Vol. 3, Issue 1, Part A (2026)

Childhood growth and development are critical to ensuring lifelong health and well-being. Traditional dietary practices, particularly those rooted in Ayurvedic medicine, offer a holistic approach to enhancing the growth and cognitive development of children. Ayurveda emphasizes the balance of doshas, digestion, and nutrition, integrating natural foods, herbs, and spices to promote overall well-being. This article explores Ayurvedic dietary interventions, focusing on their efficacy in improving physical growth, immune function, and cognitive development in children. Research suggests that Ayurvedic foods and supplements, such as ghee, milk, and specific herbal formulations, provide essential nutrients that aid in the proper development of children. Ayurvedic principles also emphasize individualized dietary regimens based on a child's constitution (Prakriti) and specific health needs. Ayurvedic practices incorporate both preventative and therapeutic measures, aiming to correct imbalances in the body that may impede healthy growth. This review examines contemporary scientific findings supporting Ayurvedic dietary interventions and their impact on child growth. Furthermore, it assesses the safety, sustainability, and long-term benefits of these interventions compared to modern dietary practices. As the global community becomes increasingly aware of holistic healthcare, Ayurvedic dietary practices are gaining recognition for their potential to enhance child development in a safe, natural, and culturally respectful manner. The objective of this article is to evaluate Ayurvedic dietary interventions for improving children's physical and cognitive growth, presenting a comprehensive overview of the traditional practices and modern scientific validation.