Embracing Ayurveda Nutrition: A Holistic Approach to Health

In today's fast-paced world, health enthusiasts are increasingly seeking natural and holistic ways to nourish their bodies. Ayurveda, an ancient system of medicine that originated in India over 3,000 years ago, offers a unique approach to nutrition that emphasizes balance, individual constitution, and natural healing. By understanding and integrating Ayurvedic principles into your diet, you can cultivate better health and well-being

Understanding Ayurveda

At its core, Ayurveda is based on the belief that health and wellness depend on a delicate balance between the body, mind, and spirit. It categorizes individuals into three primary doshas—Vata (air and space), Pitta (fire and water), and Kapha (earth and water)—which represent different physical and emotional characteristics. Each person has a unique balance of these doshas, and understanding your predominant dosha can help tailor your diet and lifestyle choices.

The Doshas and Nutrition

Each dosha has specific dietary recommendations that can support and sustain its balance. 

1. Vata: This dosha is often characterized by dryness and lightness. To balance Vata, it is best to consume warm, wet, and oily foods. Think soups, stews, root vegetables, and healthy fats like ghee or olive oil. Incorporating spices such as cinnamon and ginger can also aid digestion and provide warmth—a good complement for the Vata constitution.

2. Pitta: Known for its intensity and heat, Pitta should focus on cooling foods. Incorporating sweet, bitter, and astringent tastes can help soothe Pitta imbalances. Think leafy greens, cucumbers, and dairy products. Cooling spices like coriander and mint are excellent choices, as they can help reduce excess heat in the body.

3. Kapha: This dosha tends to be heavy and sluggish. To counter Kapha characteristics, one should favor light, dry, and invigorating foods. Fresh fruits and vegetables, legumes, and whole grains can be beneficial. Spices like turmeric, black pepper, and mustard can stimulate metabolism and promote digestion.

### Seasonal Eating in Ayurveda

One of the key aspects of Ayurvedic nutrition is the importance of seasonal eating. Every season brings a different set of environmental conditions, and our bodies require different types of nourishment to remain balanced throughout the year. 

Spring is a time for detoxification, so incorporating bitter greens and fresh vegetables can assist with cleansing.

Summer calls for lighter, hydrating foods such as cucumbers, melons, and salads to manage heat and moisture levels.

Fall is perfect for grounding and warming foods—think roasted vegetables and warming spices to provide comfort as temperatures drop.

Winter emphasizes hearty, nourishing meals such as soups, stews, and warming grains to protect against the cold.

 The Importance of Mindful Eating

Ayurveda also emphasizes the importance of mindful eating. This involves being present during meals, appreciating the food, and listening to your body’s hunger cues. Eating in a calm environment, free from distractions, enhances digestion and promotes a better connection with what you consume. 

Final Thoughts

Incorporating Ayurveda into your nutrition does not necessitate a complete overhaul of your eating habits. Instead, it invites you to explore a more mindful relationship with food, yielding greater awareness of your body’s needs. As you experiment with balancing your doshas and embracing seasonal ingredients, you may find that Ayurveda not only nourishes your body but also enhances your overall sense of well-being. Whether you are a seasoned health enthusiast or just beginning your journey into alternative nutrition, Ayurveda Offers timeless wisdom that is relevant for anyone looking to lead a healthier life.

 

Ayurveda and Food: A Journey to Wellness

Ayurveda is more than just an old way of living; it's a guide to healthy eating that connects your body, mind, and spirit. It teaches us how what we eat can affect our overall health. In this article, we’ll explore how Ayurveda sees food and how it can help you feel better.

Understanding Ayurveda's Approach to Food

Ayurveda categorizes food into three main types based on the qualities they bring to the body: Sattva (pure and harmonious), Rajas (active and dynamic), and Tamas (heavy and dull). Think of these qualities like colors on a palette; they can mix and match to create a balanced meal.

Sattvic Foods: These are fresh, pure, and nourishing. Examples include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and nuts. Eating Sattvic foods can uplift your mood and energy.

Rajasic Foods: Foods that are spicy and stimulating fall into this category. Things like hot peppers, coffee, and salty snacks are Rajasic. They can make you feel energetic but can also lead to anxiety if eaten too often.

