in Nutrition
What is Colostrum?
Colostrum is the pre-milk fluid produced from the mother's mammary glands during the first 72 hours after birth. It provides life-supporting immune and growth factors that insure the health and vitality of the newborn.
Why do we need Colostrum?
As we age, we notice it takes us a little longer to fight off a cold or flu, we become more vulnerable to disease, our energy and enthusiasm lessen, our skin loses its elasticity, we gain unwanted weight and lose muscle tone. After maturity, we gradually lose the immune and growth factors in our body. This impacts us to search for anti-aging and health products and knowledge. We've looked to plants and minerals for an answer, isolating and mega-dosing on vitamins and minerals. Aging, illness and death occur with the loss of immune and growth factors in our bodies. Medical science has shown in many published reports worldwide that these can possibly be replaced in the human body....with bovine colostrum.
Bovine colostrum is not new. In India, for thousands of years, Ayurvedic physicians and the spiritual leaders have documented the physical and spiritual health benefits from colostrum. It is dried and delivered by the milkman and is known for its healing and therapeutic ability. Scandinavian countries have been making a delicious colostrum pudding and dessert topped with honey, for hundreds of years, to celebrate the birth of calves and good health. It was used in the US as an early antibiotic that was in much favor until the discovery of penicillin and other antibiotics.
In the late 18th Century, Western scientists began to study colostrum and document its benefits for survival, growth and development for the newborn. Today, there are thousands of published scientific and clinical studies of major health benefits associated with colostrum.
What is Lactoferrin?
Lactoferrin helps increase natural iron bio-availability, is a powerful antioxidant, and helps support a healthy immune system.
• Lactoferrin is an iron-binding glycoprotein found in human secretions like tears, saliva, milk and mucous
• Helps enhance iron transport and absorption
• Helps promote a healthy balance of natural intestinal flora
• Helps increase bioavailability and absorption of nutrients in the body and helps decrease the bioavailability of iron to pathogens
• May have anti-aging properties by helping prevent the formation of free radicals that trigger oxidation
• Helps contribute to host defense against pathogens by protecting lymphocytes against free iron
What are plant sterols?
Plant sterols are extracts of certain plants that, when ingested, inhibit the absorption of cholesterol in the small intestine. Thus, dietary cholesterol never gets into the system.
Plant sterols are present naturally in small quantities in many fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, cereals, legumes, vegetable oils, and other plant sources. Plant stanols occur in even smaller quantities in many of the same sources. Both stanols and sterols are essential components of plant cell membranes and structurally resemble cholesterol. Foods supplemented with plant sterols may reduce cholesterol and are a promising addition to interventions aimed at lowering heart disease risk.
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Seven Reasons To Enjoy Yogurt Today For Tomorrow
in Nutrition
A growing number of families are making dietary and lifestyle changes to improve their health today and help ensure good health in the future.
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Americans typically consume more calories than they need-without meeting the recommended intakes for a number of nutrients.
Thus people need to choose meals and snacks that are high in nutrients, but low to moderate in calories. Americans seem to be catching on; according to a survey by the Grocery Manufacturers Association, 73 percent of consumers are buying more nutritious and wholesome foods and beverages-such as yogurt-than in the past.
The Dannon Company has now listed the seven benefits of yogurt. From calcium and protein to active cultures and nutrients for growth, these benefits give the body an advantage today for tomorrow. Eating yogurt daily helps consumers:
1. Be Fit: Yogurt contains calcium, which can help with weight management.
2. Be Vital: Yogurt is a good source of protein for muscle maintenance.
3. Be Comfortable: Yogurt has active cultures that help milk digestion.
4. Be Strong: Yogurt has calcium, essential for strong bones.
5. Be Nourished: Yogurt contains important nutrients for children's growth.
6. Be Proactive: Yogurt provides friendly bacteria for your digestive tract.
7. Be Happy: Yogurt is a great-tasting and satisfying part of your healthy diet.
Each day, it's possible to enjoy all of these benefits by eating Dannon yogurt. The company offers several product lines, including Dannon All Natural, which does not contain any artificial ingredients.
"More and more people are making an investment in their overall health," says Audrey Cross, associate clinical professor of public health at Columbia University's School of Public Health. "One way they're doing this is working more nutritionally dense foods, such as yogurt, into their diets."
A growing number of families are making dietary and lifestyle changes to improve their health today and help ensure good health in the future.
