Kapha Diet for Fluid Reduction: What to Eat and What to Avoid for your Kapha Body Type?

KAPHA DIET

CONSUMABLE

FRUITS: dried fruits in general, apple, cranberry, pomegranate, pear,

VEGETABLES: alfalfa sprouts, artichoke, asparagus, beetroot, bell pepper, bitter melon, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, cabbage, celery, chard, chili, coriander leaves, eggplant, green beans, kale, lettuce, mushroom, Indian mustard, parsley, peas, potato, radish, sunflower sprouts, winter radish, horseradish

GRAINS: barley, buckwheat, corn, dry or puffed cereals, millet, quinoa, basmati rice (in small quantities), rye

LEGUMES: adzuki beans, kidney beans, lima beans, lentils, peanuts, soy, split peas, tofu

SEEDS

SEEDS: pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds

DAIRY PRODUCTS: soy milk, goat milk, buttermilk

OILS: rapeseed oil, corn oil, flaxseed oil, mustard oil, safflower oil, soybean oil, sunflower oil

SWEETENERS: old honey

SPICES: basil, bay leaf, black pepper, cardamom, cayenne pepper, coriander leaves, cinnamon, cloves, coriander, cumin, dill, fennel, fenugreek, garlic, ginger, horseradish, mint, mustard, nutmeg, savory, paprika, parsley, rosemary, saffron, sage, soy sauce, turmeric

MEATS: chicken, white meats

BEVERAGES: spiced teas, astringent teas,

VITAMINS,

MINERALS: B-vitamins. The intake of enzymes and spices is more important

DIETARY ADVICE:

The diet should be warm, light, and dry. Prioritize pungent, bitter, and astringent flavors. Moderate your nutrient intake; three meals a day are sufficient. Breakfast and dinner should be light meals, and the main meal should be at noon. Consume spiced vegetables steamed in a small amount of oil with little salt. For this, you can choose whole grains. Consuming legumes is beneficial for your body. However, be cautious with seeds, oils, and dairy products. Among animal-derived foods, choose chicken and white meats. Fasting one day a week is good for the body. Do not lie down after eating. There is no need for excessive fluid intake. Avoid cold, iced water; instead, consume astringent and spiced teas.

NOT CONSUMABLE

FRUITS: cherry, date, fig, grape, banana, blueberry, grapefruit, lemon, lime, mango, melon, orange, papaya, pear, peach, persimmon, pineapple, plum, pomegranate, raspberry, strawberry

VEGETABLES: avocado, fresh corn, cucumber, okra, seaweed, summer squash, sweet potato, tomato, yam

GRAINS: basmati rice, brown rice, couscous, oats, wheat, white rice

LEGUMES: chickpeas

SEEDS

NUTS & SEEDS: almond, Brazil nut, cashew, coconut, hazelnut, pecan, pine nut, sesame seed, walnut

DAIRY PRODUCTS: cheese, cottage cheese, cow’s milk, cream, ice cream, kefir, rice milk, sour cream, yogurt

OILS: almond oil, avocado oil, butter, ghee, margarine, olive oil, peanut oil, sesame oil

SWEETENERS: brown sugar, fruit sugar, raw honey, raw cane sugar, molasses, maple syrup, white sugar

SPICES: rock salt, sea salt, tamarind

MEATS: all meats

BEVERAGES: cold, iced water

Kapha Diet

DIETARY ADVICE FOR KAPHA BODY TYPES

In the body of a Kapha individual, the earth and water elements that constitute Kapha are dominant. Consequently, the characteristics of these elements can be observed in the life of a Kapha person. For example, slowness, laziness, attachment, honesty, humility, and a high degree of tolerance.

Regarding their diet, it is advisable to consume foods that do not increase this kind of slowness, heaviness, or coldness. Therefore, warm, spicy, invigorating, and light foods are more beneficial. The list at the bottom of the page provides detailed assistance in finding such foods.

Kapha individuals should avoid fatty foods; for this reason, Hungarian cuisine is specifically not recommended. Easily digestible, warm foods are beneficial for Kaphas, such as light vegetable soups. (E.g., broccoli, cabbage, carrots, mushrooms, onions, cauliflower, green peas)

It is advisable to reduce salt intake; instead, season with spices and herbs. (e.g., ginger, black pepper, chili, coriander, lemon, mustard seeds, fenugreek, cumin, garlic.) For sweetening, use honey instead of sugar.

Kapha-like flavors are sweet, salty, and sour. Therefore, to balance these, pungent, bitter, and astringent flavors should be preferred among foods. Cruciferous vegetables (cabbage, broccoli, kohlrabi, cauliflower, Chinese cabbage, Brussels sprouts) are excellent, as are dark berries (blackberry, blueberry). Most vegetables are bitter in nature, thus suitable for Kapha.

Among flours, spelt, barley flour, buckwheat, millet porridge, corn flour can be used. Among meats, choose easily digestible ones: turkey and chicken, as well as fish.

Cold beverages and late-night meals are not recommended for Kapha. If sweet desserts are absolutely necessary, consume them before the main meal. Regular, active daily exercise is beneficial and balances Kapha. Setting achievable goals keeps them mentally active. Meet new people, explore the world, travel, learn, and be open!

Further diet information, personalized recommendations, and body type determination are available through an assessment with Ayurvedic expert Ajay Singh. We warmly welcome you!

Source: Dr. David Frawley: Ayurvedic Healing; A Comprehensive Guide