In Ayurveda, there are mainly 3 body types- Vatta, Pitta, and Kapha also known as doshas. Every person is a blend of each body type. These three doshas describe the dominant mind/body and soul. When the doshas are balanced, we are healthy; when they are unbalanced, we develop diseases like insomnia (guided meditation for insomnia), poor digestion, skin disease, and anxiety. (yoga for anxiety)

 In India and other parts of the world, Ayurveda is considered one of the best medicines. The Ayurveda doctor will check your pulse, tongue and ask you some questions about how you handle your doshas.

Here are some of the basic principle and qualities of three doshas from Ayurveda and what you should eat depending on your body type.

The principle is that each human being is born with a different combination of  three doshas and this natural balance is what is good for your physical, mental and emotional difference. By identifying an individual dosha, Ayurveda can help every person to create his or her state of ideal health.

Dosha: Vata (Air & Space)

Vatas have light build. They tend to be naturally creative, sensitive and are active minded. They prefer warm and humid climate, and they have dry skin. Vatas speak quickly and influence the movement of thoughts, nerve impulse, feelings and fluids in the body.

The Qualities of Vata

They are a rough, cold, light, dry and quick changer.  They govern the activities of the nervous system and the movement of the body. Vatas always go with creativity. When they are in balance, they are lively and enthusiastic.

They have excellent adaptability and possess a very high energy and experience sudden bouts of fatigue. Vatas generally have cold hands and feet. They have a very light sleep, and their digestion power is sensitive.  When their body gets imbalanced, Vatas tend to weight loss (yoga for weight-loss), constipation( yoga for constipation) , weakness, arthritis pain., aches, pain, and restlessness.

Favourable Food for Vatas

Nourishing foods with a heavy texture like butter and fat are good for stabilizing Vata dosha. Salty, sour and sweet are also soothing and satisfying goods. Warm milk, cream, butter, soups, and raw nuts, freshly baked bread are good. Take herbal tea in the noon. Warm drinks and hot water are good for Vatas.

Cold food such as salads, iced tea, raw and green vegetables are unfavourable for Vata. Avoid drinking too much caffeine and prohibit the use of unripe fruits.

Dosha: Pitta (Fire & Water)

Pittas have more fire than any other dosha. They have better digestion power and have a better appetite. They are naturally aggressive, impatient, and intelligent and are sharp minded. They can’t bear with cold as they are hot-headed. They get into trouble when they eat too much of salt, sour and spicy food and does overeating.

The Qualities of Pitta 

They have a very hot, lightly pungent, sharp and acidic body. Pittadosha can control digestion ((Yoga for indigestion problem) and metabolism. Their primary function is transformation.  They have a warm body temperature, and they sleep soundly for a short period of time. They are highly energetic. When imbalanced, they can suffer from skin rashes, burning sensation, excessive body heat, and indigestion.

Favourable Food for Pitta

The best foods for pittas are cool or warm with heavy texture- not steaming hot foods. Herbal tea or liquorice root teas are pacifying for pittas. Cold tea, cinnamon toast, and apple juice are good during breakfast time. Vegetable foods are best for pittas as consuming meat can tend to heat the body.

Pitta should eat less butter, pickles, sour cream and cheese. Alcohol and fragmented food should be avoided. Avoid oily, hot, salty, fried, egg yolks and hot drinks.

Dosha: Kapha (Water& Earth)

Kapha has a heavier body than other types and tends to store watery substance. They are naturally very calm and attached. They are a very slow speaker and melodious. They have watery dreams and tend to have an elimination that is thick and heavy.

The Qualities of Kapha

Kapha is heavy, slow, steady, cold, soft and oily. It holds the cells together and forms the immunity (foods for immune system). Its primary function is protection. Kapha has smooth radiant skin and has excellent stamina. When kapha get imbalanced they gain weight, allergies manifest in their bodies and suffer from asthma, depression, and diabetes.

Favourable Food for Kapha

Cooked light meal. Warm, light and dry food are favourable. They go best with a lightly cooked meal or raw fruits and vegetable. In winter spicy Indian food or Mexican food is good for Kapha. Foods such as lettuce and tonic water are good for appetite. Prefer spices such as cumin, fenugreek, and turmeric and sesame seed.

Kapha should avoid consumption of sweet and fatty foods; they should also watch their salt consumption as it can lead to fluid retention. They should avoid deep fried foods and the tendency of kapha is to overeat. The meal should be eaten in the middle of the day and only light and dry meal in the evening.  Kapha should avoid artificial sweetners, sugar, fats and dairy products. They should use ghee and oil in small amounts.