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Americans typically consume more calories than they need-without meeting the recommended intakes for a number of nutrients.
Thus people need to choose meals and snacks that are high in nutrients, but low to moderate in calories. Americans seem to be catching on; according to a survey by the Grocery Manufacturers Association, 73 percent of consumers are buying more nutritious and wholesome foods and beverages-such as yogurt-than in the past.
The Dannon Company has now listed the seven benefits of yogurt. From calcium and protein to active cultures and nutrients for growth, these benefits give the body an advantage today for tomorrow. Eating yogurt daily helps consumers:
1. Be Fit: Yogurt contains calcium, which can help with weight management.
2. Be Vital: Yogurt is a good source of protein for muscle maintenance.
3. Be Comfortable: Yogurt has active cultures that help milk digestion.
4. Be Strong: Yogurt has calcium, essential for strong bones.
5. Be Nourished: Yogurt contains important nutrients for children's growth.
6. Be Proactive: Yogurt provides friendly bacteria for your digestive tract.
7. Be Happy: Yogurt is a great-tasting and satisfying part of your healthy diet.
Each day, it's possible to enjoy all of these benefits by eating Dannon yogurt. The company offers several product lines, including Dannon All Natural, which does not contain any artificial ingredients.
"More and more people are making an investment in their overall health," says Audrey Cross, associate clinical professor of public health at Columbia University's School of Public Health. "One way they're doing this is working more nutritionally dense foods, such as yogurt, into their diets."
Isn't It Time To Try Kundalini Yoga?
Although there are many types of yoga, and it may be impractical to try them all, experiencing some of the main branches -- including Kundalini yoga -- will give you a fuller grasp of yoga's essence and benefits. Kundalini yoga isn't just another practice, however. It's often referred to as the mother of all yoga, and said to be one of the most powerful forms.
What's more, Kundalini yoga is a little different from other practices. Most forms of yoga concentrate on the body's poses, combined with breathing and meditation exercises. While Kundalini yoga still concerns itself with forms and poses, it places much more emphasis on breathing, chanting, and releasing a special energy we all possess unawares.
In Kundalini yoga, the special energy is likened to a powerful serpent lying asleep at the base of the spine. But practitioners can awaken the powerful serpent with the use of Kundalini techniques, releasing almost unimaginable energy.
How It's Done
In Kundalini yoga, you'll combine classic poses, meditation, chanting or mantras, and also coordinate your breath and movement. In this yoga, the serpent that represents energy is said to lie asleep at the base of your spine, coiled and dormant. Specifically, this region is located in the perineum area of the body. That is, it lies between the rectum and the testicles in males, and between the vagina and the clitoris in females. When awakened, the dormant masculine energy (Siva) and feminine energy (Sakti) unite to create a powerful surge unlike anything you're likely to have experienced before.
What Can It Do For Me?
The powerful energy released by Kundalini yoga is said to do many things for the body. And yet, although it can help you physically, its primary benefits are spiritual. All the intangible energies that help to shape our lives are affected by Kundalini yoga, such as divine prosperity, and freedom from judgment. Once freed, this new energy helps to promote creativity and unconditional love. Needless to say, all these positive changes help sweep away any negative feelings, such as those associated with depression, or even long-standing resentments or jealousy.
If you would like to experience this type of amazing yoga, you'll want professional guidance. Understanding more about how Kundalini works will help you achieve the results you seek, so a little private time with the books can help you as well. As with any yoga, it's best to learn Kundalini from an experienced instructor, who can help you focus your energy in addition to teaching you the techniques. Having an awakened yogi nearby can be half the battle.
What's more, Kundalini yoga is a little different from other practices. Most forms of yoga concentrate on the body's poses, combined with breathing and meditation exercises. While Kundalini yoga still concerns itself with forms and poses, it places much more emphasis on breathing, chanting, and releasing a special energy we all possess unawares.
In Kundalini yoga, the special energy is likened to a powerful serpent lying asleep at the base of the spine. But practitioners can awaken the powerful serpent with the use of Kundalini techniques, releasing almost unimaginable energy.
How It's Done
In Kundalini yoga, you'll combine classic poses, meditation, chanting or mantras, and also coordinate your breath and movement. In this yoga, the serpent that represents energy is said to lie asleep at the base of your spine, coiled and dormant. Specifically, this region is located in the perineum area of the body. That is, it lies between the rectum and the testicles in males, and between the vagina and the clitoris in females. When awakened, the dormant masculine energy (Siva) and feminine energy (Sakti) unite to create a powerful surge unlike anything you're likely to have experienced before.
