Simple Guidelines For Decreasing Pitta
Signs & Symptoms of Increased Pitta
You may be experiencing some of the following signs or symptoms:
- red, inflamed rash, acne, cold sores
- acute inflammation in body or joints
- acid reflux, gastric or peptic ulcers, heartburn
- nausea or discomfort upon missing meals
- loose stools
- uncomfortable feeling of heat in the body
- frustration, anger, irritability
- judgement, impatience, criticism, intolerance
- red, inflamed or light-sensitive eyes
- excessive perfectionist tendencies
To decrease Pitta, Ayurveda has given us dietary, lifestyle and herbal treatment strategies. Here are a few underlying concepts that these strategies are based on:
- Cooling
- Surrendering
- Moderation
Food Choices for PITTA
General Guidelines:
Enjoy:
- Foods that are naturally sweet, bitter and astringent.
- Cooling foods, both energetically and in temperature.
- A balance of whole, freshly cooked foods and fresh, raw foods.
- Most beans.
- Cooling herbs and spices like coriander, cilantro, fennel and cardamom.
- Dairy, if you digest it well, but avoid drinking milk with your meals. It is best to have it at least an hour before or after other food.
- A moderate amount of high-quality olive, sunflower and coconut oils or ghee in your daily diet.
- Routine times for your meals.
- Taking a deep breath after swallowing your last bite and heading off for your next activity.
- Eating your meal in a peaceful environment.
Avoid:
- Foods that are pungent, sour and salty.
- Warming foods, both energetically and in temperature.
- Chili and cayenne peppers.
- Highly processed foods (like canned or frozen foods, "TV" dinners or pastries).
- Eating fresh fruit or drinking fruit juice within 1/2 hr of any other food.
- Caffeine, nicotine and other stimulants.
- Red meat.
- Deep fried foods.
- Alcohol, except for an occasional beer or white wine.
Pitta-Pacifying-Lifestyle
General Guidelines:
Enjoy:
- Surrendering rather than controlling.
- A regular, daily routine with regular times for eating, sleeping, working, etc. Make sure you have time to play and to relax as well as to work.
- A 10-20 min. self-massage daily with 1/2 c. warm sesame and sunflower or coconut oil before bathing.
- A moderate exercise routine that includes a challenging form of yoga, swimming or biking, about five times per week. Avoid exercising during the hot part of the day.
- Keeping yourself cool, mind and body.
- Sweet and soothing music, smells, scenes and company.