“Equilibrium of the doshas promotes good health. When unbalanced, we develop disease that manifests itself as poor digestion, insomnia, irritability, anxiety and even skin issues,” affirms Dr Manoj Kutteri, Wellness Director at Atmantan, the luxurious health and wellness destination at Mulshi in Maharashtra known for tailoring individual holistic programmes backed by scientific research. He goes on to paint a picture of the biological energies found throughout the body and mind.
“Ayurveda proposes that we are made of five elements and individual consciousness. Called maha bhutas, these are Earth, water, fire, air and space. The combination of maha bhutas give rise to three doshas: Vata, Pitta and Kapha. All three doshas are present in everyone and important for specific functions. Vata, composed of space and air, governs breathing and muscle movements. Pitta, composed of fire and water, regulates digestion, metabolism and temperature. Composed of Earth and water, Kapha lubricates the joints and maintains immunity. However, we have a dominant dosha since our birth,” Dr Manoj Kutteri explains. Understand what makes you unique and unlock a diet according to your dosha.
“Doshas also explains why some people are agile, while others sluggish. Why do some people put on weight despite eating less, while others don’t? Vata promotes creativity and flexibility, while imbalance induces fear and anxiety. Pitta promotes understanding and intelligence in balance, and anger, hatred, jealousy when vitiates. In balance, Kapha is expressed as love and calmness, imbalance leads to greed and envy,” Dr Kutteri adds.
Vata Dosha
You are
“Physically lean/slim with bony prominences. Skin will typically be dry. Swift movements and actions. Vatas have variable appetite and digestion. You grasp concepts quickly, and also forget quickly. You are sensitive, with less willpower, confidence and tolerance. You are creative and love new experiences. You’re lively conversationalists,” Dr Manoj Kutteri says.
Foods to eat
Dr Kutteri prescribes warm, well-cooked and unctuous food. Small meals multiple times a day, with fewer intervals are ideal. Milk, herbal teas, soups, stews, fresh baked bread and raw nuts are good. All ripe fruits are okay, and veggies like asparagus, beets, carrots, cucumber, garlic, beans, onions, sweet potatoes and radishes.
Foods to avoid
“Avoid cold, frozen and raw foods. Reduce foods that are very spicy, bitter or astringent. Have wheat, barley, buckwheat, corn, dry oat and millet in moderation. Limit your intake of stimulants like caffeine and nicotine, as well as red meat.”
Pitta Dosha
You are
“Medium built and height. Skin will be warm. You have a strong metabolism, good digestion and appetite. Mentally more alert with high intelligence and abundant energy. Low tolerance to heat, sunlight and laborious work. Ambitious, outspoken and precise, but likely to get agitated easily and aggressive in nature,” Dr Kutteri reveals.
Foods to eat
“Pittas literally have more fire in them than other types, so emphasise on foods that are cooling, refreshing. Barley, rice, oats and wheat are good grains for pitta. Include salads and raw vegetables in your diet. Vegetables like asparagus, cucumbers, celery, okra, lettuce, leafy greens, broccoli, cauliflower and zucchini are apt.”
Foods to avoid
“Avoid steaming hot, pungent and spicy food. Any vegetable that is sour or hot aggravates pitta. Tomatoes, radishes, chilies, garlic and raw onions should be avoided. Have alcohol, coffee, tea, chocolate, cheese, yogurt and meat in moderation,” he says.he says.
Kapha Dosha
You are
“Well-built with good strength, endurance and stamina. You have slow metabolism and may gain weight easily and eat emotionally. Body is likely to retain fluids and fats. Skin will be oily. Psychologically, kapha types tend to be calm, easy-going and forgiving. Grounded and loving in nature,” Dr Manoj Kutteri says.
Foods to eat
“Warm, light, and dry food is favorable, or cooked light meals. Baked, broiled, grilled, sautéed foods and roasted grains are the best. All vegetables are good but emphasize on leafy greens. Include black beans, mung beans, pinto beans and red lentils in the diet. Favour foods that are spicy, bitter or astringent.”
Foods to avoid
“Eat only when you are hungry. Refrain from dairy products and fried foods. Very sweet or sour fruits should be avoided such as orange, banana, pineapple, fig or date. Avoid yeast, salt, wheat, cheese, yoghurt, refined sugars, flour, low-quality oils and meat,” he adds.
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