A very elderly relative, who had consistently maintained good health and lived to be almost ninety, had a simple prescription. His mantra was to lead a regulated and stress-free life, eat vegetarian food and have a light dinner before sundown. In addition and interestingly, he used to lay great emphasis on eating his dinner in quiet solitude and would masticate his morsels in a slow and prolonged manner.

I have always maintained that it is very important to eat our meals in a state of calm and it is just as important to focus on our food and chew well. This was known to our ancients. The ayurveda prescribes tranquility at mealtimes. And our tradition calls for chewing each morsel of food 32 times — once for each tooth! Such mind-body discipline is an efficient way to achieve good health. I do agree that such changes in lifestyle take some effort, but it has its rewards.

It is no exaggeration to state that the stomach has a mind of its own. In fact, our gut houses about 80 per cent of the body's neurotransmitters. It will thus be no surprise to learn that stress induces queasiness in the stomach. This will cause improper digestion.

It is also not a good idea to watch TV at mealtimes, for then we are not able to focus on chewing our food and enjoying it to the fullest. Similarly, eating our meals in haste does not allow food to be chewed properly, leading to ineffective action of our salivary juices.

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