Diet for Pitta doṣa type can be hard to figure out at first, especially if you are a mix of Pitta and another doṣa. This post will go into detail in understanding the dynamics of a typical Pitta type body and tendencies to explain what type of things to watch out for and what type of things are to gear towards when it comes to lifestyle and food.

Let’s begin by understanding all three doṣas quickly. For more details please visit this post. Vāta doṣa is made out of the dry, light, cold, rough, mobile, subtle and clear attributes. Pitta doṣa is made out of light, sharp, hot, little oily, spreadable (with vāta) and cloudy attributes . Kapha doṣa is made out of cold, heavy, slow, oily, dense, static, gross and cloudy attributes.

Pitta body has the tendency to be oily with red or flushed skin. The body weight would be on the medium level with good capacity to hold the weight. They can carry out activities with decent stamina but if it is hot weather, they would easily burn out. They prefer cooler weather as they cannot stand too hot weather or stay in the sun. Red or inflamed skin is a common problem among the Pitta doṣas. They typically experience ulcers, heartburn and irritation as well.

When it comes to digestive capacity, Pittas are capable of digesting high amounts of food, even raw. Their usual appetite is very good and they are able to produce high amounts of gastric juices to effective digest all that they eat. The usual tendency is to eat food rich in fats and spices. It is difficult for Pitta doṣas to remain hungry for long periods of time as they get angry, irritated and may form ulcers in the stomach due to high acidity.

They are very easily irritable emotionally, so bouts of anger is common. They like being organized and would be critical of anyone who does not meet their expectations. Pitta types tend to suffer from stress and blood disorders. In a Sattvic state, they are courageous and brave. Many prefer to mingle with those with a common mentality and status. They like to buy and have quality products that enhances the value of their home.

Ulcers are the most common digestive issue that they face due to high secretion of digestive juices. It is good for them to eat regularly and on time. They would experience anger and irritability if they are out of balance. Another issue that they have is inflammation in bowels, organs or skin due to the high heat. Most Pitta doṣas tend to have loose bowels because of their high powered digestive system that digests and moves the food quickly through the GI tract.

FOOD

Diet for Pitta doṣa type needs to be cool and moist with least amount or no fats and hot spices as possible. Since their digestive system is really strong, raw and hard to digest food will be ok for them to eat. They benefit from eating grains, heavy vegetables and sweet fruits. The oily and hot nature of the body will benefit with eating cooling food to manage the heat. Cool to warm temperature is recommended for meals. They would benefit from staying away from red meats altogether as they aggravate Pitta.

OILS

Oils are typically not recommended in excess for the Pitta doṣas as their body contains oiliness already. Good fats like food containing Omega-3 such as salmon, avocado, flaxseed, etc. are recommended. Keeping away from saturated fats, deep fried food or use of vegetable fats are not recommended.

Best oils for them are coconut, sunflower oil, almond oil and ghee for cooking. Coconut oil is a very cooling oil and Pittas would benefit from using this. Ghee is tridoṣic and would be very good for assimilation. Sunflower oil is also a light oil that can be used. Almond oil is a Sattvic type of oil that brings cooling and clarity. All three can be used for cooking as well as applying to the body.

VEGGIES

Most vegetables are good, especially the green colored ones for Pittas. Green leafy vegetables will have tremendous anti-inflammatory effects on the body as they will cool and remove the excess moisture, when needed.

Bitter melons, cucumber and Jerusalem artichoke will be the most cooling for the Pitta doṣas. Other veggie types are asparagus, beans, peas. spinach, alfalfa sprouts, cabbage, celery, seaweed, chard and zucchini are other great choices. Those veggies in the squash family are excellent choices for the Pittas as well.

They are better off eating stews, curries or soups than roasted, deep fried or baked. Lightly sautéed in ghee or coconut oil is also a good way to get some essential fats in the body.

FRUITS

Eating sweet fruits are the best for Pitta doṣas as their body has a tendency to increase in heat. Fruits in general has a sweet quality but sweet fruits like peaches, apricots, dates, figs, oranges, grapes, persimmons, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, mandarins, tangerines and watermelons will bring very good effects.

Avoid eating sour fruits like raw mangoes, cranberries, cherries, grapefruit, etc. that would trigger acidity. Ripened fruits are more favored as opposed to unripe. Eating fruits as snacks in between meals can help attend the hunger pangs and keeping the body cool.

DAIRY & MEATS

Dairy is ok for the Pitta doṣhas to take because of the cooling nature found in dairy, especially milk. Cheese, eggs in moderation, ghee and buttermilk are also ok. It is best to take dairy in moderation overall. Avoid kefir, goat’s milk, sour cream and yogurt as they provoke acidity.

It is better to avoid meats as much as possible as they bring in a heaty quality to the body overall as a food group. Avoiding heavy meats like beef, lamb, saltwater fish, shellfish and mutton. Salmon and mackerel have cooling qualities so they can be used for lunch. Freshwater fish also can be eaten moderately.

OTHER FOOD TYPES

Barley, corn, millet, oats, rye, quinoa and cous cous can be used as the grains in meal planning as they soothe the Pitta doṣa. Lentils and peanuts will be aggravating so it is better to avoid or eat less of it.

Mung dhal is a cooling pulse that Pittas can eat. Adzuki beans, black beans, chick peas, kidney beans and soy beans are some other bean types they can use.

Among seeds and nuts, they are good with coconut, sunflower seeds and lotus seeds. Other seeds are not generally recommended due to their high oil content.

Most sweeteners are ok for Pitta doṣas except for molasses. When it comes to condiments, most commercial ones are Pitta aggravating so better to avoid them.

Pitta dosa types can drink vegetable juices, fruit juices, black teas, herbal infusions and green tea in general.

When it comes to spices, it is better to avoid chili pepper, paprika, cinnamon and mustard seeds. Cardamom, cloves and black pepper can be used in moderation. Pippali is a good pepper alternative for Pittas. Other spices are cilantro, cumin, dill, fennel, turmeric and fenugreek. Spices in low amounts or in moderation is recommended for Pitta doses in general.

Regular exercise, good diet and good lifestyle choices will help the Pitta doṣas to stay in balance. Slow yoga routines and paced workouts will be a positive addition. Head massages with coconut oils, oils infused with Brahmi and nasya will bring good benefits. Mantra, prayer and deep breathing exercises will assist in keeping the mind from stress.

In conclusion, the diet for Pitta doṣa type should be cooling, dry and heavy. It is best to eat at regular times as Pitta body will need food on a regular basis as they digest fast and metabolize fast. Building a stress combating routine and taking breaks from work will prove beneficial for the Pittas as stress and over work tends to bring harm to their body type.