Traditional Knowledge Systems: Cross-Culturally Exploring The Medical Anthropology of Diet Wellness

Abstract

Traditional Knowledge Systems (TKS) in Indigenous communities worldwide shape lifestyle and eating habits, with a focus on the thermostatic properties of food and balance in the body. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurveda are examples of TKS that emphasize individualized diets based on factors such as age, season, and constitution. In Indigenous communities, cultural beliefs about food during pregnancy influence dietary choices. Villagers in South India consider pregnancy a "hot" condition and restrict the consumption of "hot" foods to prevent excessive heat in the body. Additionally, climate change impacts food security in Indigenous communities, affecting the nutritional status of pregnant women. In Uganda, the Batwa community experienced a loss of traditional food sources due to eviction from their lands, exacerbating food insecurity during pregnancy. Climate change also affects food accessibility and the gender disparities in agriculture contribute to food insecurity. Furthermore, gender differences play a role in the relationship between interpersonal stress and shape and weight concerns, with girls showing stronger correlations in these areas. In this review, we uncover the intricacies associated with creating a diet and emphasize the wide range of cultural influences that shape these choices on an individual and communal scale.