Ayurveda is a holistic approach that comes from the ancient Vedic scriptures, which is a 5000-year-old medical philosophy and practice that foretells us that our body is made up of five elements or the Pancha dhatus. According to ayurvedic scriptures, ‘Health’ is a state of equipoise that depends upon the normal functioning of the Dhatus, Gunas, Malas, Agni and Doshas.

Also Read: Introduction To Ayurveda: Learn About Vata, Pitta And Kapha Doshas

Depending upon the type of energy or gunas, they possess, human beings are categorized into seven different body types mainly the Vata, Pitta, Kapha, Vata-Pitta, Pitta-Kapha, Kapha-Pitta and Vata-Pitta-Kapha type. Each of these doshas has its own specific set of physical and psychological attributes and is directly related to an individual’s health. When in balance, they foster health and well-being but when out of synchronization, they lead to irregular functioning of the various systems of the body causing diseases.

Thanks to the growing knowledge of herbs and spices, off lately ayurveda has come up with a unique way to bring the various doshas into balance by allowing one to follow a particular diet schedule. If you have been analysed as a Vata type person, this article details on what is Vata and also brings you the type of diet you should follow and things you can avoid, to normalise the dosha.

 

What Is Vata?

It is a type of energy that is made up of air and ether and is linked with movement, creativity, and impulse.

What Are The Physical Attributes Of A Vata Person?

A Vata type person is usually either small or has a large body frame. They have small eyes, delicate, thin skin, frizzy hair, and irregularly shaped teeth. They tend to get more affected due to sun rays. The people under this category are quick-witted, enthusiastic and creative. They also love to be in a warm nurturing environment and have a keen sight for dance and music.

What Happens When Vata Is Out Of Balance?

When the Vata doshas governing the body are out of synchronization, the individual tends to be agitated, experience lower back pain, neural problems, insomnia, poor circulation, constipation, dry skin, headache, poor digestion, cracking joints, emaciation, anxiety, and psychological problems.

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The Vata imbalance can easily be brought under control by following a specified set of food guidance:

What Is Vata Diet?

Vata Diet is a type of diet that focuses on balancing the Vata doshas by incorporating Vata-pacifying food options into your diet. The diet brings you a palate of freshly prepared home-cooked foods that are soft and mushy in texture, seasoned with a variety of spices and edible oils, rich in fats and proteins and served warm.

Given below are the various food alternatives you can choose from that will not only normalise the vata doshas by lubricating and nourishing the tissues but also preserve moisture, and aid in proper digestion, and elimination of wastes.

Also Read: Kapha Dosha: Effective Dietary Modifications To Balance And Improve Stamina

Fruits

Indulge: Apples (cooked), bananas (ripe), berries, cantaloupe, grapes, grapefruit, figs (ripe), apricots, dates, kiwi, lime, lemon, mango, papaya, orange, melon, peach, plum, pineapple, prune (ripe), and resin.

Avoid: Apples (raw), cranberries, pears, fig (dry), dried fruits, dates (dry), bananas (green), pomegranate, raisins (dry), prunes (dry), and watermelon.

Vegetables

Indulge: Avocado, asparagus, chillies, cilantro, beets, carrots, green chillies, green beans, garlic, leek, okra, mustard greens, olives, onion, peas, parsnip, pumpkin, spinach, squash, sweet potato, and zucchini.

Avoid: Artichokes, bitter melon, broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, carrots (raw), bell peppers, cauliflower, celery, chillies, eggplant, corn, dandelion (green), kale, lettuce, mushroom, olive (green), potato (white), radish, spinach (raw), sprout, tomato and turnip.

Grains

Indulge In: Oats, rice, quinoa, wheat, durham flour and amaranth.

Avoid: Barley, millet, corn, crackers, granola, muesli, oats (bran), pasta, rice cakes, tapioca, yeasted bread and oat bran.

Legumes

Indulge In: Moong dal, toor dal, urad dal, miso, red lentil, soy milk, soy cheese, and tofu.

Avoid: Black beans, black-eyed peas, kidney beans, lima beans, brown lentils, pinto beans, soybean, soy flour, tempeh, white beans and split peas.

Dairy products

Indulge In: Cow’s milk, goat’s milk, butter, cheese, ghee, ice cream, sour cream, yoghurt, cottage cheese, and buttermilk.

Avoid: Frozen yoghurt and powdered milk.

Nuts and seeds

Indulge In:  Coconut, macadamia nuts, walnuts, cashews, almonds, hazelnuts, brazil nuts, peanuts, pecans, pumpkin seeds, pistachios, pine nuts, sesame seeds, and sunflower seeds.

Avoid: Popcorn

Spices

Indulge In: Cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, black pepper, basil, ajwain, caraway, anise, bay leaf, cumin, coriander, turmeric, hing, fennel, garlic, ginger, poppy seeds, peppermint, oregano, nutmeg, pepper, paprika, parsley, mustard seeds, rosemary, thyme, saffron, salt, vanilla, neem powder, cayenne pepper and chilli powder,

Avoid: Cayenne powder, chilli powder, neem leaves and fenugreek powder.

