Pitta type: diet according to Ayurveda

Use the Agni

Normally, a Pitta type has a very good digestive fire, which is manifested by strong hunger and thirst, stable health, and lots of physical and sexual energy.

Typical Pitta disturbances

However, if the Pitta is disturbed by emotional tension or anger, great heat as in midsummer, and the excessive consumption of alcohol, meat, sugar, and extracted flour, the first thing that becomes noticeable is poor utilization of food and a pronounced lack of vital substances. People with a Pitta disorder then struggle with stomach irritation, inflammation, heartburn, skin blemishes, diarrhea and headaches. Their metabolism is overacidified, producing frequent belching, sweating and emotional irritability as signs of the internal imbalance of bodily fluids.

Sweet instead of sour

To restore the digestive system to its former strength, it is not only important to avoid all acidic foods, but also to change one's eating habits. Thorough chewing and salivating small meals (the stomach should not be more than two-thirds full), along with foods rich in vital substances such as crunchy vegetables, salads and raw vegetable juices, help to strengthen the digestive juices in particular. All very acidic foods like citrus fruits, pineapple, tomatoes and hot spices like chili, horseradish and garlic irritate the digestive system even more and should be avoided.

The best remedy for pitta disturbances are all sweet and bitter spices such as cinnamon, coriander, fennel, saffron and dill, cool spring water, fresh salads, tart herbs and ghee. Ghee is called the pure butterfat, and it is an important remedy in Ayurvedic medicine. Its delicate flavor not only enhances all foods, but it also reduces too much heat, acidity and nervousness in the body.

Soothe the digestive fire

Ayurveda often speaks of Agni, the digestive fire. This digestive fire is very closely related to Pitta and needs special care from people with a high Pitta content. At noon, Agni is naturally strongest and this is when the main meal should be eaten according to Ayurvedic recommendations. Due to the good digestive juices, heavy foods or sumptuous menus can be better utilized here between 12:00 and 13:00 than at any other time of day. Many Pitta types can feel their strong Agni through a fierce appetite from 11:00 noon, and they easily become impatient and irritable if they have to wait for their meals. The seat of agni is in the liver, and the cause of many pitta complaints are also found in this area. For good liver metabolism, Ayurveda recommends daily juice of half a lemon and foods containing vitamin A, such as carrots, kale, parsley and apricots. These also help with blemished skin, acne and poor eyesight.

Pitta woman

Ayurvedic diet for a life in balance

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5 tips for the diet for Pitta disorders

    Pitta increases due to excess heat and acidity. So if you drink too much coffee or regularly consume acidic citrus fruits, tomatoes, and fermented foods, you may develop a pitta disorder. Increased sweating, flushing of the skin, heartburn and stomach burn, sensitive eyes, and premature graying or loss of hair can result. Improper fasting and starvation diets, as well as excessive sweating from saunas, unprotected sunbathing or exercise, can also disrupt your Pitta. What's a good thing to do now? Shift down a gear and find the right balance for you.

  1. Eat your main meal at lunch with lots of raw vegetables or salad and avoid all very hot foods and spices.

  2. Reduce all acidifying drinks and foods such as coffee, black tea, alcohol, meat, sugar and white flour products.

  3. Balance stress and tension physically with sports, dancing, gardening, or other physical activity.

  4. Don't be too demanding and ambitious with yourself and others, but practice tolerance and equanimity.

  5. Sing happy and spiritual songs every day.

Ayurvedic diet for the Pitta type

What belongs in the Pitta diet plan?

To pacify pitta dosha or balance a pitta imbalance, cooling, bitter or sweet ingredients are particularly suitable. The following foods can have a beneficial effect on your well-being:

 

Fruits Apple, avocado, coconut, fig, melon, pear, plum, pomegranate, mango. Dried fruit should be avoided.
Vegetables Asparagus, cabbage, cucumber, cauliflower, celery, French beans, lettuce, peas, parsley, potatoes, zucchini, sprouts, cress, chicory.
Cereals barley, oats (cooked), basmati or white rice
Legumes All legumes, except lentils
Nuts and seeds none, except sunflower and pumpkin seeds
Oils and fats Ghee, olive oil
Spices not too much spices, little salt

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