🔥Cooling the fire 🔥

This week we continue the discussion around Aruveyda with an emphasis on the pitta dosha (fire). When I read the characteristics of pitta it is very clear this is my dominant dosha (even my red hair fits the fiery profile!), so this is something which really resonates. We look at what pitta dosha means and and how mindful nutrition can help with a pitta dosha imbalance.

What is pitta dosha?

The dominant elements of pitta are fire and water. Fiery pittas are distinguished by being quick on their uptake and by their powerful intellect and ambition. Although these traits sound like great attributes, too much pitta can result in upset stomachs and heartburn. The metabolism may become hyper acidic, the person may sweat more and feel emotionally sensitive; these downsides of too much pitta are definitely true for me.

Balancing pitta with nutrition

The Aruveydic approach to balance fiery pitta is to cool, dry and calm. Foods that are great to balance pitta are in general sweet, bitter and astringent in taste. The following are recommended food and drinks to balance excess pitta:

1. Fruits and vegetables: coconut, cranberries, cantaloupe, honeydew, pears, mangos, apples, figs, pomegrantes, cucumber, asparagus, kale, broccoli, potatoes, squash, peas

2. Grains: rice, cous cous, barley, pasta, quinoa

3. Dairy and fats/oils: whole milk, paneer, unsalted cheeses, cottage cheese (in moderation), ghee, sunflower oil, coconut oil

4. Nuts, seeds and legumes: lentils, chickpeas, peeled almonds, pecans, sunflower seeds

5. Beverages: beer (wahoo - in small amounts), mint tea, rose hip tea, chamomile tea, black tea with milk and honey

Foods to avoid

Foods that increase pitta are in general sour, pungent and salty in taste. They create too much heat and throw pittas out of balance. Examples of food that aggravates pittas are:

1. Fruits and vegetables: mustard greens, tomatoes, garlic, radishes, eggplant, raw onions, jalepeno peppers, pickles, grapefruit, sour cherries, pineapple, lemons

2. Grains: corn, buckwheat, rye, millet

3. Dairy and fats/oils: sour cream, hard cheeses, yoghurt, peanut oil, mustard oil

4. Nuts, seeds and legumes: peanuts, cashews, pistachio, all salted nuts

5. Beverages: hard alcohol, chicory root tea, ginger tea, lemon tea

6. Condiments and seasoning: horseradish, vinegar, salt (ok in moderation)

If you're like me and reading the qualities of pitta and realising this is your dominant dosha, if you are feeling unbalanced physically (upset stomachs/heartburn/headaches) or emotionally (feeling angry/sensitive) perhaps take a look at your diet and see if you can switch around a few things to help balance your inner fire. If you resonate more with kapha or vata qualities we will look at balancing these in the coming weeks.

Namaste

Kim