Pitta Dosha
The ancient system of Ayurvedic medicine follows a holistic and natural approach when it comes to health and wellness. At the heart of Ayurvedic philosophy lies the concept of Doshas. Everything around us consists of the five basic elements found in nature, namely, Earth, Air, Water, Fire, and Space. Collectively, these elements are referred to as the Panchamahabhootas. All living and non-living things, including humans, are made up of these elements. The nature of these elements is believed to be determined at the time of birth. These five elements govern the proper functioning of the body and consciousness. As long as these five elements are in order, good health prevails. All illnesses and disorders are a result of an imbalance in these constituent elements. Ayurveda refers to such imbalances as Doshas. These doshas have been classified into Pitta (fire and water) dosha, Vata (space and air) dosha, and Kapha (water and ether) dosha. These doshas determine the physical, mental, and emotional health of a person.
What is the Pitta dosha?
The Pitta dosha is the dosha of the fire and water elements. The word Pitta refers to heat or Agni. It is governed by the Agni (fire) and the Jal (water) mahabhootas. It is one of the most commonly occurring doshas. When Pitta is not balanced, it gives rise to an array of health problems and diseases. A Dosha imbalance can commonly be attributed to the accumulation of ama (toxins) in the body. A vitiated Pitta weakens the immune system and increases the probability of catching seasonal illnesses.
Gunas of Pitta
In Ayurveda, the term Guna refers to quality. Since Pitta is comprised of the Agni (fire) and the Jal (water) mahabhootas (elements), it is known for several qualities that help in the identification of the Pitta dosha.
The qualities (guna) of Pitta are:
- Pungent
- Laghu (light)
- Ushna (hot)
- Energetic
- Acidic
- Sharp
- Deep
- Penetrating
In order to restore an aggravated Pitta, one needs to consume foods that have the opposite gunas. This is an effective way of restoring the Pitta balance in the body. Apart from the dietary changes, one can include Ayurvedic herbs and herbal preparations that are known to restore Pitta balance and reduce inflammation in the body.
Identifying the Pitta Body
All human beings are governed by one of the three doshas. As stated earlier, the nature of the five elements (panchamahabhootas) is determined at the time of birth. This not only determines the Prakriti of the person but also the dominant dosha. Pitta dosha exists when the fire and water elements exist in greater prominence in comparison to the other elements. Due to the presence of many salient features, it is possible to differentiate among the three body types, i.e., the Vata body, the Kapha body, and the Pitta body.
Some important characteristics of the Pitta body include:
- Average weight, height, and athletic build.
- Bright red hair, prone to premature greying.
- Hair thinning and baldness.
- Strong digestive fire.
- Sensitive skin, more prone to sunburns.
- Determined, competitive, and ambitious nature.
- Highly intelligent and prefer to be the centre of attention.
- Good concentration power.
The balance or the lack of balance of Pitta dosha in people governed by it is easily identifiable due to these peculiar physical characteristics. When Pitta is in balance, it results in a radiant complexion, good digestion, and a healthy appetite. People governed by pitta are known to be good decision-makers. They are known to be particular, direct and vocal. They make good teachers, managers, and speakers.
However, when Pitta is out of balance, it causes various problems, such as hypersensitivity, skin rashes, diseases of the digestive system, and peptic ulcers. An imbalance of pitta causes people to be short-tempered and irritable.
Dominating Time of Pitta
According to Ayurveda, the 24 hours of a day are affected by the three doshas. Pitta, governed by fire and water, is dominant twice a day. The time between 10 AM and 2 PM during the mid-day and 10 PM to 2 AM at midnight is dominated by the Pitta dosha.
Apart from this, various factors determine the dominating time of Pitta. Such as:
- Vata is known to dominate in middle age. This explains why some Pitta-induced problems, such as joint pain and weakness, are more prominent during middle age.
- Pitta dominates after meals.
- Pitta is generally dominant during the summers.
- Vata is generally found to be aggravated during the night and balanced during the day.
