After taking our Dosha quiz, you’ve found out that your dominant dosha is Pitta and you’d like to know how to eat in a way that balances out your energy flows. If you feel heavy, sleepy and have difficulty concentrating, then your body is giving you clear and obvious signals: your diet and lifestyle is not correct and you need to change it. But how?
The Pitta vital energy that regulates our body consists of two very different natural elements: Fire and Water. Together these two qualities influence the functioning of the circulatory system, metabolism and hormone production. When these elements are in balance, you tend to be more patient, more enterprising and willing to listen. You often have a good appetite, an accelerated metabolism and always feel in shape even after skipping meals.
On the other hand, their disequilibrium leads to disorders of the digestive system, to changes in mood and inflammation. Ayurveda experts from the Hotel Botánico in Tenerife revealed to us some secrets for balancing out a disequilibrium and maintaining a healthy diet for those with predominantly pitta doshas.
- Fewer spices and fats
Using too much oil in your food increases the acidity of the digestive system and the possibility of inflammation. Fats of animal origin are generally more harmful, while vegetable oils are preferable. Margarine, sesame oil and mustard oil should generally be avoided.
If you do nonetheless need to introduce a little more fat into your diet, Ayurvedic therapists recommend using butter, ghee butter or coconut butter to soothe the acidity inside the body. Spices and herbs such as fennel, cardamom, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon and parsley are recommended for pitta dosha; while mustard, Cayenne pepper and garlic should be avoided.
- Lots of fruit and vegetables
Pineapples, apples, pears, dates, figs, pomegranate, blueberries, peaches and grapes will help your body stay balanced. But acidic fruits such as grapefruit, lemon and orange should be avoided.
Vegetables are particularly suitable for balancing pitta, including small quantities of raw ones. In colder periods of the year or when energy is lacking, cooked vegetable intake is preferred. Tuck into broccoli, cauliflower, potatoes, celery and asparagus.
But bad news for avocado lovers – you should be avoid it, as well as chilli and raw onion.
- Prefer dairy products
Pittas tend to be able to digest dairy products fine. But be careful not to eat large quantities of butter, yogurt and ice cream because they contain acidifying ingredients.
- Drink a lot
Staying hydrated is very important. Don’t drink too much green or black tea as this can have a dehydrating effect. Ideally, you should remove coffee and alcohol from your diet too. Fruit juices, herbal teas or smoothies are best for you.
- Eat cereals
A whole grain diet is particularly suitable for this type of Dosha, as these foods strengthen the digestive system and produce little acidity. Bread and whole-wheat pasta will help you keep your intestinal flora healthy. If you prefer to change your diet, you can also use basmati rice, black rice, couscous, oats and many other types of cereals.
If you are interested in learning more about Ayurvedic medicine, consult one of our guides or embark on a journey to the origins of this therapy by staying in India or Sri Lanka at one of our award winning yoga and Ayurveda retreats. If you don’t want to travel that far, take a look at the Hotel Botanico in Tenerife or our other Ayurveda hotels in Europe.
