Ayurvedic nutrition and its influence on our mind

Ayurveda's nutritional theory is very comprehensive and offers a personalized selection of foods, spices, and preparations for each person. Individual diets are based, among other things, on the system of mental states, called gunas.

Ayurveda distinguishes three different moods that can be influenced by our diet. Just as our diet influences our mood, our mood also influences our appetite.

The Ayurvedic "Gunas"

Tamas

Tamas is the state of sleep, lethargy, and depression. People in this state tend to consume convenience foods, reheated meals, fast food, and canned goods. Conversely, foods like those mentioned above, as well as old cheese, alcohol, and white sugar, promote this lethargy over time. We feel sluggish and unable to get motivated to do anything.

Rajas

Rajas is the state of mind characterized by activity, but also anger and restlessness. Spicy dishes and spices, such as chili and garlic, are considered rajasic foods. So, all stimulating foods and drinks are also considered rajasic. Coffee not only makes you active, but conversely, restless people in particular tend to drink too much of it. Rajasic minds often toss and turn at night, suffering from stress and unable to find rest.

Sattva

Only a sattwic diet can help here. Sattva is the state of mind of balance and harmony. We find this state easier when our food is fresh and as unprocessed as possible. Sattwic foods include primarily fresh fruit and vegetables, but also milk, grains, and fresh herbs.

I do it like this:

The path to sattva always leads through rajas, so when I'm feeling tired or sluggish, I consciously choose stimulating foods. I season with pepper and chili and try to rejuvenate my day. If I notice myself feeling restless, I avoid these foods.

Despite my stressful everyday life, I always try to put as fresh, sattwic food on the table as possible in order to give Rajas and Tamas no chance.

Would you like to delve deeper?

Anyone interested in learning more about the gunas can do so in one of my seminars. The next seminar “The Ayurveda Diet” will take place on 27.03.2021 Further information at www.praxisfuerpraevention.de

Our author Nicole Krämer is an Ayurvedic and nutritional consultant from Siegburg. She teaches cooking classes and seminars in her preventative medicine practice, produces DVDs such as "Vegan Cooking in Spring," and accompanies seminars and treatments in Ayurvedic clinics and health centers as an Ayurvedic chef.

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