We all know how anger, fear and hatred damage us internally – the impact of positive and negative emotions and attitudes on health 
has been analyzed and explored by modern medical science to 
expose surprising clinical results. For example, a study conducted in domestic arguments pointed out that couples that fight frequently damage not only their relationship, but also their health. Scientists 
at the University of California found that arguing with the spouse 
numbs the reflexes of the immune system. 

A study conducted in California and reported in the Journal of the American Medical Association demonstrated that anger or hostility damages the arteries even in young adulthood. Hundreds of people aged between 18 and 30 years were examined through a ten-year period, and those who displayed hostility or an attitude of “cynical distrust” showed upto 2.5 times the risk of hardening of coronary arteries. Negative emotions are often the cause of major neuro-psychiatric diseases including various types of anxiety disorders, clinical depression, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder and various phobias as well.

The impact of depression and anxiety on heart disease and other physical illnesses is well-documented. The Archives of Internal Medicine recently published a study that shows people suffering  from depression had more than 70% greater risk of suffering heart attacks and other cardiac problems. The profound nature of the mind-body link has only been superficially considered by modern medicine. However, it is already clear that mental health is an essential aspect of physical health.

Ayurveda divides mental attributes (gunas) into three broad classes – sattvic, rajasic and tamasic (adjective forms). In short, sattva, 
rajas and tamas (noun forms) signify knowledge, passion and ignorance respectively. The Ayurvedic form of treatment, which 
finds its roots in Indian philosophy, seeks to eradicate the latter 
two, and enhance sattva (knowledge and purity), since rajas and tamas generate harmful negative emotions that weaken and 
destroy the human system from within. An Ayurvedic diet ensures 
the purgation of rajas and tamas guna and the enhancement of 
sattva guna.

Thus the basis of Ayurvedic nutrition and lifestyle guidance is not  only to balance the doshas, but also to increase sattvic  temperament. This includes avoiding conflict, aggression, hostility and other negative emotions that adversely affect physical and mental health. Such a lifestyle is stress-resistant - it is serene, peaceful, patient and tolerant and avoids extremes of emotions. Sattvic   people are positive, generous, kind, open, fair and forgiving. They  look at life as a productive, learning experience.

Focusing on a sattvic diet enhances sattva guna, which ultimately generates pure and lasting happiness and gives total peace of mind. In Indian philosophy, happiness is divided into three types,  depending on which mode or guna it was achieved in. Happiness  that “tastes like poison in the beginning but like nectar in the end”  is said to be happiness obtained from the mode of sattva or goodness.

The main factors involved relate to diet, lifestyle and emotions. In terms of diet, eat freshly prepared food, eat more plant-based foods and decrease the consumption of alcohol, caffeine, processed food and meat. Lifestyle should be balanced between work, family and social concerns with light exercise and regular routines to minimize stress. As for emotions, conflict aggression and hostility should be minimized and a positive and optimistic outlook adopted. Meditation  is recommended to help you detach from and balance the emotions.

A sattvic attitude not only benefits the individual, but also  contributes to a more peaceful and productive community. Starting on an individual level by adopting Ayurvedic principles in your  lifestyle can work towards peace and harmony in your family and community. Regardless of your faith, ethnic or economic  background, modifying your diet, and developing sattvic qualities may seem a small step  but it is one in the right direction. The impact on your health,  attitude and peace of mind will be remarkable.

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