Pitta / Kapha Dosha Diet

Your constitution is predominantly fire and water. An excess of fire and water elements creates cold and heat, and heaviness and dampness in the body, specifically in the chest, lungs, sinuses, stomach and small intestines. When balanced, you are adaptable, and cheerful, goal-oriented and a leader. An excess of fire causes heat-related issues like hot temper, being overly critical and impatient, skin rashes, allergies, eye problems, ulcers, and diarrhea. An excess of water creates bronchitis, overweight, and mental lethargy. The aim of Ayurveda is to create a balance between the elements of air , water and fire. To bring fire and water into balance one needs to:

• Consume more bitter and stringent energies in the form of food, aromas, herbs.
• Avoid nightshades (potatoes, tomatoes, eggplant, peppers, chilies) because they may cause allergic reactions.
• Avoid hot foods (e.g. onion, garlic, red peppers), fermented, or fried foods, salt.
• Don't combine milk with yeasted grains.
• Eat in a calm to celestial frame of mind.

HERBS

Coriander, mint, rose petals, saffron, turmeric, triphala, guggul, gokshura, amalaki, manjishtha, arjuna, gotu kola, chamomile, raspberry, shilajit.

FRUIT

(between meals): apples, mango, pears, pomegranate, prunes, raisins.

VEGETABLE

Asparagus, bell pepper, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, burdock root, cabbage, fresh corn, cauliflower, celery, green beans, dandelion, collards, lettuce, okra, parsley, peas, green peppers, squash (scaloppini, spaghetti, summer, yellow creekneck), sprouts, watercress

Avoid fermented foods , pickles, onions, garlic, chilies, because they will aggravate Pitta.

GRAINS

Barley is best, basmati rice, cooked oat bran, wheat bran (moderation). Bread without yeast (or toasted) is advised.

BEANS

The best is mung, which does not cause gas. Adzuki, black, black-eyes, chana dal (garbanzos), lima, navy, pinto, white, and split peas dal are acceptable.

NUTS AND SEEDS

Pumpkin and sunflower in moderation.

OILS

Ghee (clarified butter) can be taken in moderation (2 tsp./day). Sunflower in moderation.

DAIRY

Ghee, yogurt lassi (1 part organic yogurt to 3 parts water).

SWEETENERS

It is better to use very little. Either raw honey or a cane sugar, can be used sparingly.

ANIMAL PRODUCTS

Generally it is better to avoid animal products except for strength when ill. It gives strength but is inharmonious on finer levels. Ghee and lassi are good substitutes. Acceptable foods include poached or boiled egg white, and white meat of chicken and turkey.

BEVERAGES

Juice of aloe vera, apple , pear, berry, carob, fig shake, and fruits and vegetables mentioned above. Teas of alfalfa, barley, bansha, burdock, chamomile, hibiscus, jasmine, lavender, lemon, grass, nettle, raspberry, red clover, rose, saffron, sarsaparilla, mint.

YOGA

Sitting and prone positions are good when Pitta is in excess; standing postures are best when Kapha is aggravated. Shoulder stands (only if there are no heart problems, blood, ear, or eye pressure) and back bends are also good. Deep breathing is calming.

MEDITATION

Can be done anywhere, at any time, either lying down, sitting or walking. It can be done with a mantra, with a thought, a feeling, looking at nature, thinking about God or Universal Energy, or love; virtually anything that doesn't cause strain or worry. Practice giving up worry, fear, negativity, anxiety, and lack of faith. Knowledge and devotion are the most important aspects to practice.

EXERCISE

Moderate to strong: 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.

Aum Shanti, Shanti, Shanti

Peace