Dosha Diets

Each of us is a unique individual. We have different body types, and, too, different nutritional requirements. Ayurveda recognizes this, and emphasizes the correct diet for each individual. To achieve balance, the diet for treating each dosha will have the characteristics that are opposite that of the dosha that is dominating and causing the problem.

• The vata body is cold, dry and light, so the diet should be warm, moist and grounding
• The pitta body is hot, wet and light, so the diet should be cooling, dry and nourishing
• The kapha body is cold, wet and heavy, so the diet should be warm, dry and light

Vatas should strive to concentrate on sweet, sour and salty tastes- the anabolic, building tastes. Salty taste is best for vata because it promotes moisture retention in the tissues. Oat is a great moistening food. Eat it with warm, instead of cold, milk.

Pittas should use mainly sweet, bitter, and astringent- the cooling tastes. Bitter is best for pitta because it is the most cooling. Green vegetables are great for cooling down hot pittas.

And you kaphas, like me, should primarily consume pungent, bitter and astringent- the catabolic, detoxifying tastes. Pungent is the best for kapha because it is warming and drying. Ginger tea is ideal for warming up kapha.

If any of you have taken the challenge to determine your Ayurvedic constitution and adjust your diet, share your inspiring story with the rest of us.