Your body has a unique way of adjusting to seasonal transformations. As you embrace the serene chill of the winter season, you will crave everything warm, especially heat-inducing foods. But did you know indulging too much in it might create an imbalance in the other two doshas?
At Jiva, we always recommend solutions to maintain a healthy balance in all three doshas — Vata, Pitta, and Kapha as they come with a unique set of characteristics yet are interdependent.
So, while you may think you need foods and even Ayurvedic solutions to increase internal heat to balance Vata during winter, it may not go well with the other two doshas.
Ayurveda offers a holistic way to deal with such issues. When implemented the right way, its natural remedies can help you ensure complete well-being. All you need to do is follow a few basic but important tips:
- Consume a healthy diet
- Take Ayurvedic supplements
- Lead an active lifestyle
- Sleep well
Let’s dive into each of these.
Consume a Healthy Diet
If the food you consume lacks nutrients and does not support the three doshas, you won’t be able to meet your health goals. Your diet must consist of hot and cold foods according to Ayurveda—of whole grains, fresh seasonal vegetables and fruits, lentils and legumes, healthy fats, nuts and seeds, and dairy or its alternatives.
If you want better results, reduce or completely stop the consumption of processed foods as they lack prana or freshness. They are often high in sugar, salt, and saturated fats, and can lead to toxin buildup, create issues with your digestion, weight, and cardiovascular health, and cause low immunity.
You may also consult an expert to know the Vata food list to avoid or the Pitta and Kapha foods your body needs the least, and maintain your dosha balance throughout the winter season.
Take Dosha-Balancing Ayurvedic Supplements
Ayurvedic supplements can help you meet your nutrition needs that are not often met through your diet.
As part of Ayurveda health tips, we recommend taking Jiva Ayurvedic supplements as they are safe, made using handpicked ingredients from nature’s treasure trove, and formulated by experts with decades of rich healing experience.
Our range consists of immunity boosters, but every formula is tridoshic to balance dosha. Not sure which one to choose? Go for our immunity-boost kits and herbal juices and make the most of our Ayurvedic offerings.
The Importance of Active Lifestyle
If exercising seems daunting, remember something we wholeheartedly believe in consistency! Take small steps and eventually build a regimen that works best for you. How can an active lifestyle help balance your doshas?
Well, a good exercise routine should essentially tackle symptoms of the doshas.
Vata often leads to anxiety, fatigue, and joint pain. Digestive issues, inflammation, and anger issues are common in people troubled with Pitta imbalance. Kapha causes congestion, weight gain, and sluggishness.
Balance dosha by adding breathing exercises, stretching, strength training, and cardio to your workout routine. It can help stabilize the agni and prana elements, enhance digestion, immunity, and metabolism, and promote mental focus and clarity.
You may also consult an instructor; however, activities like light yoga, tai chi, walking, hiking, biking, and running can help you gain the equilibrium that we’re talking about.
Why Snoozing Well Is Crucial
Sleep, or nidra, is one of the most important health pillars in Ayurveda. Sound sleep is imperative to regulate your nervous system and rejuvenate your body. An imbalance in the three doshas affects your sleep patterns and vice-versa. While some conditions may lead to an excessive need to sleep, some, such as anxiety, could lead to temporary insomnia. Either way, a disturbed sleep pattern is unhealthy.
You already know that anxiety is a result of Vata imbalance, mental fatigue of Pitta, and sluggishness of Kapha imbalance. A good sleep schedule helps tackle the dominant doshas. Allow us to explain this better.
Ayurveda has its own clock that divides the day into six zones, and each of these zones has a dominant dosha — 3 each for daytime and nighttime. Since we’re discussing nidra, we shall only focus on the dominant doshas of the evening here.
The period of the kapha dosha that induces dullness in the body persists from 6 PM to 10 PM. It is best to have a light meal (at least a couple of hours before sleeping) and slow down.
The next period is governed by the Pitta dosha. It starts at 10 PM and goes on till 2 AM. This is the time your body naturally cleanses itself internally. It is thus essential that you sleep during this time.
Vata persists from 2 AM to 6 AM, making it the best time to practice meditation and yoga. Now, that doesn’t mean you need to wake up at 2 AM. Anytime before 6 AM is fine if you get 6-8 hours of sleep.
If you struggle to fall asleep or are surrounded by disturbances, you may use natural and non-addictive solutions, such as the Jiva Stress-Free Tablets or Sleep Well Tablets. Consistent use of these Ayurvedic formulations can help manage anxiety and improve your quality of sleep.
There you have it. The four top tips to help you gain and maintain dosha equilibrium during winter in the healthiest way possible. Adopt them today and set foot toward a healthier lifestyle!
