Ayurvedic Diet for Pitta Body Type

Ayurvedic Diet for Pitta 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 meet.

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 upmost 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 Pitta Dosha

People who are predominately Pitta in dosha suffer from anger issues, inflammatory conditions such as rashes, ulcers and even diarrhoea.  They need to reduce consumption of acidic foods like lemons, tomatoes and even juicy food.  Fruit and vegetables which have a high water content such as cucumbers, lettuce, mango and melons are very beneficial.  Coffee, alcohol, hot spices and vinegar must be avoided.

Pitta-Balancing Nutritional Guidelines

Since an excess of Pitta dosha overheats the mind and body, favour cool foods and liquids. Foods with sweet, bitter, and astringent tastes are best. Reduce foods that are pungent, salty, and sour.

Recommendations:

1. Dairy can be helpful in balancing the heat of Pitta, take milk, butter and ghee. Sour, fermented products such as yogurt, sour cream and cheese should be used sparingly as sour tastes aggravate Pitta. Ghee (clarified butter) is recommended.
2.  All sweeteners may be taken in moderation except molasses and honey.
3. Olive, sunflower, and coconut oils are the best oils to pacify Pitta. Use less sesame, almond, and corn oil, which are more heating.
4. Wheat, white rice, barley, and oats are the best grains to reduce Pitta. Eat less corn, rye, millet, and brown rice.
5. The sweeter fruits such as grapes, melons, cherries, coconuts, avocados, mangoes, pomegranates, fully ripe pineapples, oranges, and plums are recommended. Reduce sour fruits such as grapefruits, apricots, and berries.
6. The vegetables to favour are asparagus, cucumbers, potatoes, sweet potatoes, green leafy vegetables, pumpkins, broccoli, cauliflower, celery okra, lettuce, green beans, and zucchini. Reduce tomatoes, hot peppers, carrots, beets, eggplant, onions, garlic, radishes, and spinach.
7. Pitta types need to use seasonings that are soothing and cooling. These include coriander, cilantro, cardamom, saffron, and fennel. Hotter spices such as ginger, cumin, black pepper, fenugreek, clove, salt, and mustard seed should be used sparingly. Very hot seasonings such as chili peppers, and cayenne are best avoided. Chew on fennel seeds after meals to cool down acid in the stomach.
8. For non-vegetarians, chicken, pheasant and turkey are preferable; beef, seafood, and eggs increase Pitta and should be minimized.

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.

 

Dr Santosh Yadav

Ayurvedic Practitioner