Causes of Pitta imbalance
Numerous factors are responsible for the Pitta dosha falling out of balance. To restore this balance, it is important to identify the causes that led to the vitiation of Pitta, as learning about these causes and patterns can prove to be of immense help before one starts to follow corrective measures. Some common factors responsible for Pitta imbalance include:
- Sour, salty, and oily foods in excess
- Dairy products
- Fever and other seasonal illnesses
- Canned and processed foods
- Exposure to the sun for long durations
- Heat
- Diarrhoea and indigestion
- Mental and emotional stress
- Kidney diseases
- Exertion and lack of rest.
- Excessive consumption of tea and coffee
- Alcohol
- Poor lifestyle choices
Symptoms of Pitta Imbalance
An imbalanced Pitta gives rise to several problems. However, most of these problems do not appear overnight. A Pitta imbalance is easily recognizable with the help of initial symptoms. When left unchecked, these symptoms may aggravate and manifest into various diseases. The most commonly occurring symptoms include gastric disorders and inflammation. Some of the commonly occurring symptoms of Pitta imbalance are:
- Excessive heat in the body
- Weakness
- Inflammation
- Joint pain due to inflammation
- Pale skin
- Heartburn and acid reflux due to increased stomach heat
- Migraines
- Diarrhoea and indigestion
- Constipation
- Dehydration
- Excessive stress and anxiety
- Mental issues such as insomnia, anger, and irritation.
- Increased sweating and body odour
- Increase in appetite
- Sore throat and throat infections
- Dizziness
- Heaviness or pain in the testicles/breasts.
Balancing Pitta with Diet
An imbalance in doshas can often be attributed to the accumulation of ama or toxins in the body. This interferes with the Prakriti and disrupts the balance. The first and most vital step towards restoring this balance involves making better choices in both diet and lifestyle. Food, in particular, determines overall health. In order to balance Pitta, one needs to consume foods with Pitta-pacifying gunas. More importantly, one must avoid foods that are known to aggravate Pitta.
Foods to consume
- Dairy products such as milk, ghee, and butter.
- Sweet and citric fruits like pineapple, orange, melons, bananas, and mangoes.
- Spices such as black pepper, cumin, cinnamon, and turmeric can be consumed in moderation.
- Sweet and bitter vegetables such as cabbage, cauliflower, cucumbers, leafy vegetables, sweet potatoes, and carrots.
- Chickpeas, lentils, beans (moong/black/kidney), and legumes.
- Whole grains such as rice, wheat, and oats.
- Poultry, egg whites, and soy products such as tofu can be consumed in small amounts.
- Seeds such as pumpkin seeds, flax seeds, sunflower seeds, etc. can also be consumed.
Food to avoid
- Avoid red meat, seafood, and egg yolks.
- Avoid cheese and buttermilk.
- Avoid brown rice, millet, and corn.
- Avoid sour or unripe fruits such as lemons, grapes, apricots, papaya, grapefruit, and cherries.
- Avoid alcohol and smoking.
- Avoid onions, eggplant, and tomatoes.
- Avoid herbs and spices.
- Avoid almonds, cashews, peanuts, pistachios, walnuts, and sesame seeds.
Curing Diseases Caused by Pitta Imbalance
Most commonly occurring diseases that appear over time as a result of a dosha imbalance are curable and manageable with the help of medicinal Ayurvedic herbs and spices. Ayurveda relies on nature to cure diseases. Ayurvedic supplements work by restoring the balance of doshas. They are highly effective in restoring the balance of dosha by promoting detoxification. When combined with a Pitta-pacifying diet, these ayurvedic formulations heal the body from within and promote optimum health.
Mentioned hereunder are some of the common diseases that occur due to an imbalance in the Pitta dosha, along with the remedial herbs and medicinal preparations that are likely to be helpful in their treatment and management.
Hiccups
Frequent hiccups are a prominent sign of Pitta imbalance. However, this condition is manageable with the help of a pitta pacifying diet and herbal supplements.
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Jaundice
Jaundice is a disease caused due to inflammation of the liver. It causes the skin and eyes to appear yellow. It occurs due to a blockage in the bilious passages. According to Ayurveda, jaundice is triggered by an aggravated Pitta. Jaundice is curable with the help of a pitta pacifying diet and herbs.
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Skin Rashes
An aggravated pitta causes the skin to be hypersensitive. It may lead to skin discolouration, dryness, and rashes. Pitta dosha also gets aggravated due to fever and other illnesses. Skin problems are a common occurrence in people suffering from COVID-19. Neem is a beneficial herb for soothing sore and irritated skin.
