Ayurveda, an ancient healing practice from India, is based on the idea that the body contains three different types of energy, or doshas. Each person possesses all three doshas, but one or two are typically dominant. Ayurveda recommends adhering to a diet that addresses the needs of your primary dosha in order to promote overall health, prevent disease and maintain a healthy weight. Do not attempt to use Ayurveda as the only form of treatment for a serious illness. If you are sick, consult a medical professional.
Doshas
The three doshas in Ayurveda are vata, pitta and kapha. Vata is the energy associated with movement. The vata dosha is composed of the elements space and air, and governs bodily functions such as circulation, heartbeat and muscle movement. Pitta, formed from the elements fire and water, controls digestion and metabolism. Kapha, composed of earth and water, supplies the moisture necessary for all bodily functions and maintains the immune system.
Vata Dosha
People with a predominant vata dosha are generally thin and have a fast metabolism. They may tire easily and need to rest. Vata types are usually creative and flexible, but vata imbalances can lead to fear and anxiety. According to the Ayurvedic website WhatsYourDosha.com, vata leads the other doshas. Imbalances in vata can lead to pitta and kapha imbalances, but the reverse is also true: by keeping your vata dosha in balance, your pitta and kapha tendencies will generally be balanced as well.
Foods to Eat
According to the Ayurvedic Institute, vata types can eat a wide variety of sweet fruits, such as apples, apricots, bananas, berries, cherries, dates, figs, grapes, kiwi, mangoes, melon, peaches, pineapple and strawberries. Vatas should generally cook their vegetables. Wheat, quinoa, all kinds of rice, cooked sprouts and sprouted wheat bread are acceptable for vata types. Some legumes can be consumed in moderation, such as red lentils, soy cheese or soy milk and tofu. Most dairy is allowed for vatas, but ice cream, hard cheese and sour cream should be kept to a minimum. Preferred meats for vatas include beef, buffalo, dark chicken, eggs, freshwater fish, salmon, shrimp, tuna and dark turkey. White chicken is acceptable in moderation, as are all nuts are. Suitable vata beverages include almond milk, apple cider, chai and some fruit juices. Beer or white wine is acceptable in moderation.
Foods to Avoid
Vata types should avoid dried fruits and raw or dried vegetables, plus grains such as cold cereals, corn, couscous, granola, millet, muesli, rye, spelt, barley and buckwheat. Pasta and rice cakes can be eaten rarely. Vatas should also avoid legumes such as black beans, black-eyed peas, chick peas, kidney beans, brown lentils, lima beans, navy beans, pinto beans, soy beans and white beans. Powdered milk, frozen yogurt, lamb, pork and white turkey are also prohibited for vatas, as is chocolate, popcorn and flax seed. Beverages to avoid include red wine, black tea, coffee and other caffeinated drinks, cold dairy drinks, iced tea and certain fruit juices.
Herbs and Teas
The use of herbs is a key component in Ayurvedic medicine. Vatas may drink herbal teas such as chamomile, clove, elder flower, eucalyptus, fennel, fenugreek, ginger, lavender, lemon grass, licorice, marshmallow, peppermint, rosehips, saffron, sage and spearmint. Raspberry, strawberry and wintergreen are acceptable in moderation. Avoid blackberry, cinnamon, hibiscus, jasmine, passion flower, red clover and yerba mate.
