In Ayurvedic medicine, everyone has a specific dosha that will determine the foods, activities and lifestyle that is best suited for their combination.
These 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 you’re dosha, you will have a better idea of how to care for your combination and live a healthier, more balanced life.
This quick Ayurvedic Intake will help you determine your unique dosha.
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 multi-taskers, 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. For the purposes of keeping it simple in this article, I will only cover fruits, vegetables, nuts, grains, and legumes. For a more in depth list, contact me!
FRUITS to avoid:
*Most dried fruit
– Cranberries
– Pears
– Persimmons
– Pomegranates
– Watermelon
– Apples (unless they’re cooked and spiced)
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:
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:
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
Check out these other articles:
Foods To Avoid For Kapha Imbalance
Recommended Foods For Pitta Dosha
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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
4. Immel, John. “School of Ayurvedic Diet & Digestion.” Ayurvedic Diet & Recipes, www.joyfulbelly.com/.