Oils

Indulge In: Olive oil, coconut oil, almond oil, mustard oil, avocado oil, castor oil, peanut oil, sunflower oil safflower oil, sesame oil and ghee.

Avoid: Flaxseed oil, canola oil, corn oil and soy oil.

Sweeteners

Indulge In: Honey, barley malt, date sugar, fructose, jaggery, rice syrup, maple syrup, and molasses.

Avoid: Artificial sweetener, white sugar and honey (when cooked).

Animal products

Indulge In: Eggs, chicken, and sea water fishes.

Avoid: Other varieties of animal meat.

A Simple Vata-Pacifying Diet Chart

Breakfast:

• Cereals with warm milk
• A multigrain or whole wheat bread sandwich or buttered toast
• Semolina or rice pudding garnished with nuts or fried seeds

Lunch:

• Boiled or sauteed vegetables served with rice or whole-grain pasta.
• Basmati rice accompanied with split moong dal
• Whole wheat bread along with sauteed okra garnished with coriander leaves and shredded coconut.

Note: Fats like butter or edible oils like coconut oil or olive oil or mustard oil can be used for cooking.

Dinner:

• Warm rasam with rice
• Spiced soup with multigrain breadsticks
• Options given in the lunch can also be taken as dinner

Note: Dinner should be light and be done 2 hours before sleeping.

Frequently Asked Questions

 What To Eat For Vata Imbalance?

To balance Vata, favour warm, moist, grounding, and nourishing foods:

Cooked grains like rice, oats, quinoa

Root vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots

Warm milk, ghee, nuts, and seeds

Soups and stews

Sweet, sour, and salty tastes

Avoid: raw vegetables, cold foods, dry snacks, caffeine

What Is The Best Lifestyle For Vata Dosha?

Vata types do best with a routine, warmth, and calm:

• Wake up and sleep at the same time daily
• Avoid overstimulation or excessive travel
• Keep warm in cold weather
• Get enough rest and practice grounding activities like yoga or meditation
• Massage with warm oils (Abhyanga)

What Happens When Vata Is Out Of Balance?

Imbalanced Vata leads to:

• Anxiety, fear, restlessness
• Dry skin, constipation, bloating 
• Insomnia or light sleep
• Irregular appetite and fatigue

What Is The Personality Of A Vata Person?

Vata individuals are usually:

• Creative, quick-thinking, and energetic
• Thin-bodied with dry skin and cold hands/feet
• Talkative and expressive
• Prone to anxiety and overthinking if stressed
• They are sensitive and adaptable, but need stability

How To Remove Vata From The Body?

To pacify excess Vata:

• Eat Vata-pacifying foods (warm, oily, nourishing)
• Do oil massages (sesame oil is best)
• Avoid cold weather and cold foods
• Use herbal teas like ginger, ashwagandha, or licorice
• Practice slow breathing and grounding yoga
• Panchakarma (Ayurvedic detox) can also help in chronic cases

 Is Curd Good For Vata?

No, curd is generally not ideal for Vata because it’s heavy, cold, and can increase dryness and bloating. If taken, it should be well-spiced, at room temperature, and consumed during lunch, not at night. Better options: warm buttermilk or lassi.

What Is The Best Exercise For Vata Dosha?

Gentle, grounding exercises are best:

• Yoga (especially Hatha or Yin yoga) 
• Walking in nature 
• Tai Chi or slow dance

Avoid excessive cardio, fast movements, or too much variety—these aggravate Vata.

How To Know If Vata Is High?

Signs of high Vata include:

• Dry skin, gas, and constipation
• Anxiety, fear, and restlessness
• Insomnia or disturbed sleep
• Feeling cold often
• Irregular digestion and appetite

Conclusion

People who have a Vata dominant body type should always avoid fasting, performing strenuous physical activity, going for chiropractic treatments or working in a closed air-conditioned environment. They should also avoid dry, light and cold foods and foods that have a bitter, pungent and astringent taste. Regular practice of Abhayanga or oil massage specifically with sesame oil proves to be extremely beneficial for Vata-governing people.

(This article is reviewed by Preeti Sharma, Wellness Expert)

Author Profile

Soumita Basu:

Soumita Basu holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Pharmacy and is keenly interested in Ayurveda, home remedies, yoga, fitness, diagnostics, and beauty. With nearly 6 years of experience, she produces evidence-based health content, including articles, videos, and infographics, to provide valuable insights to her audience.

References:

International Journal of Ayurveda

and Pharma Research

Review Article

STUDIES ON FUNCTIONS OF VATA DOSHA- A NOVEL APPROACH

Bijita Majumder1, Sukalyan Ray2*

1Assistant Professor, Dept. of Ayurved Samhita & Siddhanta, Kalawati Ayurvedic Medical College & Research

file:///C:/Users/50062973/Downloads/2542-Article%20Text-5800-1-10-20221019.pdf

https://jaims.in/jaims/article/view/3123