanding the various Rogas linked to breast milk vitiation is critical for Ayurvedic practitioners in addressing maternal and infant health effectively, highlighting the importance of holistic assessments.

62) Rasa (Rasha):
Rasa refers to taste and is a key characteristic evaluated in breast milk. The taste is vital for assessing milk's quality; noting alterations can help practitioners identify potential vitiation and mitigate health issues in infants related to breast milk consumed.

63) Ras (Rash):
Rash may indicate skin manifestations that can occur as symptoms from consuming vitiated breast milk. Recognizing these skin issues is crucial for practitioners to correlate between the milk quality and the health outcomes observed in infants.

64) Kala:
Kala represents time or duration in Ayurveda, which influences health and dietary practices. The consideration of Kala is significant while assessing breast milk, as the timing of milk production and feeding can affect its characteristics and suitability for infants.

65) Line:
Line refers to the formation of visible characteristics when breast milk is tested, particularly during Jala Pareeksha. This assessment can indicate certain qualities of milk, aiding in identifying vitiation and ensuring that the milk is safe for infant consumption.

66) Hand:
Hand is a crucial aspect when discussing the manual expression of breast milk. Proper handling techniques are essential to ensure the collection process is hygienic, maintaining the quality of milk when being evaluated for vitiation.

67) Peer review:
Peer review represents the process of evaluating scholarly work by independent experts in the field. In research, ensuring that findings related to breast milk quality and infant health are scrutinized reinforces the credibility and scientific rigor of the aquifer studies.

68) Kashyapasamhita (Kasyapasamhita, Kashyapa-samhita):
Kashyapa-samhita is an important Ayurvedic text attributed to sage Kashyapa, focusing on pediatrics and maternal health. It outlines critical knowledge regarding infant care, including the assessment of breast milk, thus laying foundational guidelines for ethical healthcare practices.

69) Ghritagandhi (Ghrtagandhi):
Ghritagandhi refers to a type of smell or odor in the context of breast milk, particularly regarding its quality assessment. Noticing the presence of such odors helps in identifying vitiation of the milk, necessary for ensuring infant health.

70) Tuberculosis:
Tuberculosis is a significant infectious disease that can affect maternal health. In the context of breastfeeding, it's crucial to evaluate if a mother has TB, as this condition can influence the quality and safety of her breast milk for infants.

71) Pratishyaya (Pratisyaya):
Pratishyaya translates to coryza or nasal congestion in Ayurveda. It indicates a symptom that may arise in infants from consuming vitiated breast milk, showcasing the various respiratory issues connected to milk quality and necessitating effective monitoring by practitioners.

72) Tamravarna:
Tamra-varna refers to a copper color, possibly indicative of specific quality alterations in breast milk. Identifying such color changes is essential for practitioners to assess milk vitiation, highlighting the interrelationship between visual characteristics and potential health implications for infants.

73) Tailagandhi:
Tailagandhi refers to an oily smell, serving as an indicator of potential issues within breast milk. The presence of such odors necessitates careful evaluation, as it can impact the quality of the milk and consequently affect the health of the infant being nursed.

74) Conch-shell:
The conch-shell analogy illustrates certain desired color characteristics of breast milk. In Ayurveda, visual traits of milk, often compared to natural elements, provide guidance for practitioners in assessing the purity and suitability of milk for infant consumption.

75) Measurement:
Measurement in the context of breast milk quality involves quantifying various parameters like pH, viscosity, and fat content. Accurate measurement is crucial for identifying milk vitiation and enables practitioners to ensure the health and well-being of infants consuming the milk.

[Note: The above list is limited to 75. Total glossary definitions available: 140]

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Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Breast Milk's Role in Infant Disorders: An Observational Study’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:

Breast milk, Ayurveda Samhita, Specific gravity, Vitiated dosha, Subjective parameter, Stanya Dushti, PH measurement, Tridosha Dushti, Anthropometric measurement, Fat content, Viscosity measurement, Physical characteristic, Psychological Status of Mother, Organoleptic method.

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