Self-care increases as you enter puberty, a period of constant changes and dynamics. Eating the right food can help you ease this transition period and help you in your periods. A balanced diet can reduce period cramps and keep your hormones in check.
Ayurvedic Doshas in Nutrition
Ayurveda, an ancient science of medicine, says what you eat affects how you feel. During your period, you need to eat nourishing foods to maintain your energy, balance your hormones and feel your best.
Ayurveda talks about three main body types or doshas: Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Knowing your dosha can help you choose the right foods for your body. Each dosha affects puberty differently and imbalances can cause acne and/or mood swings.
At the core of Ayurvedic philosophy are the three doshas: Vata, Pitta and Kapha which govern various bodily functions. Knowing your unique doshic constitution or Prakriti is the first step in determining your dietary needs.
Common Health Issues
Ayurvedic nutrition can help address the common health issues that come with your changing body and periods like:
- Stress
- Poor digestion
- Weakened immunity.
Eating the right foods can help with period problems like stress, tummy troubles and feeling drained. By adding stress-relieving activities, eating mindfully and including healthy herbs and spices in your meals, you can keep your body strong and healthy during your period. By adopting stress-reducing practices, mindful eating habits and immune-boosting herbs and spices in your diet, you can support your body’s natural healing and thrival during menstruation
Recipes for your Doshas
Adjusting your diet to your dosha is a key to maintaining balance in your body. Whether you are Vata, Pitta or Kapha, there are specific dietary guidelines and recipes for you.
The diets focus on counteracting the natural imbalances caused by your dosha so that your food intake will be in harmony with your body.
Here are a few examples:
Vata-Pacifying
- Moong Dal Khichdi - This is warm, moist and easy to digest. Rice and lentils provide grounding energy and turmeric and cumin warm the body.
- Pumpkin and Lentil Soup - Pumpkin and lentils are heavy and grounding. The soup is warm and soothing, counteracting Vata’s cold and dry qualities.
- Almond Date Smoothie - Almonds and dates are nutrient-dense and provide healthy fats and natural sweetness which are nourishing and grounding for Vata.
Pitta-Pacifying
- Mint and Coriander Chutney - Mint and coriander are cooling herbs that counteract Pitta’s heat.
- Saffron Milk - Saffron calms high energy and milk is a natural calming drink. This drink cools Pitta.
- Cucumber Raita - Cucumber is a cooling vegetable and yoghurt is soothing. This helps to reduce internal heat and inflammation.
Kapha-Pacifying
- Khichdi - While nourishing, can be made with ginger and mustard seeds to add warmth and stimulate digestion to counteract Kapha’s heaviness.
- Chana Dal Soup - Chana dal is lighter and easier to digest than other legumes. The warming spices in the soup will stimulate and energise.
- Ginger Turmeric Tea - Both ginger and turmeric are warming and anti-inflammatory. This tea will stimulate metabolism and reduce Kapha’s sluggishness.
While the above recipes are complete meals that should fit into your diet plan, you can even use other ingredients and condiments. Amrutam’s Madhu Panchamrut or their Herbal Jam are healthier Ayurvedic alternatives that can be used in many ways (applied on roti or bread).
Your Herbs
Along with dietary changes, Ayurvedic herbs and supplements can further support menstrual health and symptoms. From digestive herbs like Triphala and ginger to immune-boosting herbs like Tulsi and Ashwagandha, herbs can provide targeted support for your body’s needs during menstruation.
So What?
Food affects your mental and spiritual being too, but we often ignore that. The saying “you are what you eat” holds here - good food means good body, mind and spirit.
Ayurvedic nutrition is a holistic way of managing health and overall well-being. By eating wholesome food you can navigate life better.
