Hi friends! How are ya?
Today we're diving into the second part of my Immunity and Aging series. This week is about inflammation.
In Ayurveda, inflammation is a Pitta derangement. Pitta is governed by the fire element. Whenever there is excess heat in the body you can be SURE Pitta is at play.
Pitta is very important, it's associated with transformation in the body. Pitta in the form of metabolism digests food, creates energy, and incinerates waste products. But, when that metabolic flame gets too hot, or flares up, we can have problems like chronic inflammation and/or pain.
As we age, we often learn we have an inflammatory illnesses or condition. If you're really active you may notice you're experiencing overuse injuries or you've developed some arthritis. Years of poor lifestyle habits may have turned into chronic pain or illness, and sometimes our genetics will present a condition. Understanding yourself and your condition through Ayurveda can give you so much control over your discomfort and suffering.
Pitta is the dosha we work with to reduce inflammation. Arthritis, bursitis, colitis anything that has an "itis" at the end of it is a clear indication that you're dealing with increased Pitta. Autoimmune illnesses like; rheumatoid arthritis, thyroiditis, lupus, and even eczema are flared by an increase in Pitta dosha.
You may be distressed to hear from your doctor that there is nothing they can do about your inflammatory condition, but I would say, on the contrary! Please don't be discouraged if you are suffering. You don't need to feel defeated or hopeless in what you may be living with. I have seen firsthand what following Ayurvedic practices can do to improve the quality of life for those with chronic conditions.
What can you do TODAY?
Look at the external factors that may have increased the heat in your body. It could be the weather, like the current jump in temperature we had this week, your stress levels, your exercise intensity, or a combination of all of these.
Look at internal factors like what you're putting into your body. What in your diet could be turning up the heat? The main culprits are alcohol, (in any amount) caffeine (in any amount), red meat, and tobacco! Other common causes of elevating heat are; hot and spicy foods/sauces and salty snacks. Some common foods you probably didn't realize are inflammatory are; tomatoes, corn, eggplant, onions, raw radishes and cooked spinach. These should be avoided when you're inflamed. Click here for a good list of what to favor and avoid when it comes to food choices.
TASTES
Avoid sour, salty and pungent
Favor sweet, bitter and astringent
There is so much Ayurveda can do to support inflammation. Please don't hesitate to reach out to make an appointment with me. I'd be happy to help! CLICK HERE
Have a wonderful holiday weekend. I will be back in June with a new note!
~Julie