Health is the most important thing that you have. Taking care of health is a priority for most people though they fall short of ideas on how to go about it. Ayurveda or the ancient science of medicine suggests a simple combination of food, lifestyle and exercise to maintain a healthy and productive system of doshas (one of the three elemental substances).
According to Ayurveda, a dosha (dosa) is one of three bodily humors that make up one's constitution. The ‘Pitta’ is bilious humor which uses bile to direct digestion and hence metabolism. Pitta dosha is the energy principle aggravated by heat within the body and outside. It governs the body’s temperature, metabolism and transforms the mind and body.
Here’s how you can adjust your lifestyle to reduce pitta dosha. You can incorporate these lifestyle changes as you like.
You need to make a few changes to the way you eat and the food choices you make. Cut back on warming foods in your diet as they aggravate pitta dosha. These include spicy, oily and heavy foods. Eat dairy products, egg yolks, red meats and nuts in moderation as they can warm the body as well. Whole grains such as barley, wheat and oats can reduce pitta dosha. Consider adding cool, sweet fruits, vegetables and herbal teas (such as peppermint tea) in your diet. Never miss out on a meal or wait until you are overly hungry.
Exposure to sunlight and heat
You must avoid spending long durations outdoors when it is hot. The heat can greatly impact Pitta.
Don’t get into heated conversations
To reduce pitta, you need to work at staying cool. Avoid heated exchanges or situations. If you suspect that you are getting into a debate, pull back. Your objective should be to remain balanced, cantered and calm. You will be in a better position to reduce pitta dosha when you achieve and maintain a state of calm.
Balance work with leisure and relaxation
You need to make time for yourself, fun activities and relaxation to achieve a balance. Taking some time out to ‘do nothing’ can actually sharpen minds and make you better at multitasking. On the other hand, working for extended hours can lead to burn-out. All you need is to take at least 15 to 30 minutes for a relaxing activity to balance Pitta dosha.
Get a good night’s sleep
You need to get enough sleep. Go to bed early and make sure you complete at least 7 hours of sleep. You should go by the old adage, ‘early to bed and early to rise’. This helps one stay to energized and productive the next day.
Reducing or balancing pitta dosha has many benefits. Besides making you get hold of your physical being and psychology, balancing pitta wards off problems such as acne, boils, ulcers, heartburn, hot sensations in the stomach or intestines and many more.