Ayurveda is called the "science of life." Ayurveda uses the concept of the vata-pitta-kapha model to determine which dosha or combination of doshas, is most prominent in a person. Gary Gran, an ayurvedic practitioner, says there are seven basic types of people and kapha-vata is one of them. He says kapha-vata is the "air-water" type, and people with this type are usually overweight and malnourished and are subject to problems with poor digestion and poor immunity. They can also suffer from too much cold, so it's important to eat foods that are warming.
Qualities of the Dosha
The doshas have qualities based on their elements. Tom Billings, of Living Foods, says depending on the qualities of foods and herbs ingested, the body will increase or decrease specific doshas. If similar items are ingested, the dosha will increase. If antagonistic items are ingested, the dosha will decrease. Qualities of the vata dosha include dry, cold, light, mobile, clear, subtle and rough. Qualities of the kapha dosha include oily, cold, heavy, stable, smooth, viscid and soft.
Eating Ayurvedic Style
Ayurvedic diets match the foods to your body type. You want to eat foods that sustain your body type and help you to be more balanced. You want to avoid eating foods that will unbalance your natural tendencies as described by your dosha. In order to eat according to Ayurvedic style, you must learn the properties of foods, match foods to your state of balance or imbalance and listen to your body to learn the reaction of certain foods.
Foods to Eat
Gran says stews, soups, warm food and drinks are good to help counteract the susceptibility the kapha-vata have toward cold. Sweet, fresh fruits, cooked vegetables, whole grains, cereal, beans that are well-cooked and easy to digest, fish, chicken, turkey, eggs and natural sweeteners, like honey, are all good foods to help balance the kapha-vata dosha.
Foods to Avoid
Avoid foods that are greasy, heavy in creams and oils, canned or prepared foods, processed food, junk food, candy, cake, fast food, ice-cold drinks, alcohol and white sugar. Organic butter and ghee should be used sparingly. Kapha-vata doshas should be careful with dairy products and only eat small amounts of skim milk, cottage cheese or goat cheese. Avoid red meats or fatty meats, as well as artificial sweeteners.
Dosha Activity
Dual doshas, such as kapha-vata, are more common than single doshas. Billings says to properly manage the doshas, you need to know what seasons and times of day are characterized by their doshas. Vata is most predominant between the hours of 3 and 6 p.m. and from 3 to 6 a.m. Kapha is most predominant between the hours of 6 and 9 p.m. Winter and early spring are the most active seasons for kapha and fall is the season for vata.
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