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Ayurvedic Diet and the Art of Mindful Eating

An Ayurvedic diet is a major part of my treatment plan for my patients for all health conditions. According to Ayurveda, food is medicine. It not only provides you energy to sustain, but it also heals you. I am someone who gives importance to diet.  80% of my treatment involves food and the rest 20% involves medicines.    If you know me, you might have seen me talking about gut health all the time. Poor gut health is the root cause of all diseases. So, the best way to have a balanced gut health is to have foods that are suitable for you.    Ayurveda believes that each person is unique. That’s why each of my patients is given a personalized diet plan tailored to suit their body type (Prakriti), Dosha imbalances and health conditions.   In this blog, let us explore more about the power of the Ayurvedic diet.   Understanding Ayurvedic Nutrition   Ayurveda defines good health (as mentioned in Sushruta Samhita) as follows:   “Sama Dosha Sama Agnischa Sama Dhatu Mala Kriyaaha Prasanna Atma  Indriya Manaha Swastha Iti Abhidheeyate”    A person is in good health when their Doshas, Agni, Dhatus (body tissues) and Mala (waste products) are in balance. Also, the Mana (mind), Indriyas (sense organs) and Atma (soul) of the person must be in a pleasant state.    And for all these to be in balance, food plays an important role. Food, when not digested, turns into Ama (toxins). The accumulation of Ama in the body, therefore, causes imbalances in your Agni and Doshas; as a result, this can lead to diseases.  That’s why it is important to have light, digestible foods that suit you.   Furthermore, Ayurveda emphasizes the significance of consuming locally sourced and seasonal foods. It’s crucial to adjust your diet to accommodate changes in weather and seasons. This helps keep your dominant Doshas in check and boost your immunity according to the season.    Foods based on your Doshas   Each person has a unique constitution of the three Doshas, out of which one or two may be predominant. So, it is important to eat foods that help balance out your predominant Doshas. You can consult an Ayurvedic doctor to figure out your Prakrit as well as Dosha imbalances and to guide you regarding your diet.   Vata Dosha   Vata Dosha is associated with the characteristics of air and space; moreover, it embodies qualities such as lightness and mobility. This Dosha governs movement, creativity and communication. Vata people are full of energy, possess great creativity and have quick-thinking abilities. Imbalanced Vata can result in feelings of anxiety, fidgetiness and difficulties with digestion.   Foods to balance Vata: Hot and prepared foods, such as soups, thick stews and vegetables cooked by steaming. Healthy fats, like ghee, avocado and sesame oil. Basic spices, such as cumin, ginger and cinnamon.   Pitta Dosha   Pitta Dosha is, indeed, the combination of fire and water in the body. Furthermore, it regulates the body’s energy usage and, consequently, the process of breaking down food for energy. Pitta people tend to be passionate, committed, and able to maintain their focus on objectives. However, an imbalance in Pitta may manifest as irritability, inflammation, and digestive issues.   Foods to balance Pitta: Cooling foods like Cucumber, mint, and coconut. Foods with robust and intense tastes, such as pungent leafy greens and fenugreek.   Avoid overindulging in extremely spicy, sour or fried foods.   Kapha Dosha   Kapha Dosha, resembling the elements of earth and water, provides the body with solidity, power and hydration. Individuals who possess a robust Kapha constitution typically exhibit composure, compassion and willingness to assist others. Excessive Kapha can result in feelings of fatigue, weight gain and congestion.   Foods to balance Kapha: Warm and spicy foods, such as red peppers, garlic, and ginger are great.  Leafy greens, beans and quinoa are examples of foods that are not heavy and do not leave you feeling overly satiated.   Limit your consumption of dairy and high-fat foods.   Foods that promote healing   Ayurveda categorizes foods based on their taste (Rasa), potency Virya), and post-digestive effect (Vipaka). Incorporating the six tastes – sweet (Madhura), sour (Amla), salty (Lavana), bitter (Tikta), pungent (Katu) and astringent (Kashaya) – ensures a well-rounded diet that satisfies the body’s needs and promotes healing.   Many everyday ingredients possess remarkable healing properties, according to Ayurveda. Turmeric, for instance, is revered for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it a staple in Ayurvedic cuisine. Other examples include ginger, cilantro, and cumin, each offering unique health benefits. To reset gut health, emphasis is placed on easily digestible foods such as cooked vegetables, whole grains like basmati rice, and nourishing soups.  Ayurvedic nutrition extends beyond physical health to encompass mental and spiritual well-being. Therefore, have foods like almonds, saffron, and ghee that help nourish the mind and enhance spiritual awareness.   Foods based on seasons   According to Ayurveda, there are 7 seasons (Ritu) – Vasanta Ritu (spring), Greeshma Ritu (summer), Varsha Ritu (monsoon), Sharad Ritu (autumn), Hemanta Ritu (late autumn or pre-winter) and Shishira Ritu (winter).   Seasonal changes, consequently, affect your body and, as a result, bring about imbalances in your Doshas and Agni. So, it is important to eat accordingly.   During Vasanta Ritu, consume dry (Ruksa) and cold (Sheeta) foods. You can have foods with Madhura (sweet) taste during Greeshma Ritu. Foods with Lavana Rasa are the best for Varsha Ritu.  During Sharad Ritu, have dry and cold foods with Madhura, Tikta and Kashaya Rasas.  Snigdha (unctuous) and Ushna (hot) foods are, therefore, best suited for Hemanta and Shishira Ritu.   Ayurvedic principles of eating   Here are the 10 principles of eating (Ahara vidhi vidhana) recommended by Ayurveda: Ushnamashneeyat: Eat warm food. Snigdhamashneeyat: Eat unctuous food (not dry). Matravadashneeyat: Eat the right quantity. Jeerneashneeyat: Eat food only after the previous meal gets digested. Viryaavairudhamashneeyat: Eat compatible foods. Ishtadeshe ishtasarvopakaramashneeyat: Eat food in a good place and also, ensure you… Continue reading Ayurvedic Diet and the Art of Mindful Eating

