Understanding Ayurveda
Ayurveda, referred to as the "Science of Life," a 5,000 years old medicinal system that originated in India. It's based on the fundamental principle that the key to a healthy life lies in balancing the mind, body, and spirit. The ancient Indian system of medicine, has gained significant recognition for its holistic approach to well-being. This holistic approach extends to strengthening the immune system, a critical aspect of maintaining good health.
The Three Doshas
Ayurveda categorizes individuals into three distinct body types, or doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Each dosha is associated with specific traits and tendencies.
VATA
Vata embodies the energy of movement and is therefore often associated with wind and the air element. Vata is linked to creativity and flexibility; it governs all movement—the flow of the breath, the pulsation of the heart, all muscle contractions, tissue movements, cellular mobility—and communication throughout the mind and the nervous system.
PITTA
Pitta represents the energy of transformation and is therefore closely aligned with the fire element. But in living organisms, pitta is largely liquid, which is why water is its secondary element. Pitta is neither mobile nor stable, but spreads—much as the warmth of a fire permeates its surroundings, or as water flows in the direction dictated by the terrain.
KAPHA
Kapha lends structure, solidity, and cohesiveness to all things, and is therefore associated primarily with the earth and water elements. Kapha also embodies the watery energies of love and compassion. This dosha hydrates all cells and systems, lubricates the joints, moisturizes the skin, maintains immunity, and protects the tissues.
Dosha Diet
Though limited evidence supports the idea, following an Ayurvedic diet based on a person’s dosha is believed to help them balance their dosha and achieve optimal health
Food to Eat
Warm, “moist”, and soft foods (e.g., berries, bananas, peaches, cooked vegetables, oats, brown rice, lean meat, eggs, dairy)
Food to Avoid
Bitter, dried, and cold foods (e.g., raw vegetables, cold desserts, dried fruit, nuts, seeds)
Spicy, acidic, and filling foods (e.g., most fruits and vegetables, whole grains, eggs, low fat cheese, unprocessed meats, hot spices)
New York, Nheavy, “fatty” foods (e.g., fats, oils, processed foods, nuts, seeds)
Light, cold, sweet, and energizing foods (e.g., fruits, non-starchy vegetables, oats, eggs)
Heavy, spicy, and sour foods (e.g., red meat, potatoes, hot spices)