How to Follow an Ayurvedic Diet

How to Follow an Ayurvedic Diet



Ayurveda, an alternative healing system, aims to heal the individual mentally and physically. It's often used to treat a variety of ailments including acne, arthritis, hypertension and migraine. One of the most important methods of Ayurvedic healing is through a diet tailor-made for your own body. Follow these steps to learn how to follow an Ayurveda diet.







Know Your Dosha




1


Discover more about the 3 doshas: "Vata," "Pitta" and "Kapha." The doshas represent your mind-body type. They're a very important part of Ayurveda. They're responsible for a person's good health.





2


Take a free dosha quiz to find what your dosha is. Ayurvedic diets are planned around each individual's unique dosha.





3


Follow your dosha to plan your Ayurvedic diet. Each of the 3 doshas requires different foods for balance and well-being.



Choose Foods That Fit Your Dosha




1


Eat foods that are sweet, sour and salty if you have a dominant "Vata dosha." Warm, comfort foods are best for this body type because Vata individuals usually have dry and cold bodies. Dairy products are also recommended.





2


Stock up on foods that are sweet, bitter or astringent if your dosha is Pitta. Pitta individuals are fiery. They're allowed to eat all the cold desserts they want. However, reduce salt, oils and fat, and avoid alcohol, sour foods and heavy foods.





3


Try to avoid butter and foods that are sweet to keep your "Kapha dosha" balanced. Kapha individuals usually have thick hair, skin and bodies. Focus instead on foods that are pungent, bitter and astringent.



Follow the Guidelines for an Ayurvedic Diet




1


Learn to eat your meals only after your previous meal has been properly digested. Make sure your body isn't weighed down while it's still digesting. It needs to properly rid itself of unwanted elements before you start eating again.





2


Realize the proper ways and the effects of combining foods. Ayurveda advises that certain foods shouldn't be eaten together if their properties aren't complementary.





3


Understand the proper seasons to eat certain foods. Based on their general natures, the doshas require certain foods in different seasons. For instance, Pitta individuals, who are fiery in nature, should eat cool foods in the summer but avoid oil and spices that produce heat.





4


Eat organic food. Avoid food that's been processed, dyed, artificially flavored or deep fried. Knowing the origins of your food is helpful in assuring its purity.





5


Expect to spend low-to-moderate amounts when buying food for an Ayurvedic diet.





6


Visit the AyurBalance Web site to learn more about an Ayurvedic diet (see Resources below).








Tips & Warnings










See a medical doctor if you experience chest pains, dizziness or nausea.








Before you start any alternative medical technique, be aware that many have not been scientifically evaluated. Keep your doctor informed about anything new you undertake.



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