Pitta Dosha

Pitta

Pitta represents the biological elements of fire and water.  Pitta has the qualities of hot, moist, light, fluid, sour smelling, sharp, intense, and penetrating.  It governs all heat, metabolism, and transformation in the mind and body.  It controls how we digest foods, ideas, and sensory perceptions.  It governs the all-important digestive agni’s or fires in the body.

Characteristics of Pitta Type

-Moderate build/ muscular                                   
-Tendency of irritability and anger

-Aversion to hot weather                                      
-Good speaker

-Sharp hunger and digestion                                  
-Enterprising, sharp in character

-Can’t skip meals                                                 
-Tendency for reddish complexion, hair, moles, and freckles

Imbalanced Pitta

Physical Manifestations

-Sharply increased hunger or thirst                          
-Increased acidity, heartburn, ulcers

-Intolerance to heat                                                
- Sunburn, sunstroke

-Skin inflammations and rashes                              
-Hot flashes   

-Bloodshot eyes                                                    
-Acne 

-Sour body odors                                                  
-Bad breath

-Rectal burning, hemorrhoids                                  
-Dark yellow feces and urine

Psychological Manifestations

-Anger                                                                    
-Irritability

-Hostile behavior                                                    
-Rage 

-Impatience                                                            
-Criticism (of self/others)

-Arrogant argumentation                                          
-Aggressive, domineering behavior

Guidelines for Balancing Pitta

-Seek coolness in all forms (through diet, herbs, being in nature, keeping thermostat below 70 degrees when you sleep, not lingering in the hot bath too long, etc)  

-Eat a Pitta-reducing diet

-Eat whenever hungry

-Drink Pitta balancing tea, available at the River Walk Natural Health Clinic & Natural Pharmacy

-Use herbs and spices that are Pitta-reducing:

• Cooling spices
• Gentian root, mint leaves, mild laxatives (psyllium seed or flax seed)
• Triphala (amla, bibhitaki, haritaki)
• Be attentive to taking in only pure food, water, and air (since Pitta is especially sensitive to impurities of any kind)
• Avoid alcohol and artificial stimulants (both of which are like throwing kerosene on a fire)
• Avoid strenuous physical exercise or overheating yourself outdoors
• Take time to wind down from activity; alternating rest and activity is the basic rhythm of life
• Meditate
• Try cooling breathing exercises

            1. Open your mouth to form an “O” shape.

2. With your mouth in this position, form a funnel with your tongue and place it between your lips.

3. Slowly inhale through your tongue, swallow the breath, and feel the

breath in your heart.

4. Relax your tongue and mouth, then exhale through your mouth.

5. Repeat this exercise for three minutes, twice daily. 

Healing mantra: “let go”

New Attention Disorder: Sluggish Cognitive Tempo

More than six million American children have received a diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, heightening the concern that the condition is being significantly misdiagnosed and over-treated with prescription medications. Yet an immerging disorder could vastly expand the number of young people being treated for attention issues.  Called sluggish cognitive tempo, the condition is characterized by lethargy, daydreaming and slow mental processing. Researchers estimate it is present in perhaps two million children.

New publications have proposed that recognition of sluggish cognitive tempo could help resolve some longstanding confusion about A.D.H.D, which despite having hyperactivity in its name includes about 2 million children that are not hyperactive, merely inattentive.

“ When you start talking about things like daydreaming, mind-wandering, those types of behaviors, parents with a son or daughter who does this excessively says ‘I know about this from my own experience.’ They know what you’re talking about.” Said Keith Burkett, a professor of psychiatry at the University of California in San Francisco.

Experts pushing for more research into sluggish cognitive tempo say that it is on its way to being recognized as a legitimate disorder. Others including Dr. Allen Frances, an emeritus professor of psychiatry at Duke University, are of the opinion that while there are kids that meet the criteria for the disorder, it is not worth further investigation. “The enthusiasts here are thinking of missed patients.  What about the mislabeled kids are called patients when there’s nothing wrong with them? They are not considering what is happening in the real world,” stated Dr. Frances.

