Ayurveda, a system of holistic health care that originated in India an estimated 5,000 years ago, uses certain diet and lifestyle habits to promote optimum physical, emotional and spiritual health. Ayurveda recognizes three different physiological principles, known as doshas, which are present in every person to varying degrees. To promote optimum health, the doshas must be kept in balance. Ayurveda attributes illness and physical discomfort to dosha imbalances throughout the body. To maintain the proper balance, Ayurveda recommends a system of general dietary guidelines and as well as principles specific to each dosha type.
Doshas
The three doshas in Ayurveda are vata, pitta and kapha. In addition to affecting metabolism and, to some degree, appearance, each dosha is responsible for controlling certain bodily functions. Vata is associated with movement and controls breathing and muscle movement. Vata types are generally thin and easily fatigued. Pitta controls digestion and body temperature. Individuals with a dominant pitta dosha are usually of medium height and build. Kapha controls water and moisture throughout the body and governs the immune system. Kapha individuals may gain weight easily and have a slow metabolism.
General Ayurvedic Guidelines
Certain dietary guidelines exist in Ayurveda that apply to all doshas. Ayurveda recommends drinking plenty of warm water throughout the day to cleanse the digestive tract. In Ayurveda, caffeine is not recommended, nor are periods of fasting, which may create an imbalance in the digestive system. Ayurveda also recommends regular meditation and yoga to improve digestion and keep the mind and body balanced.
Foods to Eat
Ayurveda recommends eating three meals a day -- preferably a light breakfast, a heavier lunch and a light dinner. Ayurvedic meals typically contain fresh fruits and vegetables, legumes, whole grains and spices. According to the Ayurvedic Institute, vata types should eat warm, cooked foods with sweet and salty tastes, while pitta types do best with cool, dry foods with sweet, bitter and astringent tastes. Pittas generally have strong digestive systems and can tolerate heavier foods than vata types. According to AltMD, kapha types should eat mostly dry foods with minimal amounts of cooking oils. Roasting, baking and grilling are good cooking methods for kapha types.
Foods to Avoid
Avoid eating leftovers, as Ayurveda teaches they are difficult to digest. According to AltMD, vatas should avoid cold drinks and ice cream, as well as raw vegetables and red meat. Pittas should avoid fatty foods, red meat, brown rice and all nuts except for almonds. Kapha types should not eat frozen foods or drinks, soy products, dairy, chocolate or sugary pastries. For optimum health, all doshas should avoid fast foods and fried foods.
Considerations
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, Ayurvedic practices are generally safe. However, Ayurveda does recommend the use of herbal supplements, which may cause side effects or interact with certain medications. Talk to a medical professional if you are considering beginning an herbal regimen or making drastic dietary changes. Do not attempt to use Ayurveda to treat a major illness.
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