Ayurveda Diet

Ayurveda, meaning “the science of life,” originated in India as a holistic approach to create balance within the mind and body by aligning oneself with nature. The belief is that disease results from an imbalance of the doshas: Vata, pitta, and kapha.

Doshas are physiological types that every human exhibits some combination of. The three different types are based on the five elements of nature: ether (or space), fire, air, water, and earth.

Vata corresponds with air, and may indicate a flighty nervous system, inconsistent behavior, and light-heartedness. Pitta represents fire, and usually means a strong personality, leadership qualities, and intense emotions. Kapha primarily represents water, exhibited in a slow, steady demeanor and strong loyalty. Although combinations are common, there is usually one dosha that is dominant.

According to this theory, by eating in accordance with one’s Ayurvedic body type (or dosha), balance and good health can be restored. The Ayurvedic diet focuses on the six basic tastes: Sweet, sour, salty, bitter, pungent, and astringent. The Ayurvedic approach usually includes a combination of yoga, breathing exercises, meditation, mantras, cleanses, and massaging the skin with dosha-specific oil.

Foods to include: 

Vata Dosha: Warm, cooked, nourishing, and easily digestible foods

  • Vegetables

  • Fruit

  • Rice and wheat

  • Poultry

  • Fish

  • Eggs

  • Mung bean dahl

  • Low-fat dairy

  • Tofu

  • Nuts and seeds

  • Healthy oils

Pitta Dosha: Cool, raw, or lightly cooked foods

  • Vegetables

  • Fruits

  • Wheat, rice, barley, and oats

  • Poultry

  • Fish

  • Egg whites

  • Milk

  • Butter

  • Ghee

  • Nuts and seeds

  • Healthy oils

Kapha Dosha: Light, warm, and spicy foods

  • Vegetables

  • Fruits

  • Barley, corn, millet, buckwheat, and rye

  • Poultry

  • Fish

  • Eggs

  • Beans

  • Nuts and seeds

  • Healthy oils

Foods to avoid:

  • Vata types: Cool, non-digestible foods, and sugar

  • Pitta types: Foods overexposed to heat and light, fried foods, and spicy foods

  • Kapha types: Greasy foods and processed sugar

Pros:

  • Honors bio-individuality

  • Focuses on prevention

  • Considers primary food

  • In line with the seasons

  • Emphasizes whole foods

Cons:

  • Scientific evidence limited

  • Diet may be limiting for some people

  • May be difficult to find specialty foods

Sources:

Ayurveda https://www.umms.org/ummc 
Ayurvedic Medicine https://nccih.nih.gov/ 
The Premier Center for Natural Health and Ayurveda https://lifespa.com/ 
The Ayurvedic Institute https://www.ayurveda.com/