Ayurveda —Foods To Avoid For Vata Imbalance

**If you already know about the doshas, you can skip this part…

In Ayurvedic medicine, everyone has a specific dosha that determines the kinds of foods, activities and lifestyle that is best suited for their unique combination.

The doshas are based on the elements: space, air, fire, water, and earth. and are categorized by Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.

When these three doshas are in balance, mentally, spiritually, and physically, good health is experienced. When our doshas are out of balance, we begin to experience illness.

Once you’ve determined your dosha, you will have a better idea of how to care for your combination and live a healthier, more balanced life.

Qualities of Vata

Physically they are dry, light, cold and rough.
Emotionally they are anxious, fearful, and insecure with mood swings.
Mentally they are fast, active multitaskers, although a bit scattered.
Spiritually they are sensitive, clairvoyant and with a powerful imagination.

Vata Disorders
Asthma
Insomnia
Headache
Sciatica
Lower Back Pain
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Imbalanced Nervous System
Painful Menstruation
Constipation and Gas
Depression, Fear and Anxiety

If you find yourself with a Vata imbalance, avoid these foods until you are able to pacify Vata or eliminate forever.

To keep it conscious and kind, I will only cover fruits, vegetables, nuts, grains, and legumes.

FRUITS to avoid:

*Most dried fruit
Cranberries
Pears
Persimmons
Pomegranates
Watermelon
Apples (Raw)

VEGETABLES to avoid:

*Any frozen, raw or dried veggies
Eggplant
Potatoes (Sweet Potatoes, ok!)
Artichokes
Broccoli
Brussels Sprouts
Celery
Corn
Kale
Mushrooms
Green Olives
Squash
Turnips
Bitter Melon
Dandelion Greens
Peppers (Sweet and hot)

NUTS to avoid:

None!
All nuts are great for Vata.
Oily, fatty and yum-diddlee-umptious!

GRAINS to avoid:

Barley
Bread (with yeast)
Buckwheat
Cereals
Corn
Couscous
Crackers
Granola
Muesli
Millet
Oat/Wheat Bran (unless it’s cooked)
Rye
Spelt
Tapioca

LEGUMES to avoid:

Black Beans
Chick Beans
Kidney Beans
Brown Lentils
Soy Beans
Tempeh
Pinto Beans
Navy Beans
White Beans
Split Peas
Lima Beans

If you find yourself suffering from a Vata disorder, avoid these foods and refer to Recommended Foods For Vata Dosha.

With extra care and attention, you’ll soon be on your way towards balanced healing.

Want some tridoshic options that’s balancing for everyone?

Recommended Foods For All Doshas

_____________________________________________

Resources:

1. Tirtha, Sada Shiva. The Āyurveda encyclopedia: natural secrets to healing, prevention & longevity. Ayurveda Holistic Center Press, 2007.

2. Lad, Usha, and Vasant Lad. Ayurvedic cooking for self-Healing. The Ayurvedic Press, 2016

3. Frawley, David, and Vasant Lad. The yoga of herbs: an ayurvedic guide to herbal medicine. Lotus Press, 2008.

4. Immel, John. “School of Ayurvedic Diet & Digestion.” Ayurvedic Diet & Recipes, www.joyfulbelly.com/.