Ayurvedic Diet for Kapha Body Type

Ayurvedic Diet for Kapha Body Type

Ayurvedic Principals

The philosophy behind Ayurveda believes that the whole universe comprises of five main elements – Air, Fire, Water, Ether and Earth.  These five elements are represented in the three doshas of – Vata, Pitta and Kapha.   The moment any of the doshas exceed their desired amount, problems of imbalance will occur.

Ayurveda offers some of the best methods to help restore the right balance.  Ayurveda advises on both nutritional guidelines and lifestyle changes.  Once the changes are implemented, equilibrium is met.

Panchakarma or the Theory of Detoxification is a pioneering Ayurvedic principal, designed to reinstate harmony within the three doshas.  Panchakarma helps to create smooth circulation through the body. Excess and undesirable toxins are removed, thereby restoring one’s health.

Ayurvedic Body Type in relation to diet 

In Ayurvedic medicine, diet is of the utmost importance.  One needs to follow a regular eating lifestyle, for ultimate health.  In Ayurvedic tradition, every person has a specific body type and it is important to understand that exact type. When Ayurvedic practitioners look at their patients, they determine the body type, then prescribe the appropriate diet.  A healthy diet complete with the correct foods for that particular dosha, means imbalances will be eliminated and the body will have abundant energy.

Diet for Kapha Dosha

The Kapha body is normally overweight and sluggish.  Their digestion does not work properly, impairing the bodily absorption and eliminatory functions.  Therefore rich oily foods should be avoided. A diet full in cooked green vegetables, a variety of legumes and warm beverages should be encouraged.  Salty and sweet foods impede the healthy stasis of the body.

Kapha-Balancing Nutritional Guidelines

As the Kapha dosha is heavy, oily and cold, favour foods that are light, dry, or warm. Foods with pungent, bitter, and astringent tastes are most beneficial for pacifying Kapha. Reduce foods with sweet, sour, and salty tastes.

Recommendations:

1. Try a liquid fast one day per week, ingesting only fresh vegetables and fruit juices, and pureed vegetable soup.
2. Reduce the intake of dairy, which tends to increase Kapha. You can use small amounts of ghee, low-fat milk, and low-fat yogurt.
3. Honey is a sweetener that is said to best pacify Kapha. Other sweeteners should be avoided because they increase the Kapha dosha, contributing to problems such as blocked sinuses, allergies, colds, and lethargy. Take a tablespoon or two (but no more) of raw honey every day helps release excess Kapha; please do not cook with honey.
4. Drinking hot ginger tea with meals helps stimulate slow digestion and sharpen dull taste buds. Drink 2 to 3 cups of ginger tea daily.
5.  All beans are good for Kapha types except for soybeans.  Soybean-based foods such as tofu, should be eaten in moderation.
6. Favour lighter fruits such as apples, pears, pomegranates, cranberries, and apricots. Reduce heavier fruits like bananas, avocados, pineapples, oranges, peaches, coconuts, melons, dates, and figs.
7. In general, all vegetables are recommended but reduce consumption of sweet and juicy vegetables such as sweet potatoes, tomatoes, and zucchini.
8. All spices except salt are pacifying to Kapha. Use pungent spices like pepper, cayenne, mustard seed, and ginger freely in your diet.
9. Reduce intake of all nuts and seeds. Favour pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds.
10. For non-vegetarians, fresh, organic white meat chicken, turkey, eggs, and seafood are acceptable. Limit consumption of red meat.
11. A Kapha diet should be lively and full of energy to help spark the digestive and metabolic systems. Eat your largest meal at lunchtime and a smaller meal at dinnertime. Allow at least 3 hours to digest before bedtime.
12. Fats and oils, use small amounts of extra virgin olive oil, ghee, almond oil, corn oil, sunflower oil, mustard oil, or safflower oil.
13. Grains: Favour barley, corn, millet, buckwheat, rye. Reduce intake of oats, rice, and wheat.

Summary

Ayurveda holds the key to eliminating a plethora of problems and ailments.  A specific diet chart is allocated for each body type/dosha and their issue/ailment. The right methodical application of Ayurvedic concepts balances the patient, increases their energetic vitality, therefore enabling them to lead a much healthier, happier lifestyle.

For More Information contact AYURVEDA YOGA WELLNESS CLINIC  to tailor your diet chart according to your body type.

Dr. Santosh Yadav

Ayurvedic Practitioner