Importance of Ghiza (Diet) in Geriatrics with Special Reference to Unani Medicine

Role of Ghiza (Diet) in health and disease is accepted in Unani system of medicine since thousand years. Hippocrates (BC 460-370) elaborated the importance of Makul (diet) for healthy life according to age. This concept said that diet becomes Badal Ma Tahallul (wear of tear). It plays an important role in maintaining the harmony of Akhlat Arba (four humors). In the old age, one should be careful about schedule and quantity of Ghiza. Legend Unani philosophers and physicians had given attention towards its essentiality to save and promote the health of elders. They elaborated types and Mizaj (temprament), as well as quantity of Ghiza systematically. Unani scholars recommended specific diet in specific seasons, ages and in specific diseases. This review article aims at surveying the classical unani literature to explore the diet and its essentiality in elderly.