The ancient Indian practice of ayurveda — the benefits of which have been recently publicized by celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow and Kourtney Kardashian — is one of the world’s oldest medical systems and is all about treating the mind and body holistically.
Ayurveda translates to the “science of life” and focuses on diet, exercise and lifestyle, as well as some plant- and animal-based interventions. If you’re interested in following an ayurvedic diet, you’ll reorient your food choices to better connect yourself with the world around you. The ayurvedic belief in doing so is that better aligning digestion, metabolism, your immune system and other bodily functions with your environment can help them perform better and reduce risk of health problems.
The basics of ayurveda: Understanding elements and doshas
Ayurvedic practitioners believe the universe is comprised of five elements:
- Vayu, or air
- Jala, or water
- Aakash, or space
- Prithvi, or earth
- Teja, or fire
Along with the five elements, it’s believed that people have three energy patterns, known as doshas:
- Vata stands for air and ether. This dosha maintains electrolyte balance and helps eliminate waste.
- Pitta stands for fire and water. Pitta regulates body temperature and our hunger and thirst mechanisms.
- Kapha stands for earth and water. This dosha is responsible for healthy joints.
Ayurveda emphasizes the alignment of elements and doshas. This balance is considered a healthy state, whereas imbalances are thought to promote illness and disease.
How to eat for your dosha
Ayurvedic medicine relies on the notion that each individual has one dosha that is stronger than the rest, which can affect your behavior and appearance. For example, if Vata is your dominant dosha, you may be more slender because Vata is tied to catabolism, or breakdown of molecules within the body. Pitta, on the other hand, oversees metabolism, so people who are Pitta-dominant, may be have a strong appetite and be more muscular. People with a strong…
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