Ayurveda for Body Detoxification

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    13NATURAL DETOX FORMULA FOR OPTIMAL H

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    Table of Contents

    Understanding Ayurveda

    .. 5

    The Doshas: Vita, Pita, Kapha

    .. . 6

    Toxins and Diseases

    .... 7

    Your Bodys Toxin Overload

    ...... 9

    Ayurvedic Detoxification

    . 14

    Ayurvedic Fasting

    ... 15

    Rejuvenation from Fasting

    ... 17

    Sample Detox Recipes

    . 18

    The Six Tastes

    ...... 20

    Additional Resources

    .. .... 26

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    India Herbs - Ancient Remedies

    2012, Affluent Trade Management. All rights reserved.

    Reproduction or utilization of this work in any form or by any electronic,

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    For more information about India Herbs and Affluent Trade Management,

    please visit india-herbs.com.

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    Disclaimer

    The information in this book is intended to be used for educational purposes

    only. This book is published with the understanding that authors and

    publisher are not providing medical advice of any kind, nor is this book

    intended to replace medical advice, nor to diagnose, prescribe or treat any

    disease, condition, illness or injury.

    Before beginning any diet or exercise program, including any aspect of the

    guidance in this book, it is advised that you seek full medical consultationfrom your physician about your medical condition. Author and publisher

    claim no responsibility to any person or entity for any liability, loss, or

    damage caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly as a result of

    the use, application or interpretation of the material in this book.

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    5

    Understanding Ayurveda

    "Ayurveda" means the science of life. It originated in India 5,000 years ago.

    The term Ayurveda came from two Sanskrit words: ayur, which means life,

    and veda, which means science. The most significant revision of the oldAyurvedic texts came between the 8th and 10th century.

    The principles of Ayurveda are held together by its core value: balance.

    Ayurveda believes that health is achieved when there is balance in all areas

    of your being: body, mind, and soul. The key to health is gaining balance in

    everything.

    The Doshas - Vata, Pitta, Kapha

    Ayurveda perceives the body as made up of energies: Vata, which comprises

    ether and air; Pitta, which comprises fire and water; and Kapha, which

    comprises water and earth. These are known as the Doshas. The three

    Doshas encompass movement, transformation, and stability in your body.

    Any imbalance in their creation results in illness.

    Ayurvedic Diagnosis

    Unlike Western Medicine, which quickly acts on the symptoms of a disease,

    Ayurveda goes deep down to treating the underlying causes of disease and

    to restore balance into your being.

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    In Ayurvedic diagnosis, the positive signs are the first ones to look for. Your

    tissues are well nourished if you have bright complexion, good flesh and fat,

    solid bones, strong nervous system, and eyes full of luster. The next stage is

    to check the bowel movement and urine. This is followed by an examination

    of pulse, tongue, and face.

    Excess of Kapha causes mucus, indigestion, lethargy, cough, and nausea.

    Insufficient Kapha leads to weakness, dryness of skin and mouth, body

    aches, palpitations, and insomnia.

    Too much Pitta causes excess bile, creating anger, acidity, body heat,

    burning sensations, lack of sleep, and excessive hunger and thirst.

    Insufficient Pitta causes coldness, lack of vigour and joy, stiffness, and

    weakened digestion.

    Excess Vata results in weakness, emaciation, dryness, flatulence,

    constipation, pain, insomnia, tremors, giddiness, and impairment of sensory

    and motor functions. Insufficient Vata causes reduced metabolism and

    disturbed digestion.

    To know your dosha and better understand your body constitution, take this

    simple quiz.

    Ayurvedic Treatment

    Ayurveda treats a disease by restoring balance amongst the Doshas.

    Treatment of disease for Ayurveda also covers the soul, mind, and body.

    Meditation is for the soul, mind control is for consciousness, while diet,

    activity, purification, and palliation are for the body. This ancient medicine

    utilizes nature very well. It uses variety of potent herbs that exert different

    activities inside the body to help gain the balance back. Other techniques

    like yoga and massage are also applied in Ayurveda.

    A major area in Ayurveda is detoxification. Toxins destroy the balance of thebody and bring forth diseases.

    http://www.india-herbs.com/doshatest.htm?aff=detox_ebookhttp://www.india-herbs.com/doshatest.htm?aff=detox_ebookhttp://www.india-herbs.com/doshatest.htm?aff=detox_ebook
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    Toxins and Diseases

    Imbalance of the three doshas caused by tension, unstable emotions, poor

    diet, and toxic environment results in disease. When one of the doshas

    experiences imbalance, toxins start to accumulate and this begins the

    disease process.

