According to the ancient healing system of Ayurveda, disease occurs when there is an imbalance in the body's energy types or when toxins accumulate in the body. Ayurveda uses lifestyle recommendations, personalized diet plans and herbal treatments to promote the proper flow of energy in the body and the proper elimination of toxins. Eating a diet designed to balance your primary energy type, or dosha, may help you prevent and treat disease.
Doshas
According to Ayurveda, each person possesses varying degrees of the five essential elements: air, ether, fire, earth and water. These elements combine to form different types of energy known as doshas. The three doshas---vata, pitta and kapha---are responsible for controlling all bodily functions. Vata, which is composed of air and ether, governs movement, breathing and muscle control. Pitta, which is made up of fire and water, controls digestion, metabolism and absorption of nutrients. Kapha, which is formed from earth and water, supplies water to all the body parts and lubricates the system. Ayurvedic medicine teaches that all individuals have one or more dominant doshas, which determines their constitutional type.
Kapha Physical Characteristics
Kapha types are usually large and strong individuals with a strong appetite but a slower metabolism. They may gain weight easily and have difficulty losing it. Qualities associated with kapha include heavy, slow, cold and oily. Kapha types may have thick, oily hair, large eyes and smooth skin. They may sleep deeply and have difficultly awakening in the morning. When kapha is out of balance, it can lead to weight gain, fluid retention, overeating, asthma and other respiratory problems and allergies.
Kapha Emotional Characteristics
According to the Chopra Center, kapha types are generally calm, thoughtful, loyal and supportive. They like routine and are able to stay in jobs or relationships for long periods of time. They are generally easygoing, accepting and supportive. Kapha imbalances can make them stubborn, lethargic or depressed. When faced with stress, kapha types are resistant to change and may try avoiding the problem.
Foods to Eat
According to the Ayurvedic Institute, kapha types do well with bitter, pungent or astringent foods such as apples, berries, apricots, cherries, asparagus, beets, broccoli, cauliflower, garlic, green beans and leafy greens. You may eat grapes, peaches and strawberries in moderation. For grains, choose foods made with barley, buckwheat corn or millet. You may eat quinoa and wild rice occasionally. White meat chicken and turkey, eggs and freshwater fish are all permissible for a kapha balancing diet.
Foods to Avoid
Avoid sweet and sour fruits and vegetables such as banana, avocado, grapefruit, kiwi, pineapple, melon, cucumber, sweet potatoes, zucchini and raw tomatoes. You may eat tomatoes if they are cooked. Avoid cooked oats, rice and wheat, as well as beef, dark meat chicken or turkey, pork, salmon and tuna. Limit your intake of alcohol and caffeinated beverages.
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