What Can It Do For Me?
The powerful energy released by Kundalini yoga is said to do many things for the body. And yet, although it can help you physically, its primary benefits are spiritual. All the intangible energies that help to shape our lives are affected by Kundalini yoga, such as divine prosperity, and freedom from judgment. Once freed, this new energy helps to promote creativity and unconditional love. Needless to say, all these positive changes help sweep away any negative feelings, such as those associated with depression, or even long-standing resentments or jealousy.
If you would like to experience this type of amazing yoga, you'll want professional guidance. Understanding more about how Kundalini works will help you achieve the results you seek, so a little private time with the books can help you as well. As with any yoga, it's best to learn Kundalini from an experienced instructor, who can help you focus your energy in addition to teaching you the techniques. Having an awakened yogi nearby can be half the battle.
Having your Breasts Reduced with Breast Augmentation
Many women feel that their breasts are too big and they need to have a breast augmentation done so to improve the way they look and feel. This procedure can be taken care of with the help of a plastic surgeon. This procedure is common than it sounds and can be done with little or no hospital stay. For some women, they are released to go home the very same day or within a short time afterwards.
Although there are many reasons for women to have breast augmentation done, some women just do not want big and heavy breasts to deal with. This is the best way to handle this problem. By having this very common procedure done, you can feel confident knowing that you are gong to look and feel better about your body and the way that other people see you.
After having children, women's bodies can change a lot and make them feel very uncomfortable in their own skin. This is the perfect opportunity for women to have a breast augmentation done so that they can get on with their lives and feel sexy and vibrant again. The procedure is there to help these women and these kinds of problems. It may take more than just exercise to get your pre baby body back and with the breast augmentation surgery; women have more options to do just that.
Another form of breast augmentation for women who want to lessen their bra size is reconstructive surgery. Sometimes after childbirth or even with age, a woman's breast may start to change the way that it looks in appearance. This could affect the size of the breast and the way that it looks. Having reconstructive surgery will help to restore the look that the breast once had so that women of any size can feel sexy and secure again.
Most forms of breast reductions are done for a medical reason. There are a lot of women who complain of a sore back and bad headaches because they have a larger chest. When this is the case, it is so important for the women to think about doing something about it. With a breast augmentation that reduces the size of the breast, the women will feel like a load as been lifted, literally. They will be able to stand up correctly and have better posture. Not only will they have less back and neck pain, they will also find a new sense of self-confidence that will make them feel better about themselves.
Although there are many reasons for women to have breast augmentation done, some women just do not want big and heavy breasts to deal with. This is the best way to handle this problem. By having this very common procedure done, you can feel confident knowing that you are gong to look and feel better about your body and the way that other people see you.
After having children, women's bodies can change a lot and make them feel very uncomfortable in their own skin. This is the perfect opportunity for women to have a breast augmentation done so that they can get on with their lives and feel sexy and vibrant again. The procedure is there to help these women and these kinds of problems. It may take more than just exercise to get your pre baby body back and with the breast augmentation surgery; women have more options to do just that.
Another form of breast augmentation for women who want to lessen their bra size is reconstructive surgery. Sometimes after childbirth or even with age, a woman's breast may start to change the way that it looks in appearance. This could affect the size of the breast and the way that it looks. Having reconstructive surgery will help to restore the look that the breast once had so that women of any size can feel sexy and secure again.
Most forms of breast reductions are done for a medical reason. There are a lot of women who complain of a sore back and bad headaches because they have a larger chest. When this is the case, it is so important for the women to think about doing something about it. With a breast augmentation that reduces the size of the breast, the women will feel like a load as been lifted, literally. They will be able to stand up correctly and have better posture. Not only will they have less back and neck pain, they will also find a new sense of self-confidence that will make them feel better about themselves.
Complications Arising From Acid Reflux
Acid Reflux or Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition in which the liquid content of the stomach backs up or refluxes into the esophagus. The liquid can inflame and damage the lining of the esophagus. This regurgitated liquid mainly contains acid and pepsin, both being produced by the stomach. It may also contain bile. Amongst all the contents of the liquid, acid is the most harmful.
