Pitta Dosha Diet

Your constitution is predominantly fire. An excess of the fire element creates heat in the body, specifically in the small intestines, liver, spleen, gall bladder, blood, and heart. When balanced, you are warm, adaptable, cheerful, goal oriented , have leadership qualities. An excess of fire causes heat -related behaviour, such as hot temper, being overly critical and impatient, skin rashes, allergies, eye problems , ulcers , diarrhea. The aim of Ayurveda is to create a balance between the elements of air, water, and fire. To bring fire into balance one needs to:

• Consume more bitter and astringent energies in the form of food, aromas, and herbs.
• Avoid hot foods (e.g. onions, garlic, red peppers), fermented or fried foods, salt.
• Eat every 4 to 5 hours.
• Avoid nightshades (potatoes, tomatoes, eggplant, peppers, chilies) as they may cause allergic reactions.
• Don't combine milk with yeasted grains.
• Eat in a calm to celestial frame of mind.
• Increase consumption of sweet fruit juices and herbal teas.
• Consume cold, heavy, moist blander foods.
• Avoid alcohol and smoking because of their heating nature.
• Emotionally cultivate clarity rather than critical nature.

HERBOLOGY

DIGESTION: Coriander, mint, aloe, gentian, barberry, fennel, turmeric.

FRUIT: Most fruit is calming and cooling, harmonizing and thirst quenching. Apples, pears, pomegranates are excellent. Pineapples, cranberries, persimmons, melons, prunes, dates, figs, grapes, are also very good. Mangos, plums, and raspberries are helpful. Sour and certain other fruits, such as lemons, limes, apricots, bananas, cherries, papayas, peaches, and strawberries, will aggravate heat.

VEGETABLES: Most vegetables are also good for Pitta dosha, especially if eaten raw or slightly steamed. The best vegetables are cauliflower, cilantro, alfalfa sprouts, sunflower sprouts, celery. Second best is broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, asparagus, lettuce, beans, peas, cucumbers, and okra. Finally, parsley, bell peppers, fresh corn, and squash are acceptable. Root vegetables (beets and carrots), nightshades (eggplant, tomato, potato), mustard greens, parsley, spinach, and sweet potatoes may cause difficulty. Hot spicy foods like chilies, garlic, onions, pickles, and radishes greatly increase the fire element.

GRAINS: Most grains are cooling for Pitta.The best are cooked whole wheat , basmati rice, oats, barley, granola, couscous, and quinoa. Finally, long grain brown rice, blue corn, and millet. Short grain brown rice , buckwheat, corn, and rye may be too heating and create Pitta discomfort. Whole grain pastas are good.Yeast-free breads are good; bread containing yeast should be toasted.

BEANS: Best is mung, which does not cause gas. Most beans are acceptable for Pitta dosha, though it is better to cook them with cumin or cardamom to aid digestion. Also good are adzuki, tofu, lima, kidney, soy, split , and chick peas. Lentils and peanuts may cause indigestion.

(Some practitioners accept various forms of lentils).

NUTS and SEEDS: The best are coconut and sunflower seeds. Seeds are a preferred source of protein over fish and poultry.

OILS: Ghee (clarified butter), sunflower, butter( unsalted), soy.

DAIRY: Ghee, boiled milk (then left to cool), yogurt lassi (1 part of organic yogurt to 1 part water), cottage cheese (unsalted).

SWEETENERS: Most sweeteners are good. It is better to avoid white sugar, honey, and molasses in excess.

ANIMAL PRODUCTS: Generally, it is better to avoid animal products except when needed for strength. Animal products give strength but are inharmonious on finer levels. Animal foods that balance Pitta include egg whites, chicken, and turkey (white meat).

BEVERAGES: Juice of aloe vera, apple, pear, berry, carob, vegetables according to above section , fig shake, boiled milk, other fruit juices mentioned above. Teas include alfalfa, barley, bansha, burdock, chamomile, chicory, chrysanthemum, dandelion, hibiscus, jasmine, lavender, lemon grass, nettle, raspberry, red clover, rose, saffron, sarsaparilla, mint.

YOGA: Sitting and prone positions are good for Pitta dosha. Shoulder stands (only if there is no heart problems) and back bends are also good. Deep breathing is calming.

MEDITATION: can be done anywhere at any time, lying down, sitting, walking.It can be with a mantra, with a thought, a feeling, looking at nature, thinking about God or Universal Energy, love or virtually anything that doesn't cause strain or worry. Practice giving up anger and impatience. Knowledge and devotion are the most important aspects.

LIFESTYLE: Take walks by the water or in gardens in the full moon. Work in flower gardens and practice sweet speech, forgiveness, and contentment. Moderate exercise. Walking is best.

Please Remember: Do not force anything! Listen to what your system tells you. One's intuition is the best doctor. Please enjoy these suggestions and feel an increasingly healthy and harmonious life.