Tamasic Foods: Heavy foods, like processed snacks and leftovers, are considered Tamasic. They can drain your energy and make you feel sluggish.

By understanding these categories, you can make smarter choices that help you feel balanced and vibrant.

The Role of Doshas in Food Choices

In Ayurveda, everyone's body type is classified into three doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Each dosha has its own unique traits and dietary needs.

Vata Types: If you're Vata, you might need warm, oily, and grounding foods to calm your active mind and body. Think hearty soups and root vegetables.

Pitta Types: Pitta folks thrive on cooling foods. Fresh fruits, salads, and dairy can help balance the fiery Pitta.

Kapha Types: For Kapha, light, warm, and spicy foods can keep energy levels up. Think of green leafy vegetables and lighter grains.

Tuning into your dosha can guide your food choices, making every meal a step toward better health.

Eating with the Seasons

Ayurveda values seasonal eating as a way to stay aligned with nature. Just like trees shed their leaves in winter, we can adjust our diets according to the changing weather.

Spring: In spring, dig into light meals filled with greens and fresh herbs. This helps clear out the winter heaviness.

Summer: Cooling foods like cucumbers, melons, and yogurt keep your body refreshed during the hot months.

Fall: As the air cools, root vegetables and warming spices build up your immunity.

Winter: Hearty dishes and warm soups can keep you cozy and energized.

Eating with the seasons not only tastes good but can also keep you feeling your best.

Mindful Eating: A Key to Enjoying Your Food

Eating mindfully means paying full attention to what you eat and how it makes you feel. It’s like savoring a delicious piece of cake—each bite is a chance to enjoy and appreciate.

By eliminating distractions like phones or TV during meals, you can focus on the flavors, textures, and even the colors of your food. This practice helps you notice when you're full, leading to better portion control.

Cooking: A Creative Expression

Cooking isn’t just about making food; it’s a form of art. Ayurveda encourages you to create meals that reflect your personality and tastes. Play with spices and colors.

Using spices like turmeric, cumin, and ginger can elevate not just the flavor but also the health benefits of your meals. They can warm you up or cool you down, depending on what you need.

Conclusion: Eating for a Balanced Life

Incorporating Ayurveda into your eating habits can lead to a more balanced life. By understanding how food affects your body and mind, you can choose what works best for you. Prioritize fresh, seasonal foods and listen to your body’s needs.

Food is more than just fuel; it’s a path to wellness. Embrace Ayurveda's teachings to nurture your body and mind with love and care.

Vaidya Jyoti Jagtap

vdjyotijagtap@gmail.com

Allergic rhinitis and Ayurveda

 Hi  seasonal changes are associated with respiratory tract infections and so the allergy. This time you are not alone ,we will fight  to this with Ayurveda. Forget the strips of anti-allergic drugs. Lets make our immunity more stronger .

1. Have warm fresh food. Say no to refrigerated food and cold drinks though they are tempting.
2. Add soups to your dinner , specially chicken, goat, moong, horse gram or raddish soup with teaspoon of cow ghee and  a pinch of mixture of black pepper, dry ginger and long pepper powder.
3. Prefer warm water to drink and bath.
4. Due to cold , one may complain low appetite , for that one can have a pinch of above mixture with honey.
5. In acute attack ,Have cup of milk with a teaspoon dry ginger powder or ginger paste
6.  Welcome a teaspoon of cow ghee in your lunch.
7.   Avoid dehydration or over hydration. Avoid drinking excess of liquids like juices,cold water,  smoothies, milk shakes and beverages specially at night.
8.  Have light food in dinner, prefer soups and bhakari or fulka
9.  Take care of digestion. Avoid overeating.
10. Avoid to have chilled or cold beverages after just coming from outside
11. Don't forget to use garlic for seasoning.
12.  Always respond to call of nature
13.  Try to regulate sleep. Avoid late night awakening day sleep and Excess sleeping .
14.  Some toiletries, perfumes, deodorants, perfumed sticks and substances have strong smell, it can trigger sneezing , so avoid it.
15.  Do moderate exercise but don't get exhausted.
16.  Protect your head properly from cold.
17. Avoid direct exposure to cold air or vent of AC or  fan.
18.  Avoid swimming in cold weather.
19.  Put 2 drops  of warm sesame oil in each nostril at night or apply it to inner skin of nose before leaving home.
20.  If there is congestion,go for steam .
21.  Gargle with warm water if there is throat congestion .
22.  Do head massage with warm oil if there is headache.
23.  Panchakarma like Vaman, Nasya, Basti, Dhoompan , shirobhyanga are useful. For details consult the Ayurveda doctor.
24.  Don't ever neglect this condition, it can lead to sinusitis, low immunity, eye diseases, cough, asthma, deafness, ear diseases, anorexia, bad breath ,fever and hoar voice.
25.  One can consume herbs like turmeric, tulasi, sunthi and medicines like chyavanprash for boosting immunity by consulting Ayurveda doctor.
So bye bye Allergy , stay healthy.

