Ayurveda and eating in a British winter

In an article on our website called Biohacking Winter - part 2 we briefly mention that we might learn from Ayurveda which is a system of medicine based on the idea that disease is caused by an imbalance or stress in a person's consciousness.

Ayurveda is a Sanskrit word which means ‘science of life’ or ‘knowledge of life’ and was developed more than 5000 years ago in India, so what relevance if any does it have to helping us navigate our health throughout the winter in the UK where the climate and foods are very different?

Ayurveda, an ancient system of medicine, is rooted in the fundamental principle that the well-being of an individual is intricately linked to the harmonious equilibrium of their mind, body, spirit, and the environment they inhabit. This holistic approach forms the foundation of Ayurvedic philosophy and practice. Unlike many conventional medical systems that primarily focus on treating illnesses, Ayurveda places its core emphasis on the proactive promotion of good health and the prevention of diseases.

In Ayurveda, the key objective is not merely to combat ailments but to establish a state of optimal health and vitality. This is achieved by fostering balance within the individual's constitution, known as their "Prakriti," and by recognising and addressing any disturbances or imbalances that may arise, referred to as "Vikriti." This intricate balance between the individual's innate constitution and their current state of health is at the heart of Ayurvedic diagnosis and treatment. 

Ayurvedic medicine is founded on the concept that the world comprises five essential elements: aakash (space), jala (water), prithvi (earth), teja (fire), and vayu (air). These elements combine in various ways to give rise to three vital humors or doshas, namely vata, kapha, and pitta. According to Ayurveda, these doshas play a significant role in determining an individual's physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Each person is believed to possess a distinct and unique proportion of these doshas, often with one dosha predominating over the others. For instance, one individual might have a predominance of pitta, while another might exhibit a dominant vata constitution.

Just as people have doshas so do certain foods and even seasons and environmental conditions. Ayurvedic medicine is about finding for balance so for example a person who has high pitta as a dosha would be described as tenacious and competitive but also impatient and sensitive to heat, this person might be attracted to spicy heating foods but these foods will not help them to find balance and according to the system they should instead eat light cold sweet energising foods such as fruits, oats and eggs and avoid heavy spicy and sour foods such as red meat and hot spices.

The winter in the UK is said to have the characteristic of the Kapha dosha.

Kapha dosha is associated with qualities like heaviness, coldness, and moisture. When in excess this can lead to a feeling of heaviness and sluggishness which during the winter months can cause us in the UK to experience a sense of lethargy and a tendency to stay indoors due to the less inviting weather conditions.

Kapha dosha is linked to excess mucus production in the body when imbalanced. In the winter, we experience colds, flu, and respiratory issues due to the damp and chilly conditions.

Naturally in winter we seek warmth and comfort, which is in line with Ayurvedic recommendations for balancing Kapha. Staying warm, eating warming foods, and engaging in physical activity can help counteract the cold and heavy qualities associated with Kapha and a UK winter.

So how could we eat in winter in the UK to balance this within the context of Ayurveda?

Warming spices are great for the UK winter

Within Ayurveda we really should consider winter to be a game to two halves, that of going into winter and that of moving out.

The adage goes that the foundation for a summer-ready body is established during the winter season. Early winter, in particular, marks a period when our agni, or digestive fire, operates at its peak efficiency. During this time, we have the capacity to comfortably digest richer foods, including fats and proteins. Nutrient-rich broths, soups and stews made from fattier heavier meats and root vegetables become excellent choices, offering the body essential components to fortify itself for the impending cold months. As well as incorporating hearty grains into our diets proves as they help maintain a balanced intake of vitamins, minerals, and essential soluble fibre, crucial for sustaining overall health.

However, after the new year things change a little and this excess Kapha can bog us down as we start to feel the effects of this early winter food. For this after new year phase Ayurveda would recommend the following to balance the Kapha

Warm and Spicy Foods:

Opt for warming spices like ginger, black pepper, cinnamon, and cloves in your dishes. These spices help stimulate digestion and counteract the cold quality of Kapha. Lighter Proteins: Choose lean proteins like poultry, fish, and legumes over heavy, fatty meats. Avoid excessive consumption of dairy products, as they can increase Kapha.Steamed or Sautéed Vegetables: Enjoy a variety of colourful, non-starchy vegetables that have been lightly steamed or sautéed. This cooking method retains nutrients while reducing the heavy and damp qualities of Kapha.

Whole Grains: 

Incorporate whole grains like quinoa, millet, and barley, which are lighter than heavy grains like wheat and rice.

Vegetables: 

Choose vegetables that are more pungent, bitter, and astringent in taste, such as leafy greens (spinach, kale), cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower), radishes, celery, onions, and garlic. These vegetables are lighter and help balance Kapha.

Raw Honey: 

Replace processed sugars with raw honey in moderation. Honey is considered warming and can help balance Kapha when used mindfully.

Herbal Teas: 
Drink warming herbal teas such as ginger tea, cinnamon tea, or fenugreek tea to support digestion and combat coldness.

Lighter Oils: 
Use moderate amounts of lighter oils like mustard seed oil or sesame oil for cooking, as opposed to heavier oils like coconut or olive oil.

Limit Dairy: 
Reduce or eliminate heavy dairy products like cheese, yogurt, and milk, as they can exacerbate Kapha imbalances. Consider dairy alternatives like almond or rice milk.

Pungent Foods: 
Include pungent foods like garlic, onions, and radishes in your meals to stimulate digestion and clear congestion.

Warm Beverages: 
Sip on warm water or herbal teas throughout the day to maintain warmth and hydration.

Smaller, More Frequent Meals:

Instead of large, heavy meals, consider having smaller, well-balanced meals throughout the day to avoid overeating.

In summary

It is intriguing to observe that Ayurveda, a timeless system of health and medicine that originated more than five millennia ago, harmoniously aligns with the philosophy of consuming mostly indigenous seasonal foods. This ancient wisdom transcends geographical boundaries and resonates with the concept of embracing natural and local produce, albeit with the enrichment of certain exotic spices obtained through trade.

Ayurveda's deep-rooted understanding of the interconnectedness between human well-being and the natural world underscores the importance of consuming foods that align with the seasonal rhythms of one's environment. This philosophy is not confined by temporal or spatial constraints, as it speaks to the universal wisdom of harmonising with nature's cycles.

Incorporating traded spices into indigenous diets demonstrates the adaptive nature of Ayurveda, which recognises the value of diversity and the potential benefits of incorporating valuable elements from different regions. This illustrates the philosophy of balance and synergy, where the integration of foreign elements complements and enhances the nutritional and therapeutic aspects of traditional, seasonal fare.

Ayurveda serves as a timeless guide that encourages us to cultivate a profound connection with our surroundings, fostering not only physical health but also a deeper understanding of our place within the intricate web of the natural world. It reminds us that our choices in nourishment transcend mere sustenance; they are a reflection of our relationship with the world itself, encapsulating the essence of holistic well-being.

NB - This article is intended as a very simple introduction to what is a wonderfully complex and rich system, as we mentioned above each person will have a unique blend of the doshas that manifest in different ways related to their health and an Ayurvedic doctor can help you with a more personalised approach to health and nutrition.