Pitta dosha is a classification of a body type in Ayurveda, an ancient science from India centered on increasing the health and longevity of the body. Ayurveda bases these body types on the five elements: earth, fire, water, air and space. According to the book "Ayurveda," Pitta is a body type dominant in fire and water, so balancing a Pitta dosha means adding in more foods from Kapha and Vata dosha and limiting Pitta foods.
Eat Vata and Kapha Foods
Step 1
In Ayurveda, food and beverages are linked to the elements both in their composition and in the types of biological reactions they cause in the body. Pitta foods are spicy and cause fire-based, energy-consuming reactions. Water foods are beverages, soups and those that cause urination, sweating and liquid-based reactions. Avoid Pitta foods like caffeine, spicy food, garlic and ginger to help begin balancing Pitta dosha.
Step 2
Eat Kapha foods. Kapha is earth and water, so eating earth-based foods and beverages will be best to balance Pitta dosha. Kapha foods come from the earth, like grains, rice, flour and some vegetables. Kapha beverages include teas and drinks made from wheat germ or with certain types of grass.
Step 3
Eat Vata foods. Vata is air and space, so foods that have an airy nature and cause air-based reactions, such as belching, are encouraged to balance Pitta dosha. Foods like popcorn, crackers, nuts, raw vegetables, fruits, melons, milk, yogurt and coconut water are good for pacifying Pitta dosha.
Tips and Warnings
- Buy an Ayurvedic cookbook or consult with an Ayurvedic doctor or consultant for a full testing of your dosha to help educate you more on the fundamentals of balancing a Pitta dosha.
- As with any major diet or lifestyle change, consult a medical professional before beginning. In this case, consult with an Ayurvedic specialist as well as your regular doctor.
Things You'll Need
- Foods that come from the earth, such as grains and certain vegetables
- Foods that have an airy quality to them, such as popcorn, crackers, bread or carbonated water or drinks
- Ayurvedic cookbook
References
- "Ayurveda: The Divine Science of Life"; Todd Caldecott; 2006
- "Ayurveda"; Frederic P. Miller, et al.; 2009
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