Pitta Dosha controls digestion, metabolism and transformation. Pitta is the heat that transforms food, thoughts and physical exertion into energy.
Elements fire (teja) + water (aap) Qualities sharp, hot, oily, smooth, mobile, intense, penetrating, acidic. Season late spring thru summer Nature sun Main Location small intestines
Pitta is the medium and agni (digestive fire) is the content so the state of your pitta dosha determines whether you are digesting food properly.
Pitta Personality and Body Pittas are usually medium size and weight. They have sharp chin, nose and penetrating eyes. They sometimes have bright red hair, but baldness or thinning hair is also common in a Pitta. Pittas are sensitive to the sun and can easily burn their skin if not careful.
They have excellent digestion, They have a warm body temperature They sleep soundly for short periods of time. When in balance, Pittas have a lustrous complexion, perfect digestion, abundant energy, and a strong appetite. They want everything done their way and they want explanations for everything. Pittas are also list-makers and extremely organized.
Balancing Pitta
Pitta is hot, sharp, sour, pungent, and penetrating. To balance Pitta, we need to make choices that are cooling, sweet, and stabilizing. Pitta imbalance symptoms are like fevers, hypertension, pink eye, and skin problems (acne, eczema, rash).
Be certain not to skip meals and do not wait until you are famished to eat. Favor foods that are sweet, bitter and astringent. Favor cooling foods such as cucumbers, sweet fruits and melons.
Regularly spend time in nature. Take walks in the woods and along natural bodies of water. Keep plants and fresh flowers in your home and office. Walk in the moonlight.
Perform a daily oil massage using cooler oils such as coconut or olive.
Since pittas run hot they need to be kept cool, mentally and physically. Shitali and Sitkari are the best pranayama for cooling.
Laughter is the best medicine.
Pitta Balancing Diet
Foods with sweet, bitter, and astringent tastes are best. Reduce foods that are pungent, salty, and sour. Favor cool foods and liquids.
Dairy can be helpful in balancing the heat of Pitta, take milk, butter and ghee.
All sweeteners may be taken in moderation.
Olive, sunflower, and coconut oils are the best oils to pacify Pitta.
Wheat, rice, barley, and oats are the best grains to reduce Pitta. Eat less corn.
The sweeter fruits such as grapes, melons, coconuts, avocados, mangoes, pomegranates, fully ripe pineapples, oranges, and plums are recommended. Reduce sour fruits such as grapefruits, apricots, and berries.
In Vegetables, reduce tomatoes, hot peppers, carrots, beets, eggplant, onions, garlic, radishes, and spinach.
Pitta types need to use seasonings that are soothing and cooling. These include coriander, cilantro, cardamom, saffron, and fennel. Chew on fennel seeds after meals to cool down acid in the stomach.