    Six Stages of the Disease Process

    Each of the doshas is said to live in different parts of the body. Vata lives in

    the large intestine, Pitta in the small intestine, and Kapha in the stomach.

    Ayurveda states that Vata imbalance is the primary cause of disease. When

    Vata aggravates, it disrupts the other two doshas and leads to total

    imbalance in your system.

    Mental stress largely contributes in triggering Vata imbalance, thus, also in

    starting the disease process. It aggravates your emotional and psychological

    state. When your mind is disturbed, your Vata is immediately affected. Your

    mind has a special relation with your Vata as they both direct your bodys

    responses and relay movements to the other two doshas.

    The 6 steps in the disease process are:

    1) Accumulation

    2) Disturbed

    3) Flood

    4) Movement

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    5) Manifestation

    6) Chronic disease

    The imbalanced Vata will accumulate toxins (accumulation) in its home, the

    large intestine. When it becomes aggravated (disturbed), it fills its home

    (flood) and moves to a home of another dosha (movement). The

    manifestation of disease starts at this point. When the aggravation lasts for

    a long time, toxins accumulate in your intestinal and lymphatic systems, in

    your organs of purification (liver, spleen, and kidney), and in your tissues.

    The chronic imbalance among the doshas, as the movement is passed,

    brings forth disease.

    Poor Digestion and Toxins

    The importance of having a healthy gut and good digestion to overall health

    is often underestimated. The truth is health begins with a sound

    gastrointestinal tract. The functions of your GI tract include breaking down

    food to nutrients, facilitating nutrient absorption by the blood through

    intestinal walls, and preventing foreign and toxic molecules from entering

    the bloodstream. Poor digestion results in ama (undigested food residue,

    also referred to as toxins). While ama lodges itself in your colon, you

    continue to eat and eat. The amount of the undigested food slowly

    accumulates on the walls of your intestines and leaks into your bloodstream. This disrupts your vata and begins the disease process, as

    mentioned earlier in this chapter.

    The ama that leaked from your intestines is carried by your bloodstream

    throughout the body. When this happens, your immune system has to work

    double time to fight off toxins. Your liver and kidneys have to filter out

    increasing level of toxins. When your intestinal walls are coated with ama,

    the good bacteria are also overpowered. This destroys your bodys ability to

    assimilate nutrients and synthesize vitamins. Your body is then robbed off

    the basic nutrients it needs.

    Any poorly-digested food molecule that leaks through inflamed intestinal

    walls also feeds harmful bacteria and causes formation of antibodies. These

    antibodies mistakenly attack your immune system, body organs, and tissues

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    leading to auto-immune diseases like arthritis, lupus, and myocarditis. Your

    intestinal tract is the starting place of the majority of diseases.

    Ayurveda identifies numerous ways to prevent ama overload. These include

    balanced diet, lifestyle, and exercise routine. Exercise releases ama from the

    tissues through sweat. Meditation helps expel negative thoughts from your

    mind. Drinking cleansing teas and fasting effectively support your bodys

    toxin elimination channels. We will discuss more about ayurvedic detox in

    the next chapters.

    Your Bodys Toxin Overload

    As stated, poor digestion leads to toxin accumulation which leads to disease.

    Our Environment

    Studies show that since the 1940s approximately 87,000 synthetic new

    chemicals have been produced in the United States alone. At most about

    3% of these chemicals have been tested for cancer-causing properties, and

    even fewer have been tested for hormone disrupting properties. Over 3,000

    of these chemicals have been added to our food supply and more than

    10,000 chemical solvents, emulsifiers, and preservatives are being used for

    food processing.

    We ingest hundreds of pounds of food annually that are contaminated by

    these chemicals. In our lifetime through food we ingest, water we drink and

    bathe in, and air we breathe, each of us will consume 100 times the amount

    of pesticides, chemicals, life stock hormones, and preservatives than our

    grandparents did. This will inevitably disrupt the natural harmony and

    balance of our bodies.