Once GERD starts, it stays for life-long. GERD is a chronic condition and the treatment has to continue indefinitely. The reflux of the stomach's liquid contents into the esophagus occurs in normal individuals also. The difference of it occurring in GERD patients is that the refluxed liquid contains more acid that often remains in the esophagus for longer duration. The body has ways of protecting itself from the effects of reflux and acid. Saliva contains bicarbonate that neutralizes the small amount of acid that remains in the esophagus. Gravity, swallowing and saliva are the protective mechanisms for the esophagus when an individual is in the upright position.
There are various complications arising because of acid reflux.
Ulcers –
The cells lining the esophagus are sometimes damaged due to the reflux of liquid from the stomach into the esophagus. An ulcer is a break in the lining of the esophagus that occurs in an area of inflammation. It may give rise to bleeding in the esophagus. When the bleeding becomes severe, blood transfusion is required along with endoscopic or surgical treatment.
Strictures –<
Scars are formed when the ulcers of the esophagus heal. The scar tissue shrinks and narrows the lumen of the esophagus. This scarred narrowing is called a stricture. It may cause swallowed food to get stuck in the esophagus.
Barrett's esophagus – Severe GERD or Long-standing cause cells to change that line the esophagus. These cells then become pre-cancerous and then finally cancerous.
Cough and Asthma –
Some nerves in the esophagus are stimulated by the refluxed acid, which results in pain. Other nerves that are also stimulated provoke coughing. The stimulated esophageal nerves that connect to the nerves going to the lungs causes the breathing tubes to narrow, resulting in an attack of asthma.
Inflammation of the throat and larynx –
When the refluxed liquid gets past the upper esophageal sphincter, it enters the throat and the voice box, causing inflammation and soar throat.
Inflammation and infection of the lungs –
The reflux of liquid into the lungs results in coughing and choking. This can lead to infection of the lungs and result in pneumonia.
Fluid in the sinuses and middle ear –
Found in children, it is caused when the sinuses and middle ears are closed off from the nasal passages by the swelling of the adenoids. Fluid is then accumulated within them.
GERD is treated with life-style changes, antacids, histamine antagonists (H2 blockers), proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), pro-motility drugs, foam barriers, surgery, and endoscopy.
Once GERD starts, it stays for life-long. GERD is a chronic condition and the treatment has to continue indefinitely. The reflux of the stomach's liquid contents into the esophagus occurs in normal individuals also. The difference of it occurring in GERD patients is that the refluxed liquid contains more acid that often remains in the esophagus for longer duration. The body has ways of protecting itself from the effects of reflux and acid. Saliva contains bicarbonate that neutralizes the small amount of acid that remains in the esophagus. Gravity, swallowing and saliva are the protective mechanisms for the esophagus when an individual is in the upright position.
There are various complications arising because of acid reflux.
Ulcers –
The cells lining the esophagus are sometimes damaged due to the reflux of liquid from the stomach into the esophagus. An ulcer is a break in the lining of the esophagus that occurs in an area of inflammation. It may give rise to bleeding in the esophagus. When the bleeding becomes severe, blood transfusion is required along with endoscopic or surgical treatment.
Strictures –<
Scars are formed when the ulcers of the esophagus heal. The scar tissue shrinks and narrows the lumen of the esophagus. This scarred narrowing is called a stricture. It may cause swallowed food to get stuck in the esophagus.
Barrett's esophagus – Severe GERD or Long-standing cause cells to change that line the esophagus. These cells then become pre-cancerous and then finally cancerous.
Cough and Asthma –
Some nerves in the esophagus are stimulated by the refluxed acid, which results in pain. Other nerves that are also stimulated provoke coughing. The stimulated esophageal nerves that connect to the nerves going to the lungs causes the breathing tubes to narrow, resulting in an attack of asthma.
Inflammation of the throat and larynx –
When the refluxed liquid gets past the upper esophageal sphincter, it enters the throat and the voice box, causing inflammation and soar throat.
Inflammation and infection of the lungs –
The reflux of liquid into the lungs results in coughing and choking. This can lead to infection of the lungs and result in pneumonia.
Fluid in the sinuses and middle ear –
Found in children, it is caused when the sinuses and middle ears are closed off from the nasal passages by the swelling of the adenoids. Fluid is then accumulated within them.
GERD is treated with life-style changes, antacids, histamine antagonists (H2 blockers), proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), pro-motility drugs, foam barriers, surgery, and endoscopy.
Natural Wonders May Help Save America Costly Medical Bills
In 2004, America spent $170 billion in prescription drugs alone. In fact, the United States spends nearly $5,000 per person on health care. That's more than twice the amount of some other industrialized countries.
