Vata dosha (wind energy) is derived from the four elements of air and space and it’s commonly called the energy of movement, which controls all the physical body’s body functions. It’s also recognized as the king of doshas, because it controls the body’s greater life force and also gives motion to the other two doshases of kapha and pitta. It’s important to understand that chi power in the form of Vata dosha has three states: conscious, unconscious. Chi is the underlying power source for all the doses.
There are four types of Vata dosha disorders: abdominal ailments, bowel disorders, nervous system disorders and internal organs disorders. Abdominal ailments include irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or diarrhea, bloating and gas, heartburn, acid reflux, constipation, or indigestion and many more. Bowel disorders include ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-A) or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), chronic diarrhea or chronic irritable bowel syndrome (CIS), diverticulitis, varicose veins and other abdominal problems. Bacterial and fungal infections can also cause IBS-A. These are just the intestinal diseases but there are many more such as skin problems, oral and ear infections, mental disorders, vision and lung problems and many more.
Because Vata dosha occurs in the digestive tract, it’s important to consider its role in our body and what foods should be included in our diet and which foods should not be included in our diet. Basically, the diet should include mainly alkaline foods, primarily raw fruits and juices. Vata dosha includes foods that strengthen the colon, those that cleanse the liver, those that increase energy levels, those that induce perspiration, those that increase stamina, and those that induce bowel movements. It’s important to drink at least 2 liters of water every day. A healthful diet consisting of these foods will help strengthen the entire body and keep the colon, liver and blood vessels healthy.
Vata dosha problems like oily skin, dry skin, dull hair, insomnia, low libido, depression, weight loss, lack of energy, poor digestion and dull hair can be solved by making changes in your diet. Your diet should include mainly alkaline foods and drinks that strengthen the colon, liver and blood vessels. A good example of an alkaline food is a mango. Mango contains many nutrients for the human body, especially for people with a dry skin type.
For people with an oily skin, Alkaline rich food like papaya, avocado, figs, pineapple and mangoes are recommended. The rule of thumb is eating food that contains 80% alkaline will balance the acidic imbalance in our body types. For those with a dry skin, milk, coconut milk, goat milk, yoghurt, almond milk, coconut milk, rice milk, yogurt and Aloe Vera are recommended. A diet of Alkaline rich foods and drinking lots of water will help balance the pH level in the body types. This balance should then be maintained by drinking plenty of water.
The digestive system of people has three major systems: the primary excretory organ (mouth, stomach and intestines), the intermediary organ and the last system are the immune system which is basically used to protect us from diseases. A healthy balanced diet will maintain all of these functions of the digestive system in optimum health. Some of the most important foods are protein, carbohydrate, fiber, vegetables and fruits. Protein needs are more for people with an oily skin and less for dry skin. Carbohydrate needs are for the people with a normal or slightly oily skin while fiber needs are for the dry-skinned people. Vegetables and fruits should be included in every meal for optimal health.
The digestive system has three stages of normal functioning, which are known as entrance, exit and reception. If any of these organs are out of order, the digestion process will be affected which can result in different disorders of the body including heartburn, vomiting, diarrhea and constipation. The entrance or active phase of the digestive process is when the food reaches the mouth and the second stage is when the food moves from the mouth to the stomach. The exit stage or passive is when the food moves out of the stomach into the small intestine. Foods that should be avoided during the Vata dosha period are those that contain starch such as rice, pasta, cereals, corn and potatoes as they stimulate the secretion of gastric acid into the digestive tract.
The Vata dosha requires adequate sleep, fresh air, sunshine and fresh air to promote proper health. It should not be overly controlled by stress, mental pressure and excessive alcohol intake. A balanced diet rich in fibers should be taken along with plenty of water to avoid dehydration. The ideal weight for an individual is neither too heavy nor too light and the muscles should have a good amount of flexibility. To attain an ideal body type and healthy joints people should follow a suitable ayurvedic regimen along with a healthy and well-balanced diet.
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