The ancient healing system of Ayurveda uses herbal remedies, lifestyle recommendations and personalized diets to prevent disease and achieve optimal health. In order to determine your idea Ayurvedic diet, you must first identify your dominant dosha. Individuals with a dominant pitta dosha will need to eat foods that help balance their pitta energy.
The Pitta Dosha
Ayurveda identifies three types of energy in the body, which are called doshas. Each person possesses all three doshas--vata, pitta and kapha--but one or more is typically dominant. The pitta dosha is associated with the element fire and is responsible for governing bodily functions related to digestion, including metabolism, absorption of nutrients and body temperature.
Pitta Characteristics
The pitta dosha is typically associated with the qualities of heat, light and intensity, reports the Chopra Center. Pitta individuals may have a warm body temperature and sensitive skin that is reddish in color. They tend to have strong appetites and good digestive systems and are able to maintain their weight easily. Pitta types are often intellectual, discerning and good decision makers. When their pitta energy is in balance, they can be quick-witted and outspoken.
Pitta Imbalances
Imbalances in the pitta dosha can lead to irritability and an argumentative nature. Pitta types may be prone to skin rashes, heartburn, excessive body heat, indigestion and ulcers. When pitta types experience stress, they tend to blame others.
Foods to Eat
To keep the pitta dosha balanced, the Chopra Center recommends eating cool foods and liquid that can counter pitta's heat. Pitta types can eat some dairy, including milk, butter, soft cheeses and ice cream. Acceptable fruits for a pitta balancing diet include sweet fruits such as apples, apricots, berries, cherries, red and purple grapes, ripe mangoes, melons and watermelon. Sweet and bitter vegetables to consume on a pitta balancing diet include asparagus, broccoli, cooked carrots, cauliflower, cucumber, green beans and leafy greens. You may also eat white chicken or turkey, freshwater fish, buffalo meat and egg whites.
Foods to Avoid
If you are a pitta type, avoid beef, dark meat chicken, egg yolks, pork, salmon and tuna. You may eat shrimp in moderation. Avoid sour fruits, including lemons, green mangoes, green grapes or sour oranges, as well as pungent vegetables such as raw onions, garlic, fresh corn, eggplant, hot peppers, zucchini, raw spinach and tomatoes. Stay away from sour cream and other sour foods. Limit your consumption of hard alcohol, coffee, carbonated drinks, tomato juice and sour juices.
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