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.