    In addition, much of today's foods are genetically modified. The term

    genetically modified means the genetic blueprints of living organisms such

    as plants, animals, and microorganisms are unnaturally altered or disrupted.The "hidden menu" of these unlabeled genetically engineered foods and food

    ingredients in the United States now includes soybeans, soy oil, corn,

    potatoes, squash, canola oil, cotton seed oil, papaya, tomatoes, and dairy

    products. Over 70 million acres of genetically engineered crops are

    presently under cultivation in the United States. Up to 500,000 dairy cows

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    are being injected regularly with Monsanto's recombinant Bovine Growth

    Hormone (rBGH). And genetically modified bacteria and fungi are used in

    the production of enzymes, vitamins, food additives, flavorings, and

    processing agents in thousands of foods on grocery shelves. According to

    the biotechnology industry, 100% of food in the United States will begenetically engineered within the next 5 to 10 years! Consuming these

    genetically modified foods presents a constant and unknown hazard to the

    very essence of our well being.

    Your Detoxification System

    A toxin is defined as any compound that has a detrimental effect on cell

    function or structure; some toxins cause minimal negative effects while

    others can be fatal. Toxins damage the body in an insidious and cumulative

    manner. The body naturally processes toxins through the liver, kidneys, and

    lower intestines. These organs must function optimally for toxins to be

    adequately removed from the body before they damage tissue. If your

    detoxification system becomes overtaxed, toxic metabolites (by-products of

    metabolism) gradually accumulate and wreak havoc on normal body

    processes. Since all of your organs and functions are intimately connected,

    when basic body processes breakdown, your entire body deteriorates.

    For example, the human body is composed of about 60 trillion cells ofvarious shapes and functions. Every cell and tissue in the body is nourished

    by nutrients in the blood stream which are supplied through the intestines.

    The digestive tract converts food into valuable nutrients which are

    subsequently absorbed by the body. During this process, the digestive

    system produces a mucous substance which is normally excreted together

    with other waste matter. However, diets rich in processed foods and poor in

    fiber prevent proper elimination of this substance. As small amounts

    accumulate along the walls of the digestive tract, sluggish bowel movement

    and constipation occurs.

    As colon walls cake up and passages of the colon get narrower and

    narrower, the digestive process of toxin extraction from food and elimination

    from the body becomes ineffective leading to a toxic colon condition.

    Undigested fecal matter in the body is one of the leading causes of diseases.

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    According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the average American

    male aged 50 has between 5 and 22 pounds of compacted fecal matter stuck

    in his digestive system. The subsequent contamination of the intestines

    leads to toxins entering the blood, tissues, and organs, and contaminating

    them as well.

    The largest internal organ in the body is the liver. The liver works by both

    filtering toxins directly and by altering toxins so that they can be removed

    during other stages of detoxification. The liver filters toxins from about one

    liter of blood every minute. Some of these toxins are endotoxins (produced

    in the body) and exotoxins (from outside the body). These wastes are

    eliminated by the kidneys or the colon. Other toxins, composed of

    compounds that are difficult for the liver to filter, must be broken down with

    enzymes so that they can be removed. A properly functioning liver is vital to

    your health.

    Serious toxin overload of the liver can easily occur. Toxins released from

    the liver must leave the body through the colon and kidneys. If a person is

    constipated, the toxins are not eliminated and are instead reabsorbed back

    into the liver. This occurs while new exotoxins are continually introduced

    into the body through medication, pesticides, cigarette smoke, pollution,

    impurities in food, bacteria, and other problematic substances in the

    environment; and concurrently new endotoxins are created in the body due

    to stress and lack of exercise.

    The resulting blood pollution puts tremendous strain on the kidneys which

    normally process 200 quarts of blood daily to sift out waste products to keep

    blood clean and chemically balanced. The road to disease is soon paved

    with an improperly functioning liver, gummed up excretory system, strained

    kidneys, and a slew of toxins that bind to enzymes at the cellular level and

    neutralize them causing cells to stop functioning properly.

    This toxin buildup initially expresses itself through minor symptoms like

    sluggishness, headaches, and acne, but later leads to life-threateningailments like cancer, organ failure, and hormonal imbalances which cause

    obesity and diabetes. A study by the Columbia University School of Public

    Health estimates that 95 percent of cancer is caused by diet and

    environmental toxicity. Most Americans have between 400 and 800

    chemicals stored in their bodies typically in fat cells.