Vaidya Jyoti Jagtap

9769132371

vdjyotijagtap@gmail.com

DIET IN FEVER

Hi friends, FEVER is nowday a scary word.

Everyone is much confused about what to eat in such condition. 

Here are some tips that will definitely help to recover fastly.

Fever is an immune response to infection or alarming sign indicating toxic accumulation.

In this situation diet should be able to digest these toxins and boost immunity.

Diet includes food and water both.

Here are some tips, which will definitely help body to heal.

*Firstly one should eat and drink according to agni. Overeating worsen condition and increases toxin load.It's like overloading fire with wood which lands up in extinguishing fire. So,one should increase diet according to hunger and digestion.

Here Ayurveda recommends food that digest easily without disturbing body's natural autodigestion mechanism.

*Have fresh and warm lentil soups preferably green gram when you feel hungry. 

Options are Semisolid moong khichadi, Soup of boiled veggies, jowar bhakri, rice, chicken soup.Taste of food can be enhanced by adding mixture of black pepper, long pepper and dry ginger powder.

*If you are not sure about hunger but still feeling to eat, have handful puffed  rice (flat one not murmura)and puffed jowar.

Hand made juice of sweet pomegranate will help to hydrate body. 

*If you feel thirsty and low in energy  have kharjuradi manth.Add dates, pomegranate, raisins, kokam , tamarind, amla and falsa each of 5 g to 140 ml of regular water ,soak for 30 min and churn it. Filtre and drink.

*Drink lukewarm water only . You can add pinch of cumin , dry ginger powder, or coriander seed to it. It will help in digestion.

*Milk and dairy products,fatty food, Non veg cuisine, sweets, nuts , juices,salads and fruits are strictly prohibited.

Dietary prohibition are very important in condition of fever. If one didn't followed it, relapse can be possible.

I recommend one should visit Ayurveda professional for diet to recover fast. Scientific diet can help a lot.

Be Healthy and Happy.

Ayurveda Tips To Fight Bad Breath

Hi friends,
Haunted by bad breath monster. Here are some tips of Ayurveda to fight against it.
1. Brush after eating. Herbal or ayurvedic toothpastes are recommended. One can use charcoal powder or herbal mixtures available in market. Massage your gums with honey after brushing.
2. Use tongue cleaner.Regular tongue cleaning is helping a lot.
3. Gargle after having food and drink. Gargling with triphala or licorice decoction or honey and water will also beneficial.
4. Chew betel leaves, clove, cardamom,camphor after lunch and dinner instead of chewing sugar contained mouth freshners.
5. Do regular oil pulling with warm sesame or coconut oil or A2 cow ghee.
6. Take care of your digestion and bowel.
7. Avoid over eating.
8. Avoid use of cold and hot food at a time.
9. If you are suffering from respiratory disorder, correct it.
10. Herbal smoking will helpful. Take help from ayurveda doctor.
11. Panchakarma like Vaman, virechana, basti and nasya can be helpful. Consult your ayurveda doctor.
12. Pitta dominant people have natural tendency for bad breath. They should avoid pitta aggravating food and lifestyle.
13. Limits dairy products except ghee.
14. Don't hesitate to visit your dentist if facing any dental or gum issue.
15. Fasting once a week can be helpful. Have warm water while fasting.
16. Avoid excess of tea ,coffee , carbonated drinks.
17. Practice sheetali pranayam, sitkari pranayam, kapal bhati and lion pose.
18. Avoid synthetic food and have more veggies and fruits in diet.
19. Keep your body hydrated.Drink adequate water according to your thirst.
20. If it's severe, please visit your health professional.