Holistic Healing in Ayurveda – The Ancient Science of Total Health

Ayurveda is often described as a “holistic” system of medicine.       But what does it mean for a medical system to be holistic, and why is Ayurveda considered one?      Here’s the answer.      Ayurveda teaches us to look at things from a macro level. Conversely, focusing too narrowly may often lead us to wrong conclusions.    Imagine asking a person who has never seen an elephant, for instance, to describe how an elephant looks by showing its trunk.  He might say that the elephant looks like a thick snake.     This is what happens when you don’t view things on a broader scale.      Treating the symptoms is of little use when you do not treat the whole person. This is why, in Ayurveda, we treat the whole person and not isolated symptoms.  Ayurveda looks at the whole person; in addition, it considers the link between their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.      Furthermore, Ayurveda recognizes that the human body and mind are connected to the environment and, in addition, the universe.” The system of medicine defines health as not merely the absence of disease, but a state of harmony and balance in the body, mind, and spirit.       Factors that influence the holistic state of well-being      To achieve this holistic state of well-being, Ayurveda, therefore, considers various factors that, in turn, influence an individual’s health.      Doshas   There are three Doshas (biophysical energies) – Vata, Pitta, and Kapha that are present in everyone but in varying proportions.  Understanding one’s unique dosha constitution and imbalances is, therefore, essential for diagnosis and treatment.       Diet and nutrition   In Ayurveda, food is seen as medicine. What we eat affects not only our physical health but also our mental and emotional well-being. A diet tailored to an individual’s body type (Prakriti), health conditions, and other factors, therefore, helps a person heal.     Lifestyle and daily routines   Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of daily routines and lifestyle choices. From sleep patterns to exercise, Ayurveda offers guidelines to maintain balance. By aligning daily activities with natural rhythms and considering one’s constitution, Ayurveda promotes overall health and well-being.       Medicines Ayurveda utilizes a vast array of herbs and natural remedies to treat various health conditions. In addition, practitioners recommend herbal preparations based on an individual’s Dosha and specific imbalances.     Yoga and meditation   Yoga and meditation have a huge role to play in promoting physical health; on the other hand, they also significantly contribute to mental health. These practices, therefore, help in reducing stress, improving flexibility, and aligning the body and mind; consequently, these elements are essential for holistic well-being.      Ayurveda acknowledges that individuals are unique and that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to health and well-being.  If a person is suffering from health conditions, Ayurvedic treatment, therefore, involves diagnosing and treating the root cause. Furthermore, based on the diagnosis, all the above-mentioned factors are consequently considered to help the person heal.    That is why Ayurveda is called a “holistic” system of medicine.   Want to heal with Ayurveda? Book a consultation with me today!   If you are struggling with any health issues, you can either book a consultation with us or send us a message via WhatsApp to +91 79074 89839. We have the best Ayurvedic doctors in Trivandrum who are always glad to help you. If you have any queries, contact us.  You can also visit us at our hospital.

