strike a balance

Friday, May 27, 2011

The ancient science of Ayurveda divides the human body into three categories — Vata, Pitta and Kapha — and each is governed by an element of nature or a combination of them, giving us an individual body metabolism.

“According to Ayurveda, our bodies have a dosha based on its constitution and our lifestyle and other factors affect it,” says Dr Chandy George, Ayurvedic lifestyle consultant at Balance Wellness Club in Dubai. “Nature and the human body are governed by the five elements — earth, water, air, space and fire. The combinations of these elemental energies define the three major body types — Vata (space and air), Pitta (fire) and Kapha (earth and water). These categories are called the tri doshas, which are often imbalanced on account of external factors, both physical and mental, leading to illness. However, these can be rectified through awareness about what one’s dosha is and with lifestyle changes”.

Seasonal changes are one of the major causes of this imbalance, says Dr Shyllaja Ravikumar Pillai, manager at Soft Touch Spa in Kempinski Mall of the Emirates.

“Vata and Pitta doshas are increased due to dehydration. As the moisture in the body lessens, the natural oils are also absorbed from the body. So, one needs follow a diet to balance the three doshas.”

“Signs of heat exposure are evident in everyone, but more so in those whose dominant dosha is Pitta,” George adds. “Hence we are advised to consume foods and fluids which have a cooling effect on the body.

“It is essential to rehydrate by consuming up to three litres of water daily. Intake of spicy, deep fried, salty foods and fruits such as strawberry (because of its high acid content and viscous nature) should be minimised, if not totally avoided. Spices such as cardamom and coriander, and herbs such as mint and fennel can be included more in daily meals. Medium sweet and bitter foods are ideal for this season. Coffee and tea should be reduced to a minimum as they aggravate the Pitta dosha. Buttermilk, milk with sugar or sweet lassi (diluted yoghurt), fresh fruit juices — preferably watermelon, cucumber, coconut water, mint, organic rose water and cumin water — are good as they help balance the this dosha.”

Replenish and restore

To replenish your body according to your body type, Pillai advises everyone to follow a particular diet to keep their doshas in harmony. “Vata-dosha predominant people should stick strictly to the vata-pacifying diet. This should include seasonal vegetables such as tomato, onion, carrot, asparagus, leafy greens, beets, sweet potatoes and summer squash such as zucchini, lauki (bottle gourd), cucumber, peas and coconut. These are easily digestible when cooked with Vata-pacifying spices such as turmeric, cumin, coriander, dried ginger, black pepper and saffron.

“Pitta-predominant people should have organic milk, mint and coriander herbal teas and sweet seasonal fruits such as pears, apricots, grapes, plums, watermelon and sweet berries are good. Cold soups, such as gazpacho, and salads are also good. But avoid salads for supper when it’s best to have lightly cooked foods, such as basmati rice with sautéed sprouted mung beans and green, leafy vegetables. Avoid dark meats. Replace with white meat once a week.

“For Kapha-predominant people, seasonal fruits such as melons, pomegranates, grapes and pineapples should be freshly blended and had at room temperature. Lemon juice, lassi with mint or cilantro and sugarcane juice are also excellent choices. Ripe summer fruits such as pears, plums, nectarines and peaches are rich in moisture.”

George goes on to say that though it’s essential for all to stay hydrated, it’s doubly important for women.

“It is essential for anyone to rehydrate themselves during the harsh summer months. Women, however, are usually more susceptible to heat-related imbalances because they tend to have a more fragile constitution. While one is advised to drink up to three litres of water every day, pregnant women must refrain from consuming more than one glass at a time. It’s also important for women to protect their skin from exposure to heat, especially during the peak hours (noon-2.30pm).”

Foods to avoid

Dr Shyllaja Pillai advises  everyone should at least  reduce intake of these:

n Dry fruits

n Fried items

n Garlic

n Honey and alcoholic beverages

n Pungent, acid and salt tastes

n Ice-cold drinks or food, especially during meals. These will douse your digestive fire and disrupt digestion.

n Carbonated drinks, because they slow down the digestion process.

FINGER MILLET PORRIDGE

MANGO PANNA

GLUTEN-FREE SQUASH  ‘CANNELLONI’