Source: NY Times

Allergy Season is upon us. What can you expect?

An allergy is an inappropriate response by the body’s immune system to a substance that is not normally harmful. 

What is an allergy?  An allergy is an inappropriate response by the body's immune system to a substance that is not normally harmful.  In some people, the immune system wrongly identifies a nontoxic substance as an invader, and the white blood cells overreact and do more damage to the body than the invader.

What are common signs and symptoms of environmental allergies? Seasonal nasal congestion, itching, burning eyes, hives, coughing and headaches.

The most common substances that can provoke seasonal allergies in Colorado include? Trees such as Elm, Cottonwood, Cedar, Juniper, Pine and Aspen. And other plants such as ragweed, pollen, thistle, dust and sage.

Other substances that can provoke an allergy include: Nickel, cosmetics, lanolin, animal dander, dust mites, some common drugs such as penicillin, aspirin and sulfa drugs, some food additives such as benzoic acid and sulfites and chemicals found in soap and laundry detergents.

Many people are allergic to molds. Molds can live throughout the house, under the sink and in the bathroom, basement, refrigerator or any dark and damp place. Mold spores are carried in the wind and predominate in the summer and early fall. Cutting grass, harvesting crops or walking through tall vegetation can provoke a reaction.

Foods can also provoke allergic reactions. Some of the most common allergenic foods include chocolate, dairy products, eggs, shellfish, strawberries, citrus fruits, corn, wheat, food additives, preservatives and dyes.

What kind of natural treatments are available for environmental allergies? Dr. Wiancek uses homeopathy to desensitize a person from their specific environmental allergies. She also uses natural anti-inflammatory products and Chinese herbs depending upon how severe the reaction. 

What is the difference between a food intolerances and food allergy? A person with a food intolerance is unable to digest and process food correctly, usually due to a lack of a certain enzyme or enzymes. A food allergy occurs when a person’s immune system generates an antibody response to the injected food. Food intolerances can lead to an allergy, if particles of undigested food manage to enter the bloodstream and cause a reaction.

What are the most common symptoms of food allergies?  There are many symptoms related to food allergies these include:

Recurrent colds, sore throats, chronic tonsillitis, ear infections, ringing and buzzing in the ears, chronic nasal congestion, postnasal drip, Meniere’s syndrome, constipation, diarrhea, abdominal cramping, ulcerative colitis, gallbladder disease, irritable bowel disease, migraines and other headaches, hives, canker sores, psoriasis, eczema, acne, asthma, frequent urination, teeth grinding, bedwetting, colic, muscle aches, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, unexplained fatigue, anxiety, depression, insomnia, food cravings, obesity etc. Most of these disorders have more than one cause, but food allergy is a relatively common and frequently overlooked cause.

How is a food allergy best diagnosed? Dr. Wiancek uses a blood test, which test 100 different foods to diagnosis food allergy. A person can become allergic to almost any type of food and any combination of foods. Therefore, an accurate diagnosis is important.

Depending on how severe a person’s symptoms are there are different ways to treat food allergies such as desensitizing a person, total elimination and improving digestion. Without treatment our immune system will become depleted and symptoms can become worse over time.

Vata Dosha

Vata represents the biological elements of air and space.  It has the qualities of dry, cold, light, quick, erratic, rough, unstable and moving. Vata governs all movement in the mind and body.  It controls blood flow, elimination of wastes, breathing, and movement of thoughts across the mind.  Vata governs the other two doshas (pitta and kapha) and so it’s very important to keep Vata in good balance to ensure the other two doshas are not imbalanced.

