Please note: These guidelines provided in this table are for general reference only. Please consult with your physician for specific recommendations best suited for your health needs. Specific adjustments for individual requirements may need to be made, e.g., food allergies, strength of agni, season of the year and degree of dosha predominance or aggravation. Please note: a single asterisk indicates: *okay in moderation, a double asterisk indicates: ** okay rarely
Before making any changes to your diet, it is recommended that you check with your physician. This Ayurvedic dietary guide is educational and is not intended to treat, cure, mitigate or prevent any disease.
For more information about the Ayurvedic intellectual understanding about the Vata body-type, see this page for more information on Vata
| Fruits—To Favor | Fruits—To Avoid | Vegetables—To Favor | Vegetables—To Avoid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Generally most sweet fruit | Generally most dried fruit | In general, vegetables should be cooked | Generally frozen, raw or dried vegetables |
| Apples (cooked) | Apples (raw) | Asparagus | Artichoke |
| Applesauce | Cranberries | Beets | Beet greens** |
| Apricots | Dates (dry) | Cabbage (cooked) | Bitter melon |
| Avocado | Figs (dry) | Carrots | Broccoli |
| Bananas | Pears | Cauliflower* | Brusssels sprouts |
| Berries | Pomegranates | Cilantro | Burdock root |
| Cherries | Raisins (dry) | Cucumber | Cabbage (raw) |
| Coconut | Prunes (dry) | Daikon radish* | Cauliflower (raw) |
| Dates (fresh) | Watermelon | Fennel (anise) | Celery |
| Figs (fresh) | Garlic | Corn (fresh)** | |
| Grapefruit | Green beans | Dandelion greens | |
| Grapes | Green chilies | Eggplant | |
| Kiwi | Jerusalem artichoke* | Horseradish** | |
| Lemons | Leafy greens* | Kale | |
| Limes | Leeks | Kohlrabi | |
| Mangoes | Lettuce* | Olives, green | |
| Melons | Mustard greens* | Onions (raw) | |
| Oranges | Okra | Peppers, sweet & hot | |
| Papaya | Olives, black | Potatoes, white | |
| Peaches | Onions (cooked)* | Prickly pear (fruit & leaves) | |
| Pineapple | Parsley* | Radish (raw) | |
| Plums | Parsnip | Tomatoes (cooked)** | |
| Prunes (soaked) | Peas (cooked) | Turnips | |
| Raisins (soaked) | Potatoes, sweet | Wheat grass spouts | |
| Rhubarb | Pumpkin | ||
| Strawberries | Radishes (cooked)* | ||
| Tamarind apples (raw) | Rutabaga | ||
| Spaghetti squash* | |||
| Spinach (cooked)* | |||
| Spinach (raw)* |
Vata, Pitta and Kapha
Just as everyone has a unique fingerprint, according to Ayurvedic beliefs, each person has a distinct pattern of energy — a specific combination of physical, mental, and emotional characteristics. It is also believed that there are three basic energy types called doshas, present in every person:
- Vata — energy that controls bodily functions associated with motion, including blood circulation, breathing, blinking, and heartbeat. When vata energy is balanced, there is creativity and vitality. Out of balance, vata produces fear and anxiety.
- Pitta — energy that controls the body’s metabolic systems, including digestion, absorption, nutrition, and temperature. In balance, pitta leads to contentment and intelligence. Out of balance, pitta can cause ulcers and arouse anger.
- Kapha — energy that controls growth in the body. It supplies water to all body parts, moisturizes the skin, and maintains the immune system. In balance, kapha is expressed as love and forgiveness. Out of balance, kapha leads to insecurity and envy.
Everyone has vata, pitta, and kapha, but usually 1 or 2 are dominant in a particular person. Many things can disturb the energy balance, such as stress, an unhealthy diet, the weather, and strained family relationships. The disturbance shows up as disease. Ayurvedic practitioners prescribe treatments to bring the doshas back into balance.
Quick Tips on Balancing Vata, Pitta and Kapha
To help balance Vata:
Balance Vata when you are changeable, indecisive, fast moving or anxious, and prone to insomnia, dry skin and constipation.
- Favor foods that are sweet, salty and sour
- Establish a regular daily routine
- Go to bed early
- Keep warm, especially when the weather is cold and windy.
There are Ayurvedic spice mixes, aromas and teas to help balance Vata. Ask your physician for a recommendation.
To help balance Pitta:
Balance Pitta when you are intense, critical, frustrated or angry, and prone to overwork, a ravenous appetite, and sensitive skin.
Favor foods that are sweet, bitter and astringent
Make time for leisure
Don’t skip meals
Stay cool, especially when the weather is hot.
There are Ayurvedic spice mixes, aromas and teas to help balance Pitta. Ask your physician for a recommendation.
To help balance Kapha:
Balance Kapha when you are lethargic, complacent or slow moving, and prone to easy weight gain, congestion, oily skin and oversleeping.
- Favor foods that are pungent, bitter and astringent
- Seek variety and new things in life
- Don’t overeat, and exercise regularly
- Stay warm, especially when the weather is cold and damp.
There are Ayurvedic spice mixes, aromas and teas to help balance Kapha. Ask your physician for a recommendation.