Noting this upward spiral in health care costs, many are turning to the obvious need for improved prevention efforts. How do we prevent heart disease, osteoarthritis, the flu and the common cold? How do we improve the overall health of Americans?
While America witnesses almost daily announcements of expensive medical miracles being wrought, other forces are hiking the trails of Borneo, braving the deserts of the Kalahari and searching through the Himalayas to find those hidden natural wonders that may offer the keys to a healthier America at less of a cost.
Drawing upon every corner of society and the world, these forces are seeking out natural and man-made methods to provide America with what it needs to prevent disease, thus minimizing its reliance on cures.
A relative newcomer to this nature-focused group are the pioneers of Mosaic Nutraceuticals. Pulling together expertise from all over the world, the company is developing low-cost, nature-based alternatives that may help prevent some of the many ailments of today. Starting small, Mosaic is offering effective osteoarthritis relief in its Joint-2-Life candy chews and its 24/7 Instant Relief ointment.
"Mosaic Nutraceuticals was founded on the concept that nature will provide many of the answers to our health questions," said Charles Townsend, chief executive officer of the Dallas-based company. "We have to be smart enough to find those answers and apply them."
Mosaic's approach stems from one simple idea: Everybody likes candy. So the company developed its supplements in the form of tasty candy chews that are easy to take and convenient for people on the go.
Noting this upward spiral in health care costs, many are turning to the obvious need for improved prevention efforts. How do we prevent heart disease, osteoarthritis, the flu and the common cold? How do we improve the overall health of Americans?
While America witnesses almost daily announcements of expensive medical miracles being wrought, other forces are hiking the trails of Borneo, braving the deserts of the Kalahari and searching through the Himalayas to find those hidden natural wonders that may offer the keys to a healthier America at less of a cost.
Drawing upon every corner of society and the world, these forces are seeking out natural and man-made methods to provide America with what it needs to prevent disease, thus minimizing its reliance on cures.
A relative newcomer to this nature-focused group are the pioneers of Mosaic Nutraceuticals. Pulling together expertise from all over the world, the company is developing low-cost, nature-based alternatives that may help prevent some of the many ailments of today. Starting small, Mosaic is offering effective osteoarthritis relief in its Joint-2-Life candy chews and its 24/7 Instant Relief ointment.
"Mosaic Nutraceuticals was founded on the concept that nature will provide many of the answers to our health questions," said Charles Townsend, chief executive officer of the Dallas-based company. "We have to be smart enough to find those answers and apply them."
Mosaic's approach stems from one simple idea: Everybody likes candy. So the company developed its supplements in the form of tasty candy chews that are easy to take and convenient for people on the go.
Ayurvedic Body Type and Diet Recommendations
Ayurveda recommends foods for people according to their primary body type. The reason this is done is because it is believed foods can be both healing, and the source of imbalance and difficulties. By eating foods according to our Ayurvedic body type, the belief is that we will accumulate less Ama, or waste, in the body.
In Ayurveda, people are classified according to three principles, vata, kapha, and pitta. But it's important to understand that although we may be dominant in one principle, we actually have all three present in our body. The others are in a smaller ration. Most people will actually be a combination of two of these principles, with the third only playing a minor role. But because we all contain the three, any of them can get out of balance.
Pitta
Characteristics of Pitta dominant body types
* determination
* strong willed
* good digestion
* initiative
* energy
* passionate about many things
Ayurveda's Pitta constitution is calmed by cooling foods, such as fresh fruit and vegetables. Bitter green vegetables like watercress, parsley, collards and most greens suit pitta. Fruits that suit pitta body types include sweet berries, sweet apples and apricots, coconut, figs, mango, sweet oranges and pineapples, plums, watermelon, pomegranates, and prunes.
Other cooling foods include most dairy products, though sour cream, hard cheeses, and yoghurt don't really suit pitta due to their being too high in fat, salt, or sour. But dairy that suits pitta includes milk, cottage cheese, soft cheeses, and ice cream!
Grains that suit pitta body types include barley, basmati rice, and wheat (unless you are allergic or gluten sensitive).
Pitta body types generally like a lot of protein, and they probably need a little more than the other Ayurvedic body types. Spices that are cooling in nature are also important. These include coriander, cumin, mint, parsley, dill and fennel. Garlic should be avoided though as it is too heating.