Be Healthy Always.
Dr Jyoti Jagtap
Swasthayu Ayurved Clinic Kharghar

Osteoarthritis and Ayurveda

Hi friends,
We all are familiar with this picture. It is osteoarthritis. A type of arthritis that occurs when flexible tissue at the ends of bones wear down. It is mostly related to aging. It is degenerative condition of joint. It is more common in women. Common symptoms includes pain, stiffness, swelling, reduced joint mobility and flexibility. One bitter truth about this condition is treatment can help, but it can't be cured. A lot of oils, liniments and oral medicines are available in market for pain. Though it is untreatable condition, we can control with simple things. Here are some tips which will help to limit the condition.
1. According to ayurveda , it is due to vata. So one should apply warm oil daily to affected joint. Don't rub, just apply gently. Til oil or any medicated oil suggested by your ayurveda doctor.
2. Fomentation with hot water bag
 after oil application reduces pain.
3. Avoid dry food items like puffed rice, popcorn, corn products, fine floor products and dry bakery items and food causing constipation.
4. Have sufficient fats in diet. Add around 5ml pure cow ghee to your plate.
5. Use oil seeds and nuts in diet.
6. Chicken, paya or meat soup is more prefereble for nonvegetarian. But avoid dry fish and canned meat.
7. Dates, black raisins, berries, fig, pomegranate, radish, jaggery, cane juice, sesame seeds, saffron, ginger, garlic, drum sticks, black gram are helpful.Use it wisely.
8. Daily consumption of A2 cow milk or goat milk also recommended.
9. Use cold pressed or filtered oil only. Avoid refine one.
10. Have light dinner at evening.
11.  Do regular light exercise but avoid exertion.
12. Respond to nature call immediately.
13. Adequate sleep is very important .
14. Avoid direct contact with airflow while sleeping. Cover yourself while sleeping.
15. Avoid cold water, drinks, food and atmosphere.
16. During winter keep yourself warm.
17. If tendency of constipation, use castor oil. Avoid purgatives.
18. Basti with whole body massage and steam is useful panchakarma. Doing basti in rainy season keeps vata in control. Discuss it with your ayurveda doctor for more details.
19. Fasting and skipping your meals can aggravates pain.so avoid it.
These simple things will help you to control the condition.
Be healthy always.

Women health - Ayurvedic view

Hi all,
A Woman is form of shakti i.e, power.She is the continuous source of energy and prosperity. She is the backbone of family and society.If she get unwell or diseased, everything is get disturbed.
Today on the occasion of world women's Day , lets see how ayurveda can help to maintain this flow of energy  uninterrupted.
1. First I would like to suggest ,adapt habit of exercise. It is not mandatory for everyone to go and workout in gym. Any exercise, small session of yoga , walking, running, zumba etc.
Daily exercise keep you fit both mentally and physically. It keeps your energy level high.
2. Keep watch on your diet.Eat healthy but don't overnourish body. Eat simple, traditional and FRESH food. Don't skip your meal.Add pure cow ghee to your plate. It will help to maintain glow of ur skin.
3. Try to sleep early. Avoid late night awakening and daytime sleeping.It will make you dull.
4. Don't avoid nature's call. Women have tendency to do that which may lead to serious health issues.
4. Our body is best doctor. When anything wrong happens it gives signals like anorexia, loss of hunger etc.Try to listen it and correct accordingly. Take help of doctors. But just don't neglect it or try to treat by yourself. Neglecting your health may cause serious health problem in future.
5. Women are going through a lot of stress nowadays.My suggestion will be try to manage your workand take help from family members. No need always to be supermom.
6. Due to stress many of us faces anxiety or depression.Dont neglect it . Take help of counselor and psychiatrist
7. Lastly don't compare. You are beautiful as you are. Don't copy anyone. Don't get trapped in cosmetic market. Little use of it is no harm, but avoid regular use. Inner calmness radiates on your face which makes you more beautiful inspite of any cosmetics.
Lastly healthy body , mind and soul are the tool of beauty.
Be healthy and happy.
Happy women's Day.