Healing Factors in Ayurveda

According to Ayurveda, health is not just the absence of disease, but a state of balance between the body, mind and spirit. Therefore, healing is a complex process that depends on various factors.     According to Ayurveda, there are three factors that influence healing in Ayurveda.    In this blog, let us take a closer look at each of these factors and how they impact healing.    Factors that influence healing      The factors are the strength of the disease (Roga Bala), the strength of the patient (Rogi Bala) and time (Kala).        Roga Bala: The strength of the disease       Roga Bala refers to the strength of the disease or the severity of the illness. In Ayurveda, diseases are classified based on their intensity, and treatment plans are tailored accordingly. Some diseases are considered mild, while others are more severe and require more intensive treatment. The strength of the disease depends on various factors such as its nature, duration and extent of involvement.     For example, a common cold is considered a mild disease, and most people recover from it within a few days with rest and home remedies. However, a chronic disease like diabetes requires long-term management and lifestyle modifications to prevent complications. In such cases, the strength of the disease is high, and the treatment plan needs to be more intensive.     Rogi Bala: The strength of the patient    Rogi Bala, refers to the strength of the patient; moreover, it signifies the ability of the body to fight the disease. In Ayurveda, each person is considered unique, and their constitution or Prakriti determines their susceptibility to diseases. Some people have a stronger constitution and can fight off diseases more easily, while others are more vulnerable and prone to illnesses.     The strength of the patient depends on various factors such as age, diet, lifestyle and genetics. For example, a young person with a healthy diet and active lifestyle is more likely to have a strong immune system and can fight off diseases more easily than an older person with a sedentary lifestyle and poor diet.     Time (Kala)     The third component that affects healing is time or Kala. In Ayurveda, time is crucial for healing and, consequently, overall well-being. There is, however, no overnight remedy for the majority of ailments.  Healing takes time. The severity of the sickness, the patient’s health and the success of the therapy are just a few of the variables that affect how long an illness lasts and how long it takes to recover.     For example, a mild infection like a sore throat may resolve on its own within a few days, while a severe infection like pneumonia may take several weeks to resolve with medication and rest. Similarly, a chronic disease like arthritis may require long-term management.    Understanding the above-mentioned factors is essential in developing an effective treatment plan for any disease.   If you’re looking to heal from any health conditions, book a consultation with us and we will help you!   If you are struggling with any health issues, you can either book a consultation with us or send us a message via WhatsApp to +91 79074 89839. We have the best Ayurvedic doctors in Trivandrum who are always glad to help you. If you have any queries, contact us.  You can also visit us at our hospital.  

Wild Turmeric Identification Tips

People often fail to recognize pure wild turmeric and mistake it for normal turmeric. It is mainly because people don’t know how exactly it looks like.    How to identify wild turmeric?      Wild turmeric or Kasturi Manjal is an essential part of Ayurveda for its medicinal and cosmetic properties. It has anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-septic properties and is great for healing wounds and treating various health conditions.   As someone who is familiar with the characteristics of pure wild turmeric, there are a few things that I look for when trying to identify it:    Colour    The first property that distinguishes wild turmeric from its counterparts is colour. Pure wild turmeric typically has a beige colour that is uniform throughout. If the colour is bright yellow or orange, it may be an indication that the turmeric is not pure, and it is adulterated with yellow colour.     Texture     Secondly, I check the texture of the turmeric. The pure one tends to be harder and more fibrous than other types of turmeric. It may have a rough or slightly gritty texture when rubbed between the fingers.     Aroma    The last property to identifying it is its aroma. Pure wild turmeric has a strong, earthy smell that is distinctive from other types of trumeric . It may also have a slightly bitter or astringent scent.     In summary, when trying to recognize pure wild turmeric, look for a beige and uniform colour, a hard and fibrous texture, and a strong and earthy aroma.    Benefits     Anti–inflammatory properties    It is rich in antioxidants. You can boil water, add a tiny bit of turmeric and drink it twice a day for relief from a cough or sore throat.     In addition, It has anti-cancer properties. It thus reduces the risk of developing health problems by preventing free radicals from hurting our healthy cells and slowing down the growth and spread of tumours. It also helps diabetic to keep their sugar levels under control.    Strengthens immune system    Curcumin- the component that gives turmeric its yellow colour helps strengthen the immune system and ward off infections. This helps to suppress cytokines that cause inflammation and manage allergies.    Healing properties    It has natural healing propertieshelps treat both minor and major wounds and speeds up the healing process.  It also has properties that help repel mosquitoes and heal from mosquito bites.     Detoxifies liver    Turmeric also helps purify liver as well as protect other organs like heart, brain and kidneys. It is also used widely in treating different neurological health conditions, like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.     Fights arthritis    The anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties of wild turmeric help cure arthritis. Curcumin in wild turmeric helps fight both inflammatory and degenerative arthritis. It can be used in daily cooking, added to tea or even consumed as a supplement to cure arthritis.     Great for skin    Wild turmeric has been used as a beauty product in India since centuries. It is great in curing tans and acnes, removing oil from skin and unwanted facial hair.    It offers a variety of benefits and is hence a widely used ingredient in cosmetic products as well as medicines. Its very similar to normal turmeric. So, the next time you buy pure wild turmeric, remember to look for the above-mentioned properties to identify it.   If you are struggling with any health issues, you can either book a consultation with us or send us a message via WhatsApp to +91 79074 89839. We have the best Ayurvedic doctors in Trivandrum who are always glad to help you. If you have any queries, contact us.  You can also visit us at our hospital.