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    Your Detoxification System

    Healthy Colon Unhealthy Colon

    Healthy Colon Lining Toxin Damaged Colon Lining

    Healthy Liver Diseased Liver

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    Healthy Kidney Failed Kidney

    Resulting Health Problems

    Digestive clogging, liver overload, failing kidneys, and toxin buildup areknown to cause the following health problems:

    Acne

    Allergies

    Altered Metabolism

    Bad Breath

    Blotting

    Body Odor

    Colon Cancer

    Confusion

    Constipation

    Depression

    Diarrhea

    Itching

    Kidney Failure

    Loss of Appetite

    Migraines & Headaches

    Mood Swings

    Muscle Cramps

    Nausea & Vomiting

    Neurological Disorders

    Nutritional Deficiencies

    Obesity

    Poor Appetite

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    Dry skin

    Ear Aches

    Endocrine Disorders

    Enzyme Dysfunction

    Fatigue

    Flatulence

    Frequent Colds

    Hemorrhoids

    Halitosis

    Hormonal Imbalances

    Poor Memory and Concentration

    Pre-mature Aging

    Reproductive Disorders

    Sinus Problems

    Skin Blemishes

    Skin Rashes

    Stiff Joints

    Weakened Immune System

    Weight Gain

    Ayurvedic Detoxification

    Ayurveda offers many herbs that have been used for thousands of years to

    support the body's detoxification system: the liver, kidneys, and colon.

    Our company India Herbs has taken concentrated extracts from the most

    effective herbs to develop Ayurtox - a herbal supplement protocol that will

    help eliminate toxins from your body over a period of 3 to 6 months and

    help support liver, kidney, and colon functions.

    Within the first week of taking Ayurtox, you will experience improved bowel

    movements. Other benefits (better sleep, healthier skin, decreased

    frequency of headaches) will become apparent over subsequent weeks as

    toxins are removed from your body.

    Here is our guide for Ayurtox. You can learn more on theAyurtoxwebsite:

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    AyurtoxSupports Healthy Liver, Kidney, and Colon Functions

    Benefited Health Profile Recommended For

    Irregular bowel movements

    Skin problems

    Frequent headaches

    Allergic reactions

    Weakened immune system

    Liver Support

    Kidney Support

    Colon Support

    Nutrient Absorption

    Daily Bowel Movements

    Ayurtox'sproprietary formulation contains 421 phytonutrients that exert 611 synergistic activitieson your body. Many of these phytonutrients are widely recognized for their contribution to Liver,Kidney, and Colon Health. For example:

    Arginine - Regulates kidney function

    Curcumin - Supports healthy digestion and detoxification enzymes while protecting cells from

    oxidative stress as a result of toxin exposure

    Gallic-Acid - Protects liver from toxin damage

    For more information: www.ayurtox.com

    100% Herbal Extracts Formulation

    Common Name Botanical Name Primary Benefits

    Amla Phyllanthus Emblica Supplies antioxidants for detoxificationIndianMadder Rubia Cordifolia Supports blood purificationLicorice Glycyrrhiza Glabra Promotes healthy liver function

    Andrographis Andrographis Paniculata Promotes healthy inflammation responseCabbageRose Rosa Centifolia Maintains normal hormonal balanceChebulic

    Myrobalan

    Terminalia Chebula

    Supports healthy digestion

    Chicory Cichorium Intybus Supports liver and gallbladder functionsGinger Zingiber Officinale Fosters gastrointestinal tract detoxificationGotuKola Centalla Asiatica Nurtures healthy cell rejuvenationIndianJalap Operculina Turpethum Sustains healthy immune system responseShatavari Asparagus Racemosus Sustains healthy immune system responseNeem Azadirachta Indica Promotes healthy liver functionPhyllanthusAmarus Phyllanthus Amarus Supports healthy digestionTribulus Tribulus Terrestris Supports healthy kidney functionTurmeric Curcuma Longa Supplies antioxidants for detoxificationPicrorhiza Picrorhiza Kurrooa Sustains healthy immune system response

    Ayurtox supports your detox system by eliminating toxins to increase the effectiveness of allother supplements.

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    Ayurvedic Detox Fasting

    Ayurvedic Fasting

    Fasting is the principal method of detoxification in Ayurveda. It helps to

    stimulate the digestive fire to burn away accumulated toxins from the body

    and mind. It eliminates gas, engenders mental clarity, and restores overall

    health. Ayurveda prefers regular, short-term fasting over occasional long-

    term one. Abstaining from food or water for extended period may deplete

    bodily tissues and lead to doshic imbalance. Fasting on a same day every

    week gives a good dose of regular detox already. You can also set a few

    days each month to fast. The frequency and type of fasting will depend on

    your body constitution and toxin level.

