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What is it? -

Ayurveda is a natural system of healing wisdom developed in India more than 5,000 years ago.

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Meaning -

The word Ayurveda in Sanskrit roughly means “the knowledge of life” and is still widely practiced in India, with strong influences visible around the world.

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Philosophy -

Its main belief is that principles and foods can help the body’s innate intelligence and promote natural self healing.

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Body types -

The foods each person should eat depend on that person’s body constitution, which is known as the dosha.

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The doshas -

The three body constitution types are vata, pitta and kapha, which correspond to different body types, tendencies, personality traits, and nutritional needs.

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The Doshas: elements -

Five basic elements make up each dosha: ether (the upper regions of space), air, fire, water, and earth.

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The goal -

Ayurvedic practices and diet aim at preventing imbalances in the doshas, which can result from an unhealthy lifestyle, nutrient deficiencies, lack or excess of physical activity, stress, seasonal fluctuations, and toxin exposure.

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How to determine your dosha -

The dosha is determined by your physical attributes and personality traits. Read the following descriptions and see which dosha best fits your characteristics.

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The doshas: vata (air and space) -

A vata type tends to have dry, rough skin, be thin with smaller bones, and have cold extremities. This type tends to be creative, open-minded, curious, but also stressed, and scatterbrained.

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The doshas: vata -

Health wise, vatas tend to be susceptible to neurological disorders, insomnia, arthritis, and heart disease.

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The doshas: pitta (fire and little water) -

A pitta type tends to be more proportionate in height and weight, with a tendency to run warm. This type is also known for being intelligent, hardworking, and competitive but also angry and aggressive a times.

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The doshas: pitta -

Health wise, pittas are susceptible to overexertion, hypertension, heart disease, infectious diseases and digestive conditions.

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The doshas: kapha (earth and water) -

This type tends to have a stocky build and thicker skin, and to put on weight more easily. This type is also known for being grounded, supportive, loving and forgiving, but also low energy, insecure, and sad at times.

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The doshas: kapha -

Health wise, kaphas are more susceptible to illnesses like diabetes, cancer, obesity, fluid retention. and respiratory illnesses.

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For each dosha -

Ayurveda is based on rhythmic changes in nature, so the diet changes throughout the year.

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Foods to eat: vata -

Because vata is a colder dosha, warm, nourishing foods are recommended. These include salty, sour, and sweet tastes that are soothing and satisfying, such as milk, cream, butter, soups, stews, bread, and nuts.

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Foods to reduce: vata -

Cold foods, like salads, iced drinks, raw vegetables, and greens should not be prioritized. Avoiding astringent foods, like caffeine, candies, and unripe fruits is also advisable.

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Food examples: vata -

Best vegetables: asparagus, beets, carrots, cucumber, garlic, green beans, and onions.

Best fruits: bananas, apricots, avocados, berries, cherries, coconut, and grapefruit.

Best meats: chicken, seafood, and turkey.

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Foods to eat: pitta -

Because pittas tend to run warm, cold foods help balance it out. These include bitter, sweet, and astringent tastes, like salads, milk, and ice cream. Because red meat increases body temperature, pittas fare better on a vegetarian diet.

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Foods to reduce: pitta -

Pittas should use less butter and avoid pickles, sour cream, and cheese. Lemon juice is a better choice over vinegar. Alcohol, caffeine, and fermented foods should be kept to a minimum. Pittas should also skip egg yolks, nuts, hot spices, honey, and fried foods.

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Food examples: pitta -

Best vegetables: Asparagus, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, radishes, and cauliflower.

Best fruits: Bananas, avocados, cherries, coconuts, figs, mangoes, oranges, and melons.

Best meats: Chicken, shrimp, turkey, and river fish.

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Favorable foods: kapha -

Warm, light, and dry food is favorable. Kaphas should favor lightly cooked foods and raw fruits and vegetables. Favor spicy foods, romaine lettuce, endive, and tonic water, as well as cumin, fenugreek, sesame seed, and turmeric.

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Foods to reduce: kapha -

Kaphas should avoid too many sweet and fatty foods, and need to watch their salt consumption. Deep-fried foods, dairy products, ghee, and oils should also be kept to a minimum.

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Food examples: kapha -

Best vegetables: Asparagus, beets, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and carrots.

Best fruits: Apples, apricots, berries, cherries, cranberries, papaya, and pears.

Best meats: Chicken, turkey, and lean fish.

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Best routine: vata -

Maintain a consistent daily routine and keep exercises both gentle and regulated.

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Best environment: vata -

This type should avoid very cold and windy conditions, as well as dry climates.

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Best setting: vata - Avoid too much travel and prioritize sleep.

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Best routine: pitta -

Pitta can improve their balance by engaging in quiet and contemplative activities and choose cooler times of day to do physical exercise, and keep cool physically and mentally.

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Best environment: pitta -

Plenty of fresh air are fundamental for pittas’ well-being. Avoid situations of excessive heat, steam, or humidity and take plenty of fluids.

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Best attitude: pitta -

Be considerate and patient with others and avoid situations of potential conflict. Moderation is key in all aspects for this dosha type.

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Best routine: kapha -

Kaphas should wake before dawn, sleep less, and avoid sleeping during the day. Engage in plenty of physical exercise daily, choosing activities that stimulate and energize the body and mind, and build the metabolic rate.

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Best environment: kapha -

Warm and dry settings are favorable for this dosha type.

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Best attitude: kapha -

Allow for excitement, challenge, and variety in life and attempt to break away from routine and stagnation in your way of thinking and behaving.

See also: Important reasons to drink more water

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