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Acidity
Acidity is yet another side effect of an aggravated Pitta. An imbalance of the Pitta dosha causes excessive heat in the body and results in indigestion, acidity, ulcers, and gastric discomfort. Consumption of fried, salty, spicy, and processed foods and alcoholic beverages are known to aggravate Pitta. Balance can be restored by following a diet enriched with pitta-pacifying foods and herbs.
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Dehydration
A Pitta imbalance causes the accumulation of heat in the body. This causes excessive sweating and fluid loss and puts people dominated by Pitta at a greater risk of dehydration. To counter this, one needs to stay hydrated and consume pitta-pacifying foods.
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Stomach Ulcers
The accumulation of heat in the body is responsible for ulcers. This condition only worsens due to the consumption of hot, spicy, and processed foods. To cure ulcers, one needs to avoid foods that increase inflammation and replace them with pitta-pacifying foods.
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Indigestion
Various important functions, such as metabolism, digestion, and transformation, are governed by the Pitta dosha. A vitiated pitta causes heat to accumulate in the body and hampers these bodily functions. This gives rise to problems such as indigestion and acid reflux.
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Fever
Excessive heat due to a vitiated pitta manifests itself in several ways. It causes fever and hot flashes. It also increases irritability, causes anger issues, and anxiety. Moreover, a vitiated pitta weakens the immune system and increases the risk of infections.
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Constipation
In people governed by the pitta dosha, constipation is caused by the consumption of fried, salty, spicy, and processed foods. Moreover, caffeinated and alcoholic beverages are known to aggravate Pitta. Balance can be restored by following a diet enriched with pitta pacifying foods and herbs.
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Headache
Headaches and migraines are common complaints among people dominated by the pitta dosha. It is often accompanied by nausea and dizziness and gets worse due to bright light and heat. A pitta pacifying diet has proven to be helpful in the treatment and management of headaches.
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Acne
Acne caused due to pitta imbalance gets aggravated due to the consumption of oily, spicy, sour, and fermented foods. It can be managed by consuming foods that have pitta balancing properties, such as bitter, sweet, and astringent. Anti-inflammatory herbs such as neem have also proved to be beneficial.
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Hypertension
Hypertension is a result of vitiation of the pitta and Vata doshas. Pitta imbalance, in particular, leads to stress, anger, irritability, anxiety, and frustration. All of these give rise to hypertension when left unchecked. However, all of these symptoms can be alleviated by following a pitta pacifying diet that is enriched with ingredients that are known to have pitta balancing properties.
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Hair Loss
Hair fall, hair thinning, balding, and premature greying is often triggered by an imbalance in the pitta dosha. It causes dryness and other issues with the scalp. Brahmi is known to be of immense benefit in overcoming these issues.
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Conjunctivitis
Vitiation of Pitta has an adverse effect on the eyes. It is known to cause conjunctivitis, which is accompanied by dryness, redness, irritation, and burning. In Ayurveda, it is known as Netra Daha (a burning sensation in the eyes).
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Apart from these, various other herbs and spices, such as Triphala, Neem, Guduchi, Gotu Kola, Brahmi, Pudina, Cumin, Bhringraj, and Cardamom, are known to be beneficial for balancing vitiated pitta and alleviating the symptoms. Amla is known to balance the digestive fire and help in the maintenance of a healthy digestive system. Guduchi has a therapeutic effect on the nervous system, which is often hampered by vitiated Pitta. Cumin infused water is extremely beneficial in balancing Pitta, especially when taken after lunch. Some herbs, such as Gotu Kola, Brahmi, and Bhringraj, are known for their tridoshic properties. These herbs effectively restore the balance of all three doshas and ensure good health by strengthening the immune system.
While supplements are not a substitute for proper nutrition received through a wholesome diet, they go a long way towards filling any voids and strengthening the immune system. Ayurvedic supplements have been an indispensable part of the diet throughout the Indian subcontinent because of their immense benefits. Ayurvedic supplements, along with Yoga and other practices, go a long way towards improving strength and stamina. Ayurvedic medicine is highly subjective and the dosage is tailored to suit individual characteristics. All herbs and spices have different uses and are sometimes used in combination to get the desired result.
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