    Types of Ayurvedic Fasting:

    Light Foods Fasting - consuming light foods only like Kitchari and Kanjee Green Fasting - consuming fruits, vegetables, or juices only Liquid Fasting - abstaining from solid foods while drinking water or herbal

    teas

    Dry Fasting - abstaining from both food and liquids including waterConsider your body constitution, digestive power, level of ama, and overall

    health condition in determining the type and length of fast suitable for you.If you have a chronic illness, it is best to consult an Ayurvedic practitioner

    before going on any fast.

    Your Fasting is Effective if you Experience:

    Lightness in the body Mental clarity Increased energy Regular bowel movements No gas accumulation or bloating Having a clean tongue and fresh breath

    Your fast should engender a peaceful feeling for you. It should not be a

    stressful routine or a forced obligation. Breaking your fasts properly is also

    important. You have to take in light foods and gradually make your way to

    solid foods.

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    Panchakarma

    Panchakarma is a Sanskrit word which refers to five detoxification

    processes. It is a 5-action rejuvenation program for the body, mind, and

    consciousness. In Ayurveda, a healthy state is characterized by having a

    body clear of toxins, a mind filled with peace, and emotions which are calm and

    happy. Panchakarma rids the body of toxic materials caused by disease and

    poor nutrition. It expels excess doshas from the body. When waste is

    efficiently eliminated, the body organs function at their best

    Panchakarma therapies are also customized for every individual. These safe

    therapeutic methods deeply purify tissues, supply energy to all body

    channels, increase vitality, and promote inner peace.

    Panchakarma starts with light fasting, steam therapy, oil massage, and

    herbal decoctions intake to prepare your body for an intense detoxificationprocess. These loosen the accumulated toxins and drive them to the main

    channels of your body for elimination.

    The five primary treatments of Panchakarma are:

    1. Herb-induced emesis or vomiting (vamana)2. Herb-induced purgation (virechana)3. Herbal decoction enema (asthapana basti)4. Medicated oil enema (anuvasana basti)5. Nasal administration of medication (nasya)

    Panchakarma should be done with an initial consultation with a qualified

    health professional. The individuals prakruti (birth constitution) and the

    nature of his or her health problem must be identified first. Based on these

    two, the appropriate therapies are recommended. Ayurveda also

    recommends Panchakarma as a preventive measure for those who do not

    have any health condition.

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    Simple Detox Recipes

    Honey Lemon Diet

    Honey and lemon diet helps to detoxify and relieve weight problem. Obesity

    is characterized by excessive deposits of fat in tissues, which strains your

    heart, kidneys, liver and joints. Obesity is linked to several diseases like

    diabetes, cardiovascular disease, arthritis, liver and gall bladder disorders.

    Honey lowers cholesterol levels and stimulates usage of fat in the body as

    energy, resulting in purification of blood.

    Fasting on honey and lemon-juice helps treat obesity without energy

    depletion or experiencing fatigue.

    Mix one teaspoon of raw honey (unheated) with the two teaspoons of lime

    juice or lemon juice in a glass of room temperature or lukewarm water. Take

    it in the morning on an empty stomach. You can also take this after a meal.

    It serves as a digestive and effective tonic.

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    Detoxifying Tea

    Warm teas are also effective to flush out accumulated toxins from the body.

    Simply mix the following ingredients in a medium saucepan with 4 cups

    filtered water. Let it boil for 5 minutes and then steep for 2 to 5 minutes.

    Add lemon while the tea is steeping.

    1 teaspoon cumin seeds

    teaspoon coriander seeds

    1 cinnamon or licorice stick

    10 fresh basil leaves

    Squeeze lemon juice

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    The Six Tastes for Optimal Nutrition

    Ayurveda believes that your body has an innate wisdom regarding food and

    nutrition. Ayurvedic nutrition begins with your sense of taste. Your tongue is

    your real guide towards proper nutrition. You can determine whether a foodis healthy or toxic through its taste. Your taste buds do not only identify

    tastes, they also unleash the nutritive value of foods and start the digestive

    process.

    There are 6 tastes in Ayurveda: sweet, sour, salty, bitter, pungent, and

    astringent. The first four tastes are familiar. The other two are less known.

    Pungent taste is hot and spicy like chili pepper. Astringent taste is dry and

    light like popcorn.

