Ayurvedic diet: simply explained

In Ayurveda, eating is about the intake of life energy. How, when and what you eat is important for your health and general well-being. Read on to find out more about this millennia-old science of life and one of its most important pillars: the Ayurvedic diet.

What is Ayurveda?

Ayurveda is a whole-body (holistic) system of medicine that began in India around 5,000 years ago. It is a Sanskrit term that describes the knowledge not only of life, but above all of a long and healthy life. Like other medical systems, Ayurveda aims to prevent illness and maintain health, with a strong focus on prevention.

Ayurveda is an empirical science, partly because it is so old, which is different from Western medicine, which is structured differently. The holistic approach is typical of Ayurveda. The focus is on living in harmony with nature; every person is seen as a part of nature.

Who is Ayurveda suitable for?

Anyone who is willing to give it a go. Ayurveda is a philosophy of life that addresses every area of life, from the daily routine to management style. Ayurveda focuses on the uniqueness of each person. This makes it complex at first glance, but means that it can be applied to good effect to individuals.

Ayurvedic diet: what is it?

Nutrition is a form of therapy in Ayurveda and plays a central role. Just like the digestive fire, which is used to categorise the different types. One characteristic of the three doshas is the digestive power, which is different for each person. For example, not everyone tolerates raw food well, which is why Ayurveda advises eating mainly warm food.

A major difference between Ayurveda and other nutritional teachings is that Ayurveda rarely makes exclusive statements. How the food is absorbed depends on the type, but also on the method of preparation. Spices have a big influence, but so does the time of day at which you eat a particular food. In addition, there are different directions: there is healing food, gourmet cuisine, everyday cuisine, and there are tips for every constitutional type.

This individual approach sets Ayurveda apart from other nutritional systems: it is tangible and genuine, but also very complex. That’s why I initially recommend just eating seasonally and regionally, cooking fresh, integrating spices and eating warm.

Benefits of an Ayurvedic diet

When it comes to lifestyle and food, our society is very “de-naturalised”. Ayurveda helps make you aware of what you’re eating and realise that food is about much more than simply filling you up. Above all, however, the Ayurvedic diet is a preventive measure to ensure good health.

Ayurveda doshas

Ayurveda is based on the natural elements. The three doshas – Vata, Pitta and Kapha – are based on the five natural elements of earth, water, fire, air and space or ether. Each person is born with a unique combination of the five elements, comparable with our DNA. This unique constitution is a blueprint for achieving optimal health.

The doshas are combinations of these elements. For example, Vata dosha consists mostly of the two elements air and space (also known as ether). The aim of Ayurveda is to always keep the centre of this basic constitution and to balance it throughout the day, the seasons and life. It’s like a dance with the doshas and external influences.

Most people are dominant in one or two doshas. Once you know your type, you will be aware of your weak points and you can address them through diet, lifestyle and natural remedies. Doing so can help prevent health issues.

How does the Ayurvedic diet work?

Eating fresh and healthy food stimulates vitality and boosts the immune system. An old Ayurveda text states: “When nutrition is bad, medicine is useless … and when the diet is good, treatment is unnecessary.” In the holistic health teachings of Ayurveda, food has the ability to influence and strengthen our health and our emotional world.

The six rasas

In Ayurveda, the six tastes – sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter and astringent – are known as rasas. Including a balance of these six tastes in meals helps to support and maintain a healthy internal and external balance. You don’t have cravings between meals and don’t need to snack. The rasas can also be used to specifically influence the doshas. If someone is a strong fire type, for example, they should avoid eating spicy food.

The rasas are also guided by the seasons and nature’s gifts. In spring, for example, we eat rocket, dandelion, rhubarb and leafy vegetables. These bitter substances help to cleanse the blood after winter. In autumn and winter, foods close to the earth, such as pumpkins or root vegetables, give us the grounding we need when it gets cold outside.

Seven Ayurvedic diet rules

Although the Ayurvedic diet is relaxed and individual, there are general principles that you can follow. The focus is on maintaining the digestive fire and thus the central mechanism that converts food into energy and vitality.

Ayurveda: simple nutrition tips for beginners

For anyone getting started with Ayurveda, I recommend focusing on the general nutrition rules before working up to the doshas, ideally with the help of an expert.

Does Sanitas cover Ayurveda treatments?

Sanitas covers Ayurveda treatments as alternative medicine costs under supplementary insurance, provided that the treatment or examination is deemed medically necessary. In other words, the health impairment must meet the condition of clinical significance. Purely preventive treatments are not covered as alternative medicine.

Our Vital Smart and Vital Premium supplementary insurance solutions cover Ayurvedic nutrition advice as a preventive measure under the health promotion costs. You can find out more about the cost share here.