Balancing Kapha dosha: Diet
Ayurvedic texts recommend the principle of opposites for reducing
the level of a dosha that has become aggravated. Since the characteristics
of Kapha include heaviness, softness, sweetness, cold, stability
and unctuousness, qualities that are opposite to these in diet
and lifestyle help restore balance to Kapha dosha.
Dietary recommendations
Include a few dry foods in your daily diet to balance the
oily nature of Kapha, foods that are nourishing but light to counter
the heaviness of Kapha and warm foods with a zing to them to balance
the sweet, cold quality of Kapha. So what exactly does this mean
in terms of foods you should choose and foods you should stay
away from? Here are some specific dietary tips:
1.
If you need to balance Kapha, choose ghee, in very small quantities,
as your cooking medium. Ghee can be heated to high temperatures
without affecting its nourishing, healing qualities, so use ghee
to sauté vegetables, spices or other foods. Steaming foods
and then adding a mixture of spices sautéed in very little
ghee is best. In general, avoid too many oily foods.
2.
Light, warming foods help balance Kapha. Clear vegetable soups
with beans and diced vegetables, stews made with Kapha-balancing
vegetables, bean casseroles, dhal soups and light grain/vegetable
combinations are ideal for balancing Kapha, especially when combined
with Kapha balancing spices. Stay away from too much salt and
instead infuse dishes with fresh herbs and spices for flavor.
3.
The three ayurvedic tastes that help balance Kapha are pungent,
bitter and astringent, so include more of these tastes in your
daily diet. Apples, garbanzo beans cooked with Kapha-balancing
spices or steamed broccoli or cauliflower with a light olive oil
and spice mixture make healthy Kapha-pacifying snacks. Eat less
of the salty, sweet and sour tastes.
4.
Dry cereal, salt-free crackers and rice cakes balance the liquid
nature of Kapha dosha and make good snacks. However, eat snacks
in moderation if you are trying to balance Kapha, and avoid sugary
snacks. Honey in small quantities is the recommended sweetener.
5.
Carrots, asparagus, okra, bitter leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables
such as broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels
sprouts, daikon radish
and bitter gourd are
good vegetable choices. They become more digestible when chopped
and cooked with Kapha-pacifying spices. Vegetables can be combined
with lighter grains or mung beans for satisfying one-dish meals.
Avoid nightshades. Fresh green chili peppers and fresh ginger
root add flavor while balancing Kapha.
6.
Choose lighter whole grains, and eat grains in moderation. Barley,
buckwheat, millet and couscous are good choices. If you choose
heavier grains, such as rice or wheat, eat very small quantities.
7.
Zesty warming spices are wonderful for balancing Kapha. Ayurvedic
spices such as turmeric, cumin, coriander, cayenne, black pepper,
dried ginger, asafetida (hing), cloves and fenugreek offer flavor,
aroma and healing wisdom.
8.
Drink lassi infused with digestion-enhancing
spices and herbs with lunch and lots of warm water through the
day to help flush toxins from the body.
Suggested
Food Choices for Kapha >
Balance
Kapha with lifestyle >