    TASTE ACTION SOURCES

    SweetBuilds tissues, calms nerves Fruit, grains, natural

    sugars, milk

    SourCleanses tissues, increases absorption

    of minerals

    Sour fruits, yogurt,

    fermented foods

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    SaltyImproves taste to food, lubricates

    tissues, stimulates digestion

    Natural salts, sea

    vegetables

    BitterDetoxifies and lightens tissues Dark leafy greens, herbs

    and spices

    PungentStimulates digestion and metabolism Chili peppers, garlic, herbs

    and spices

    AstringentAbsorbs water, tightens tissues, dries

    fats

    Legumes, raw fruits and

    vegetables, herbs

    1) Include all 6 Tastes in each meal

    The 6 tastes naturally guide us towards our bodys nutritional needs. Each

    taste feeds our mind, body, senses, and spirit in its own unique way. They

    satisfy each of our dietary need. Sweet foods supplement our need for fats,

    proteins, carbohydrates, and water. Bitter and Astringent foods give us our

    supply of vitamins and minerals.

    The brain tells the body when it requires energy from food. Having all 6tastes in every meal, you meet these brain signals while avoiding cravings or

    over consumption.

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    2) Understand your body constitution to determine the proportion of

    tastes you should eat

    Your body naturally wants tastes that balance its doshic constitution. When

    you follow your natural inclinations, you are led to the proper foods for your

    body type. Vata individuals naturally desire moist, grounding foods. Kapha

    individuals like light, drying foods. Pitta individuals favor cooling foods and

    spices.

    Ayurveda recommends all 6 tastes to be included in your every meal. You

    can prefer the tastes that give balance to your particular constitution.

    3) Balancing the Doshas through Taste

    DOSHA MOST BALANCING MOST AGGRAVATING

    Vata Sweet, Sour, Salty Bitter, Pungent,

    Astringent

    Pitta Sweet, Bitter, Astringent Sour, Salty, Pungent

    Kapha Pungent, Bitter, Astringent Sweet, Sour, Salty

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    Sweet taste is composed of Water and Earth. It is heavy, moist, and cooling

    by nature. Sweet taste is found in milk and milk products; grains like wheat,

    rice, and barley; legumes like beans and lentils; sweet fruits such as

    bananas and mangos; and certain cooked vegetables.

    Sweet taste increases bulk, moisture, and weight in the body. It is excellentfor building the bodys seven vital tissues (dhatus) of plasma, blood, fat,

    muscles, bones, marrow, and reproductive fluids. Sweet taste also increases

    saliva, soothes mucous membranes and burning sensations, relieves thirst,

    and nourishes the skin, hair, and voice.

    Sour Taste is composed of Earth and Fire. It is hot, light, and moist by

    nature. It is commonly found in citrus fruits such as lemon and limes; sour

    milk products like yogurt, cheese, and sour cream; and fermented

    substances like wine, vinegar, pickles, sauerkraut, and soy sauce.

    Sour taste stimulates digestion, helps circulation and elimination, energizes

    the body, strengthens the heart, and fortifies the senses.

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    Salty taste is composed of Fire and Water. It is hot, heavy, and moist by

    nature. It is found in nuts, chips, pickles and in sea vegetables like seaweed

    and kelp. Like sweet taste, salty taste also stimulates water retention and

    weight gain in the body.

    Salty taste improves digestion, lubricates tissues, liquefies mucous,maintains mineral balance, aids in the elimination of wastes, and promotes

    radiant skin.

    Pungent taste is composed of the elements of Fire and Air. It is the hottest

    of all the 6 tastes and is light and dry. It is found in chili peppers, garlic,

    onions, and in spices such as black pepper, ginger, and cayenne.

    Pungent taste helps clear sinuses, promotes digestion and detoxification,

    regulates circulation, and improves metabolism.

    Bitter taste is composed of Air and Ether. It is light, cooling, and dry by

    nature and is found in green leafy vegetables, herbs, and spices like

    turmeric and fenugreek.

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    Bitter taste has powerful antibiotic, anti-parasitic, and antiseptic qualities. It

    is a good detoxifying agent and is helpful in reducing weight and water

    retention.

    Astringent taste is composed of Air and Earth. It is the least common of all

    the 6 tastes and is dry, cooling, and heavy in nature. It is found in fruitssuch as cranberries, pomegranates, and pears; and in vegetables such as,

    broccoli, cauliflower, artichoke, asparagus, and turnips.

    Astringent taste creates a dry, chalky sensation in the mouth. Dry foods like

    crackers and fruit skins have astringent qualities.

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    Additional Resources

    More information on body detoxification and

    other health topics can be found on the Ayurtox website:

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    And in our Newsletter archives:

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    To know your dosha, take this simple quiz:

    http://www.india-herbs.com/doshatest.htm

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