According to Ayurveda, the ancient Indian science that focuses on holistic well-being, our bodies are governed by doshas or humors — vata, pitta and kapha. These doshas are a combination of the five elements, namely earth, water, wind, fire and ether and make up the basic energy that controls our physical and mental attributes.
What does that have to do with flawless skin, you may wonder? Well, what we consume and how our bodies process it is what reflects on our skin. And, the practitioners of Ayurveda believe that eating the right food for your personal dosha-type might help you maintain healthy glowing skin, regardless of age.
Dosha-Based Foods for Flawless Skin
Many people often complain of constant skin problems like dry skin and acne while continuing to consume unhealthy foods or foods that do not suit their dosha-composition. A simple change in eating habits might make a big difference, which no $100 cream could possibly offer.
According to Ayurveda, while it is important to focus on the food we eat, it is equally or more important to think about the foods that get digested well. Agni or the digestive fire is key to maintaining overall health and a weakened agni might lead to the accumulation of ama or toxins that can reflect on the skin as acne, pimples and other problems.
This means that even if we are on a healthy diet, our body type may not be able to assimilate the nutrients efficiently unless our dosha aligns with the foods and the agni is able to digest it. Hence, it is important to eat the right foods for our dosha and keep the agni burning to maintain healthy skin.
Doshas and skin types:
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Vata:
Considered the most powerful of the doshas, vata symbolizes the wind and may manifest in people who are energetic and thin. In terms of skin health though, vata-dominant types might have dry skin that needs constant moisturization. It could also cause premature aging signs like wrinkles and fine lines.
Experts recommend incorporating “warm and grounding foods” that include avocado and coconut oil that are rich in healthy, hydrating fats. These individuals may also respond well to soups and other warm foods like porridges and stews. It is recommended to avoid eating raw vegetables and dry foods like garbanzo and kidney beans.
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Pitta:
Pitta is the manifestation of fire and is believed to control temperature and chemical reactions in the body. A pitta-dominant personality may be extremely focused on life goals and an overall lover of life. These individuals might have predominantly oily skin, freckles, acne and inflammation. There may be an increased sensitivity to perfumed products. Ayurveda recommends avoiding foods with strong flavors including spicy and sour. Foods like bananas, cherries, barley and oats may be beneficial.
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Kapha:
This dosha symbolizes earth and embodies individuals who are loving and caring with a slight tendency of being lethargic. Kapha-dominant people might have a skin type that reflects a combination of properties of earth and water — supple skin that ages slowly. An imbalance, though, can result in oily T-zones and whiteheads. The best foods for this body type include artichokes, lentils, lemons and spinach. It is recommended to avoid wheat and wheat products and avocados.
Tips to keep your digestive fires burning:
- Incorporate ginger, garlic and other spices to aid digestion
- Make sure your dinner is light, lunch can be your biggest meal
- Practice portion control
- Drink warm water instead of room temperature or cold water
- Restrict the consumption of raw foods
- Avoid processed foods
- Don’t drink too much water
- Foods with artificial or modified ingredients
Once you find your dominant dosha and start eating the right foods, you may notice improved digestion, better assimilation of nutrients and beautiful, glowing skin through the seasons.
The content of this Website is for informational purposes only, is general in nature and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, and does not constitute professional advice. The information on this Website should not be considered as complete and does not cover all diseases, ailments, physical conditions, or their treatment. You should consult with your physician before beginning any exercise, weight loss, or health care program and/or any of the beauty treatments.
References
Rose, S. (2018, September 15). Exactly What To Eat For Glowing Skin, Based On Your Personal Dosha. Retrieved from https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/ayurvedic-eating-for-your-dosha-skin-benefits
Skin Food: Ayurvedic Diet for Beautiful Skin. (2015, August 15). Retrieved from http://www.sundaraholistic.com/blog/2015/8/15/skin-food-ayurvedic-diet-for-beautiful-skin
