AyurPedia Clinic

Ayurvedic Perspective on Body Constitution and Dietary recommendation

According to Ayurveda, there are three primary body constitutions (Prakriti): Vata predominance, Pitta predominance, and Kapha predominance. Although all three doshasare present in every individual, they exist in different proportions. The predominance of a particular dosha defines one’s Prakriti and determines the suitable dietary and lifestyle regimen. By aligning daily practices with one’s constitution, Ayurveda emphasizes that an individual can maintain long-term health and minimize susceptibility to diseases.

• Vata Predominant Constitution
  Individuals with Vata predominance are advised to consume healthy cold pressed oil like almond, sesame and nourishing foods, while avoiding excessively dry, cold, or spicy items. Such a diet helps balance Vata and prevents related imbalances.
• Pitta Predominant Constitution
  In Pitta predominance, one should avoid overly spicy, sour, or fermented foods, such as pickles, preserved sauces, and genetically modified, hybrid or non-native fruits and vegetables. Cooling and soothing foods like clarified butter (ghee) and black raisins are recommended to pacify excess Pitta.
• Kapha Predominant Constitution
  Those with Kapha predominance should minimize intake of heavy, oily, or fried foods such as butter, cheese, and deep-fried preparations. Instead, they benefit from light and warm foods, honey and spices like black pepper, which help balance Kapha and prevent conditions such as cough and cold .

Thus, the Ayurvedic principle of Prakriti-based diet and lifestyle serves as a preventive and health-promoting strategy for lifelong well-being.

Increasing Allergic and Hypersensitivity Reactions: An Ayurvedic Perspective

In recent times, the incidence of allergic disorders and hypersensitivity reactions is increasing day by day. Ayurveda provides a logical explanation for the underlying causes of these conditions. Excessive intake of certain foods—such as over-fermented and excessively oily items (e.g., pizza, burgers, and white bread) with ice cold carbonated soft drinks , heavy-to-digest meals, and incompatible food combinations can disturb tridosha balance and impair digestion (Agni).

Common examples of incompatible combinations (Viruddhahara) include:

• Milkshakes with cream, ice cream, or fruits (banana+milk)
• Heavy non-vegetarian food marinated with curd
• Excessively fermented or processed foods

Such dietary habits can lead to the accumulation of Ama (undigested metabolic toxins), which acts as a trigger for hypersensitivity and allergic manifestations. 

These may present as:

• Food allergies and GI hypersensitivity (loose stools, nausea, vomiting)
• Skin manifestations (itching, rashes)
• Respiratory involvement (frequent cough, cold, congestion)

According to Ayurveda, individuals with Pitta-predominant constitution (Pitta Prakriti) are more susceptible to such hypersensitivity reactions due to their inherent metabolic intensity.

Preventive and Dietary Guidelines

• Choose food according to climate, place of living, and season.
• Avoid incompatible food combinations (Viruddhahara) mainly at major seasonal change summer to winter and vice versa.
• Prefer light, easily digestible food for dinner.

By following dietary discipline (Pathya-Apathya) aligned with one’s constitution and seasonal regimen, the risk of allergic and hypersensitivity reactions can be significantly minimized.

Increasing Immunity modifying Diseases: An Ayurvedic Perspective

In recent years, the prevalence of  immune modified conditions like malignancy ,bleeding disorders, Intractable Diabetes, and autoimmune joint diseases—has been on the rise. Ayurveda provides a unique explanation for this trend.

A key factor is the neglect of proper post-fever care (Jvarachikitsa regimen) after prolonged or severe febrile illnesses. Conditions such as acute viral fevers—including dengue fever, chikungunya, or other persistent viral infections lasting 7–10 days—place immense strain on Agni (digestive and metabolic fire) and disturb the balance of doshas and depletion of dhatus (tissues).

If proper post-fever diet and lifestyle (Pathya) are not followed, incomplete recovery leads to the accumulation of Ama (metabolic toxins) and weakened immunity (Ojas kshaya). This sets the stage triggers to modify immunity and  the development of various intractable disease.

Ayurvedic Insight

• Fever (Jvara) is considered the root cause of many diseases (Jvarat sarvam rogam jayate).
• After fever subsides, the body remains in a fragile state, requiring careful restoration of Agni and Ojas.
• Failure to follow a post-fever regimen can result in long-term complications, including autoimmune disorders.

Post-Fever Regimen (Jvaranubandhi Chikitsa)

• Begin with light, easily digestible foods (e.g., rice gruel, thin soups) with specific herb as per menifestation.
• Gradually progress to semi-solid and then normal diet as Agni strengthens.
• Avoid heavy, oily, fermented, and incompatible foods (Viruddhahara).
• Support immunity with Rasayana herbs such as Guduchi, Amalaki, Ashwagandha, and Yashtimadhu, under medical supervision.