Jains sustain health by living the vows in daily, practical ways. The focus is purity of food, purity of conduct, and calmness of mind.

• Ahimsa-based diet

- Strict vegetarian; most avoid eggs and honey. Many also avoid root vegetables (like potato, onion, garlic) to reduce himsa of countless beings in the soil. - Fresh, simple, and moderate food (mitāhār). Avoid excess oil, spice, and stimulants. - Clean water: traditionally boiled and filtered.

• Discipline in eating (āhār-niyam)

- Ratri-bhojan tyāg: eat only in daylight; finish before sunset to protect tiny beings and aid digestion. - Fixed limits (maryādā): limited items, quantity, and place of eating; avoid snacking. - Mindful beginning: remember the Navkār Mantra and reflect that food supports sādhanā, not indulgence.

• Austerities that purify body and mind (as per capacity)

- Uposhan/upavās: complete fast for a day. - Ekāsan/Beāsan: one or two sittings only. - Ayambil: very simple, non-spiced, single-grain meal for inner cleansing. - During Paryushan/Das Lakshan many observe these more intensely. - Note: Monks follow far stricter rules; householders choose what is suitable.

• Cleanliness and carefulness (sauc, samiti)

- Daily hygiene with care for non-violence. - Walking, speaking, and handling objects mindfully to avoid injury to self and others (samiti and gupti).

• Mental calm and spiritual practices

- Samayik (equanimity), Pratikraman (daily introspection), Pratyākhyān (resolutions) keep passions low, reducing stress and its effects on health. - Kayotsarg (relaxation in stillness), mantra-jap (especially Navkār), and Preksha Dhyan within the Jain tradition help steadiness of breath and mind.

• Simplicity and non-possessiveness

- Aparigraha (limiting wants) and Satya (truthfulness) foster a peaceful life, which supports good health.

Traditions

• Both Digambar and Shwetambar uphold daylight eating, moderation, fasting, and mindfulness.
• Digambar monks typically eat once a day and practice very high austerities; Shwetambar monks may differ in method (e.g., use of bowls), but the health-sustaining aim—purity and restraint—is the same for all.

Gentle guidance

• Choose vows and fasts according to your capacity. Children, the elderly, pregnant persons, or anyone unwell should adopt milder practices and take guidance from knowledgeable elders; health should not be harmed.