In terms of sweets, Pitta body types should use maple syrup, barley malt, brown rice syrup and honey that is 6 months or less old, preferably raw.
Things that can imbalance Pitta body types:
* excess heat, hot climates, and hot times of day
* humidity
* vacations and times when there is increased mobility
* excess oil in the diet
* too many hot foods, including spicy foods. But this can also mean too many cooked meals
* excess caffeine, salt, red meat and alcohol
Vata
Characteristics of people with a dominant Vata body type:
* flexibility
* quick mind
* creative
* always on the go - mentally and physically
Dietary choices that support vata aim at grounding this energy-in-motion. Routine is also very helpful, though not naturally something vata body type people will create! Vata people benefit from meditation, warmth, soothing music, taking breaks, and resting (again, not a natural vata inclination!).
With regards foods, vata body types should include warming spices, including ginger and cloves, anise, cayenne, cinnamon, garlic, horseradish, caraway, mint, mustard seeds, parsley, cooked onion, paprika, rose water, vanilla, tarragon, thyme and rosemary.
People with the vata body type should minimize raw food, including salad, though salads should not be eliminated completely as they provide valuable nutrients. But vata should ground the salad with a dressing made from oil and vinegar, and be aware of the weather at the time of eating it. Being more sensitive to cold, vata's should have salads on warmer days.
Icy cold drinks are not balancing for vata - in fact quite the opposite. Sugar also throws vata types off balance, though vata are lucky in that they can enjoy other sweets.
Vata generally love fruit, and it suits their ayurvedic constitution. The exceptions are apples, pears, cranberries, watermelon and dried fruit. Vata types should go for sweet and moist fruit, like mangoes, nectarines, bananas, coconut, fresh figs, peaches, and strawberries.
Cooked grains like oatmeal, basmati rice, and brown rice, are very grounding for the vata ayurvedic constitution. Beans (legumes), on the other hand, are not! Beans are cold, dry, and heavy - not the attributes that support vata.
Things that can imbalance vata dominant body types include:
* a lot of travel, especially by plane
* loud noises
* constant stimulation
* drugs, sugar and alcohol
* cold climates (especially extremely cold ones) and cold food
* frozen and dried food
Kapha
Characteristics of people with a kapha dominant body type:
* strength
* stamina
* endurance
* groundedness
* calm
* fluid
Kapha body types are not suited to a high protein diet like the Atkins diet. Not only should they avoid too much fat, but also, excessive heavy protein. The kapha quality is already heavy, and although this doesn't sound great, it is what provides Kapha body types with a wonderful stability and strength.
Kapha should have light and low fat protein. Beans, with the exception of soy and soy products, are great for kapha. Soy milk is preferable to dairy though, for kapha. Beans help move kapha's energy, and digestive system, a bit. Barley is also excellent. In terms of meat, chicken and turkey suit kapha.
Kapha body types should have plenty of vegetables, including bitter vegetables, peppers, broccoli, brussel sprouts, cauliflower, eggplant, lettuce, onions, potatoes, mushrooms, corn cobs, peas, beets, and celery.
Dairy is heavy and cooling, and it does not suit the Kapha ayurvedic body type. Light and crispy food, like corn tortillas and popcorn, suit kapha. Kapha people should make sure they have variety in their diet, as kapha body types have a danger of falling into a rut more than others.
Asian and Latin American style meals are great for kapha. They are spicy and light, free of dairy, and have plenty of vegetables in them.
Things that can imbalance Kapha body types:
* inertia
* too much fat in the diet, including oil we cook with!
* dairy products
* not enough stimulation and challenge
* not enough variety
* not enough exercise
* too much bread, iced foods and drinks, and sweets
References: Amadea Morningstar and Urmila Desai, The Ayurvedic Cookbook
In Ayurveda, people are classified according to three principles, vata, kapha, and pitta. But it's important to understand that although we may be dominant in one principle, we actually have all three present in our body. The others are in a smaller ration. Most people will actually be a combination of two of these principles, with the third only playing a minor role. But because we all contain the three, any of them can get out of balance.
Pitta
Characteristics of Pitta dominant body types
* determination
* strong willed
* good digestion
* initiative
* energy
* passionate about many things
Ayurveda's Pitta constitution is calmed by cooling foods, such as fresh fruit and vegetables. Bitter green vegetables like watercress, parsley, collards and most greens suit pitta. Fruits that suit pitta body types include sweet berries, sweet apples and apricots, coconut, figs, mango, sweet oranges and pineapples, plums, watermelon, pomegranates, and prunes.
