According to the International Society for Ayurveda and Health, Ayurveda which means life science, is a comprehensive health care system originating in India that provides a holistic approach to healthy living.
Part of this holistic approach is rooted in the doshas: Vata, Pitta and Kapha, three primary qualities or principles governing the human body. Balancing your inherited combination of the doshas leads to health and well-being. Unfortunately, the lifestyle choices you make, including diet, can create an imbalance resulting in unhealthiness.
Making better choices about the types of food you eat based on your dosha is a first step in restoring balance, and ultimately good health.
Vata Characteristics
According to the Ayurvedic text, "Charaka Samhita", for someone who is predominately Vata, their personality is always moving, adaptable, quick, creative and friendly. Signs that Vata has increased and is creating an imbalance in the body include anxiety, tired but unable to relax, dry skin and short-term memory problems. Eating too many raw, dry foods and drinking too many cold beverages can lead to an increase in Vata.
Vata Diet
An article by Miriam Hospodar published in the "Yoga Journal", states choosing foods that are moist, heavy and cooked with fats and oils will help sooth Vata. Salty, sour or sweet foods are also calming choices, as are dairy products and all types of meat in moderation. Avoid dry food, like toast and cereal, caffeine and other stimulants, as well as spicy food.
Steamed vegetables drizzled with oil, stir-fry, avocado, risotto, nut butters and hot soups are all foods that will help balance Vata.
Pitta Characteristics
The Charaka Samhita defines Pitta characteristics as fiery, specifically the source of a flame but not the flame itself due to the combination of fire and water elements. Those with Pitta in their constitution are sharp, determined, purposeful and intense; ambitious, self-confident and tend to be entrepreneurs.
PItta Diet
In terms of a balancing diet, those who have a predominantly Pitta dosha need to be cooled down. Hospodar's article in the "Yoga Journal" states that Pittas need a reduced amount of fats, oils and salt. Pitta-pacifying foods include ripe fruits and vegetables, except garlic, tomatoes, radishes and chilies. Coriander and mint have a cooling effect, and pomegranates, coconuts, grilled vegetable salads and rice pudding help to reduce Pitta if it is unbalanced.
Kapha Characteristics
Those with Kapha in their inherited constitution are stable and calm, easy-going and are supportive in relationships. They are steady and have a serene quality and are loyal and sweet. When Kapha becomes unbalanced you can become sluggish and tend to gain weight easily, that is why it's particularly important from a dietary standpoint to keep Kapha in balance.
Kapha Diet
Too many deep fried, sweet or heavy foods can cause an increase in Kapha. Too many cold foods or drinks can also lead to an increase as well. Hospodar's article in the "Yoga Journal" states that light, dry, warm foods will help to stimulate and warm-up someone with predominately Kapha in their make-up. Avoid fats and oils, but grains such as barley, buckwheat and rye are good for the Kapha type, as are apples, cranberries and other light, dry fruits. Kaphas can also eat spices, herbs, pumpkin and sunflower seeds, but should avoid salt.
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