Vata- air and space
The nature of the vata dosha is cool, dry, rough, and light. So to have balance, one needs to have foods of opposite nature. People who have aggravated vata can do well by having foods that are warm, slightly spicy, fluids, contain healthy fats, and are grounding.
Due to the mobile and volatile nature of Vata, nearly 60 percent of all listed disorders in classical Ayurveda are associated with this dosha. Some common vata disorders are arthritis, muscular stiffness, parkinson’s disease , lower back pain, constipation, chronic fatigue, low energy, insomnia and gas and bloating.
When in balance Vata people are inspiring, joyful and enthusiastic.
Some common ways to balance Vata are:
eating a vata pacifying diet
regularity is most important
gentle yoga postures
warm oils
vasti
warm body massage
sweet and warm essential oils
following creative and artistic passions
Vata Dosha
This is not a complete list. Remember, just because it is on the list does not mean that it is bio energetically matched to you, especially when you have an imbalance in the dosha There are many things to examine when choosing the correct foods for a dosha. You may want a professional to help.
Vata dosha is associated with ether and air elements. They are responsible for movement, nerve impulses, respiration, circulation, digestion, and creativity. Vata people must eat warm foods at regular intervals and should not go hungry for too long. Vata-pacifying foods are nourishing, moisturizing, improve digestion, and support the removal of toxins from the body. The foods they can have include
- Fruits. They can have sweet-tasting ripe fruits including bananas, apples, pineapples, figs, melons, kiwi, raisins, soaked prunes, oranges, papayas, peaches, avocadoes, berries, cherries, apricots, plums, and coconuts. They can also have dried fruits in moderate amounts. Vata people can have fruits an hour before or after the meals, but avoid having fruits during the evening or later.
- Vegetables. They should be cooked and not raw for vatas. They can have asparagus, zucchini, spinach, fennel, carrots, garlic, sprouts, onions, beetroot, sweet potato, tomatoes.
- Grains. They can have brown rice, wheat, boiled oats, wheat bread, rice.
- Legumes. Beans should be avoided, with the exception of moong beans.
- Jaggery and brown sugar can be had in moderate quantities. They can also have all spices and peppers in limited quantities. Clarified butter, fresh milk, paneer, tofu are all welcome for vata people. Among spices, cinnamon, ginger, garlic, cloves and cardamom can be had.
Foods to be avoided include
- Bitter, raw or astringent vegetables including artichoke, broccoli, brussel sprouts, corn, mushrooms, raw onions and peas.
- Couscous, granola, tapioca, wheat bran, among others.
- Flavored yogurt or powdered milk
- Spices like coriander seed, fenugreek, thyme or parsley.