Other cooling foods include most dairy products, though sour cream, hard cheeses, and yoghurt don't really suit pitta due to their being too high in fat, salt, or sour. But dairy that suits pitta includes milk, cottage cheese, soft cheeses, and ice cream!
Grains that suit pitta body types include barley, basmati rice, and wheat (unless you are allergic or gluten sensitive).
Pitta body types generally like a lot of protein, and they probably need a little more than the other Ayurvedic body types. Spices that are cooling in nature are also important. These include coriander, cumin, mint, parsley, dill and fennel. Garlic should be avoided though as it is too heating.
In terms of sweets, Pitta body types should use maple syrup, barley malt, brown rice syrup and honey that is 6 months or less old, preferably raw.
Things that can imbalance Pitta body types:
* excess heat, hot climates, and hot times of day
* humidity
* vacations and times when there is increased mobility
* excess oil in the diet
* too many hot foods, including spicy foods. But this can also mean too many cooked meals
* excess caffeine, salt, red meat and alcohol
Vata
Characteristics of people with a dominant Vata body type:
* flexibility
* quick mind
* creative
* always on the go - mentally and physically
Dietary choices that support vata aim at grounding this energy-in-motion. Routine is also very helpful, though not naturally something vata body type people will create! Vata people benefit from meditation, warmth, soothing music, taking breaks, and resting (again, not a natural vata inclination!).
With regards foods, vata body types should include warming spices, including ginger and cloves, anise, cayenne, cinnamon, garlic, horseradish, caraway, mint, mustard seeds, parsley, cooked onion, paprika, rose water, vanilla, tarragon, thyme and rosemary.
People with the vata body type should minimize raw food, including salad, though salads should not be eliminated completely as they provide valuable nutrients. But vata should ground the salad with a dressing made from oil and vinegar, and be aware of the weather at the time of eating it. Being more sensitive to cold, vata's should have salads on warmer days.
Icy cold drinks are not balancing for vata - in fact quite the opposite. Sugar also throws vata types off balance, though vata are lucky in that they can enjoy other sweets.
Vata generally love fruit, and it suits their ayurvedic constitution. The exceptions are apples, pears, cranberries, watermelon and dried fruit. Vata types should go for sweet and moist fruit, like mangoes, nectarines, bananas, coconut, fresh figs, peaches, and strawberries.
Cooked grains like oatmeal, basmati rice, and brown rice, are very grounding for the vata ayurvedic constitution. Beans (legumes), on the other hand, are not! Beans are cold, dry, and heavy - not the attributes that support vata.
Things that can imbalance vata dominant body types include:
* a lot of travel, especially by plane
* loud noises
* constant stimulation
* drugs, sugar and alcohol
* cold climates (especially extremely cold ones) and cold food
* frozen and dried food
Kapha
Characteristics of people with a kapha dominant body type:
* strength
* stamina
* endurance
* groundedness
* calm
* fluid
Kapha body types are not suited to a high protein diet like the Atkins diet. Not only should they avoid too much fat, but also, excessive heavy protein. The kapha quality is already heavy, and although this doesn't sound great, it is what provides Kapha body types with a wonderful stability and strength.
Kapha should have light and low fat protein. Beans, with the exception of soy and soy products, are great for kapha. Soy milk is preferable to dairy though, for kapha. Beans help move kapha's energy, and digestive system, a bit. Barley is also excellent. In terms of meat, chicken and turkey suit kapha.
Kapha body types should have plenty of vegetables, including bitter vegetables, peppers, broccoli, brussel sprouts, cauliflower, eggplant, lettuce, onions, potatoes, mushrooms, corn cobs, peas, beets, and celery.
Dairy is heavy and cooling, and it does not suit the Kapha ayurvedic body type. Light and crispy food, like corn tortillas and popcorn, suit kapha. Kapha people should make sure they have variety in their diet, as kapha body types have a danger of falling into a rut more than others.
Asian and Latin American style meals are great for kapha. They are spicy and light, free of dairy, and have plenty of vegetables in them.
Things that can imbalance Kapha body types:
* inertia
* too much fat in the diet, including oil we cook with!
* dairy products
* not enough stimulation and challenge
* not enough variety
* not enough exercise
* too much bread, iced foods and drinks, and sweets
References: Amadea Morningstar and Urmila Desai, The Ayurvedic Cookbook