Eating According to Your Dosha
Human beings, according to Ayurvedic practitioners, require the balance of three types of energy, each of which is linked to natural elements:
- Vata is the moving energy coupled with space and air.
- Pitta is the metabolic energy connected with fire and water.
- Kapha is the earth and water-related energy of your body's structure.
Although everyone has Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, a person's dosha is the predominant energy in their body. Therefore, your consumption of food should correlate to your dosha.
Determining your Dosha
People who are new to Ayurveda may find it difficult to determine their dosha. Although lists of characteristics for each dosha can be found online, the National Ayurvedic Medical Association recommends consulting with a competent Ayurvedic practitioner if you're not sure which dosha is prominent in your case.
Dietary Recommendations for Vata-dominant People
The following are the do's and don'ts if the vata dosha is dominant:
- Eat three to four light meals a day, spaced at least two hours apart.
- Include a lot of cooked vegetables.
- Avoid eggplants, peppers, and tomatoes, which are nightshade veggies.
- Astringent fruits, such as cranberries and raw apples, should be avoided.
- Legumes should be consumed in moderation.
- Consume a diverse range of nuts and seeds, particularly in the form of nut milk.
- Sugar, alcohol, and cigarettes are all addictive things to avoid.
Dietary Recommendations for Pitta-dominant People
If you're wondering how to reduce pitta immediately, adopt the following recommendations:
- In the spring and summer, eat a lot of raw vegetables and salads.
- Meat, seafood, and eggs should be consumed in moderation.
- Spicy foods, caffeine, and alcohol should all be avoided.
- Nuts and seeds should be avoided.
- Consume legumes and lentils in moderation.
- Dairy products, especially those that are sweetened, should be consumed.
Dietary Recommendations for Kapha-dominant People
If you're diagnosed with a dominant Kapha dosha, you should follow these recommendations:
- Reduce the amount of food you consume.
- Avoid dairy and high-fat foods.
- Protein should be kept to a minimum.
- Consume a lot of leafy greens and vegetables that have been produced above ground (as opposed to root veggies).
- Astringent fruits such as apples, cranberries, mangoes, and peaches should be consumed.
- Limit your intake of animal products, nuts, and seeds.
Note: Only a few studies have looked at the efficacy of Ayurvedic meals based on the dosha type. In 2014, a short pilot study with 22 participants found that the diet resulted in considerable weight loss when paired with yoga practice.
Also Read: Ayurvedic Immunity Booster Pros, Cons, Intake & More | Things To Know
Ayurvedic Medicine for Weight Loss
Ayurvedic weight loss supplements are available in tablet, capsule, and powder form in the market. Unfortunately, while some of these products may aid weight loss, little evidence supports their use as Ayurvedic treatment for weight loss.
Before considering dietary supplements for weight loss, you should, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), consult your doctor.
Dietary supplements are not subjected to the same testing and regulation as pharmaceuticals. As a result, knowing exactly what's in a supplement can be difficult. Supplements can also interact with meds you're currently taking.
Ayurvedic Medicine to Lose Belly Fat
While it is difficult to reduce weight and eliminate belly fat overnight, Ayurveda recommends specific nutrients that may assist in achieving the desired effects:
- Fenugreek (methi) seeds
- Guggul
- Vijaysar
- Triphala
- Punarnava
- Cinnamon (dalchini)
Ayurvedic Medicine for Obesity
Some of the many medicinal plants that aid in weight loss are Triphala, Brahmi, and Garcinia Cambogia. Fresh curry leaves, turmeric, mint, and spices like ginger, cinnamon, and black pepper are easily accessible and beneficial.
Guggul, a gum resin derived from the Commiphora Mukul tree, is a well-known natural material that, once refined and appropriately processed, can treat obesity issues. It helps to break down fat cells. Other well-known herbs used in Ayurvedic weight loss treatments include Kalonji (black cumin) and Vijaysar (Kino tree).
Ayurvedic Health Tips
Diet trends and fads advocate a rigorous diet that may not be good for everyone and is sometimes difficult to maintain. Ayurveda takes a different approach to diet.
Some Ayurvedic tips are given below:
- Focus on health to achieve and maintain an optimal weight
- Make sure to get enough sleep
- Hydrate properly
- Cultivate new rituals for eating
- Choose foods that support weight loss and avoid foods that do not support it
- Reduce stress and eat less sugar.
Ayurvedic Diet for Weight Loss
- Eat three satisfactory meals daily
- Make your dinner light and eat before 7 pm
- Eat a kapha-pacifying diet
- Exercise at least three days a week
- Sip on hot water or tea throughout the day
- Sleep well
Is Ayurvedic Medicine Safe?
Ayurvedic medicine concepts have been practised for thousands of years. Whole foods, including a wide variety of vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, are abundant in an Ayurvedic diet. These medicinal ingredients are extremely safe and can be taken as part of your daily routine.
Furthermore, moderation and attentive eating are emphasized in Ayurvedic diets. Ayurvedic approach to healthcare stresses prevention, physical activity, stress reduction, and a healthy lifestyle. All of those guidelines and practices are healthy and safe.
