CHAPTER 5: Eastern Interpretations

This last chapter serves as an alternate perspective on the concept of eating for your own specific body type. You know all about the food guide and its servings, as well as the macronutrient ratios and how those play into your nutritional well-being. However there are also cultures of the Eastern world that view nutrition a little bit differently; the one you’re going to read about comes from an ancient medical system in India, and it is called the Ayurvedic Diet.

The Ayurvedic Diet

(Many concepts in this chapter can be found on Dr. Oz’s website under The Ayurvedic Diet: Eating for Your Body Type”.)

Ayurveda is, essentially, a natural and holistic method of healing that allows you to feel balanced - both physically and mentally - and keep you feeling vital and happy with little effort aside from how you eat. Rather than taking into account what nutrients, supplements, or specific foods your body needs based on scientific investigation, Ayurveda involves a simple, direct path that is developed for your personal body type, known as your dosha. There are three of these doshas in the Ayurvedic diet - Vata, Pitta, and Kapha - each of which have their own unique characteristics. As you might notice as you read, these doshas can be compared to the different body types discussed in Chapter 4. The most accurate way of determining your dosha is to consult an ayurvedic physician, but you can also take a short quiz (which can be found on the Dr. Oz site) that will give you some insight into your main dosha; many people are a combination of two, but one will generally dominate the other.

Kapha

Those with the Kapha dosha typically have wide-set hips and shoulders, thick wavy hair, and adequate physical stamina. Physically, this dosha is comparable to an endomorph, meaning such individuals should reduce their intake of simple carbohydrates and focus more on leafy vegetables and healthy fats. They tend to be slow learners, but have great memories to make up for it. Kapha individuals are also typically loyal and reliable, and are considered “rocks” in a relationship. When they aren’t balanced, these individuals tend to suffer from sinus congestion, poor circulation, and a slow metabolism, making them prone to obesity. Kapha individuals may use garlic in their diet to counter the congestion, and may take herbal supplements to help with metabolism - though really, Kapha types should just make sure to get enough exercise every day to combat obesity, preferably cardiovascular exercise. Diet-wise, Kapha types should reduce their intake of oils, fats, sweets, and salt, and should focus on using a lot of spices and eating a lot of vegetables and other high-fibre foods (Chaudhary, 2012). http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/ayurvedic-diet-how-eat-your-body-type

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Pitta

Those with the Pitta dosha tend to be of medium build. Physically, this dosha is comparable to a mesomorph body type, and these individuals should therefore favour vegetables over fruits (complex vs. simple carbs) but still have a moderate amount of carbohydrates in their diet. They have good muscle tone, feel warm a lot of the time, have premature gray hairs and reddish complexions, and have a very strong digestive system. These individuals are intelligent, focused, and ambitious, and are passionate about life but have a tendency to get irritated. When they aren’t balanced, Pitta individuals may express irrational anger, suffer from headaches and rashes, encounter digestive problems such as diarrhea and ulcers, and become overly stressed. In order to deal with the headaches, a person may massage coconut oil into their scalp for 5 minutes before showering; they may also prevent digestive problems by consuming aloe vera juice mixed with pomegranate juice. A trick for dealing with too much stress is to eat a teaspoon of rose petal jam, which has a sweet and calming effect on a Pitta type. Diet-wise, Pitta types should reduce their intake of hot spices, alcohol, coffee, vinegar, and acidic foods, while focusing on eating a lot of sweet juicy fruits (mangoes and melons) and cooling vegetables (cucumbers, kale, and lettuce) (Chaudhary, 2012). http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/ayurvedic-diet-how-eat-your-body-type?page=2

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Vata

Those with the Vata dosha tend to have the most slender body type, and can actually find it difficult to gain weight. Physically, this dosha is comparable to an ectomorph, meaning they should aim to consume a significant amount of carbohydrates in their diet. These people have prominent bone structures, are cold a lot of the time, have dry skin and hair, and have very little muscle. They are able to learn quickly but also forget quickly, thrive on change, and are very creative. Vata individuals are also easily excitable and enthusiastic but can become anxious very quickly. When they aren’t balanced, Vata individuals may suffer from bloating and constipation; have dry noses and easily catch colds in the cold season; and can easily develop insomnia and suffer from fatigue. They may take an herbal supplement to combat poor digestion and use a sesame oil nasal spray to relieve nasal dryness. To cure insomnia, Vata types should have a regular waking, eating, and sleeping routine; this is difficult for them, as they crave change, so a glass of spiced warm milk before bed is a possible alternative. Diet-wise, Vata types should avoid dry or crunchy foods, carbonated drinks, and cold or raw vegetables. Instead, they should aim to consume warm, soupy foods, cooked cereals, nuts, cooked vegetables, and hot milk (Chaudhary, 2012). http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/ayurvedic-diet-how-eat-your-body-type?page=2

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