The basic theme of kapha is relaxed. Kapha dosha gives strength and natural resistance to disease. Besides being well-built, kapha types tend to be thick-set with wide hips and shoulders. They have steady energy and their stamina exceeds that of other body types, as does their ability to perform physical exercise...weight lifting and body building are typical examples of kapha strength. By nature kapha's are affectionate, tolerant and forgiving. They are not easily shaken in a crisis and they anchor others around them. There is a tendency to become complacent however, and even the most balanced kapha will procrastinate when he feels stressed. Out of balance kapha's become lethargic and slow. If the imbalance is not corrected they become lazy and depressed; prone to colds, sinus problems and chest infections. Kapha types dislike cold, damp weather and respond to it mentally by becoming slow and lethargic. Kapha's sleep is heavy and long, often sleeping more than eight hours a night. Of the three body types kapha's are the slowest learners, but in compensation they have good retention, and in time they acquire a solid command of their subject. They absorb new information slowly and take a methodical approach to it.
Kapha governs all forms and substances in the body; muscles, bones, mucus membranes and so forth. Asthma, bronchitis,
diabetes and tumors can be attributed to excess kapha (Jupiter expresses Kapha specifically). However, as they normally have a strong immune system and good resistance to disease, it's one of the least likely dosha's to go out of balance.
Kapha Pacifying Diet - When this dosha is out of balance and during kapha season
Favor warm foods and hot beverages. Eat a minimum of oil and fat. Avoid cold drinks, cold food, and frozen desserts (such as ice cream, popsicles, frozen yogurt, etc.) Avoid leftovers, canned, bottled, or packaged foods, frozen foods, processed foods, rich, creamy foods, sweets, salty foods and alcohol.
Eat mainly freshly prepared vegetable and legume dishes, with proportionately smaller amounts of grains and fruits. The food should be spiced according to taste.
An asterisk* after the item means it is especially helpful to favor or to avoid that particular food.
Favor the Following Foods
GENERAL: Lighter diet of less rich foods. Favor dry, light and crunchy foods. Favor pungent (hot, spicy), bitter and astringent tastes.
GRAINS: Barley*, millet, corn, buckwheat, rye, quinoa, cous-cous and oats. (All grains should be a minimum of one year old).
LEGUMES: All except tofu.
VEGETABLES: All green leafy vegetables*, carrot, beets, white potatoes, artichoke, broccoli*, corn, celery, tender eggplant, cabbage, cauliflower, peas, bell pepper, green beans, sprouts, tender radish. In small amounts: tomato, asparagus, zucchini, cucumber.
DAIRY: Skim milk (boiled and served hot), small amounts of ghee and lassi made of nonfat yogurt (1part yogurt 4 parts water dilution.)
SWEETENERS: Raw honey*.
OILS: Mustard, corn, sesame, (all used sparingly). Ghee in small amounts.
NUTS & SEEDS: Small portions of sunflower, sesame and pumpkin seeds, pecans and walnuts.
SPICES: All spices except salt; favor hot spices (ginger, black pepper, etc.), lemon juice in moderation.
FRUITS: Apples, pears, figs, papaya, guava*, pomegranate*, cranberries, persimmon*.
Reduce the Following Foods
GENERAL: Avoid large quantities of food*, especially at night. Avoid oily, greasy, cold, heavy food; sweet, sour and salty tastes.
GRAINS: Wheat, rice, all yeasted or sourdough breads*.
LEGUMES: Tofu, tempeh, soy or rice cheeses*.
VEGETABLES: Sweet potatoes*, tapioca.
FRUITS: Strictly avoid avocado*, banana*.
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