Characteristics of Vata

- Light, thinner build

-Tendency for dry skin

-Aversion to cold weather

-Tendency toward light and interrupted sleep

- Quick to grasp new information

- Quick to forget

- Irregular hunger and digestion

- Tendency toward constipation

Imbalanced Vata

Physical Manifestations

-Intolerance to wind and cold

-Constipation

-Flatulence, intestinal gas

-Dry skin and chapped lips

-Loss of energy or stamina

-Severe and acute pains

-Joint aches or arthritis

-Back pain, especially low back pain

-Muscle spasms

Psychological Manifestations

-Overactivity of the mind

-Anxiety, inability to relax

-Inability to concentrate

-Worry

-Restlessness

-Depression

-Insomnia

-Fatigue

-Loss of appetite

Guidelines for Balancing Vata

-Get plenty of rest and quiet time (this is all-important for any Vata problem)

-Stay warm

-Eat a Vata-pacifying diet and eat regularly

-Drink lots of warm fluids

-Avoid cold food and drinks

-Use herbs and spices that are Vata-reducing:

•   Heating spices
•   Ashwagandha, fresh ginger,   
•   Triphala (amla, bibhitaki, haritaki)

-Maintain a regular daily routine (mealtimes, bedtimes, etc.)

-Massage your body with sesame oil each morning

-Take a long, warm shower or bath in the morning

-Perform mild exercises (simple yoga stretches, walking, tai chi)

-Avoid mental strain or over-stimulation (loud music, violent movies, long hours of TV or computer, particularly in the evening)

-Make your surroundings light, bright, and cheerful

-Do not drink alcohol, or caffeine while trying to balance Vata

-Healing mantra: “slow down” 

Vata reducing tea is available at The Riverwalk Natural Health Clinic and Natural Pharmacy.  Click here to check out our natural products. 

Vegans Respond ‘Robustly’ to Algal-Derived Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplement

New data supports the efficacy of an algal-derived omega-3 supplement to boost EPA and DHA levels.  

In a recent study it was found that while the omega-3 index of vegans is low, it is no lower than the levels measured in omnivores.  The omega-3 index is a measure of the fatty acid levels in red blood cells, and reflects long-term intake of EPA and DHA.  Scientists conclude that a majority of long-term vegans appear to be relatively deficient in DHA and EPA.  Whether or not this results in adverse health consequences is unclear. 

Do vegans need Omega-3s?

According to experts, vegans and lacto-ovo vegetarians (who don’t eat fish) are significantly less likely to develop heart disease than their non-vegetarian counterparts despite their zero or low intakes of EPA and DHA. There is also no evidence that vegans and vegetarians are at higher risk of depression, Alzheimer’s disease or other cognitive problems. Researchers attribute the cardio benefits of a vegan diet to the fact that they consume more fiber, less saturated fat, fewer calories, more phytochemicals, and more plant-plant based healthy fats (including the omega fatty acid ALA from walnuts, flaxseed and other sources).

A recent study on the alga-derived omega-3 supplement found that it was successful in raising the omega-3 index in vegans classified as deficient in EPA and DHA.   Supplements were associated with an increase in the omega-3 index from 3.1% to 4.8%. The study did not focus on whether or not omega-3 supplementation is necessary for vegans.

New Study says Trans Fat is Associated with Aggressive Behavior

Trans fats may increase one’s risks of heart disease, sudden death, diabetes- and perhaps even aggression.  

Trans fat has been associated with overt aggressive behavior, impatience and irritability.  Trans fats are basically found only one place in nature: animal fat.  The food industry, however, found a way to synthetically create these toxic fats by hardening vegetable oil in a process called hydrogenation, which rearranges their atoms to make them behave more like animal fats.

Although most of America’s trans fat intake has traditionally come from processed foods containing partially-hydrogenated oils, a fifth of the trans fats in the American diet used to come from animal products- 1.2 grams out of the 5.8 total consumed daily.  Now that trans fat labeling has been mandated, however, and places like New York City have banned the use of partially hydrogenated oils, the intake of industrial-produced trans fat is down to about 1.3, so about 50 percent of America’s trans fats come now from animal products.

Which foods naturally have significant amounts of trans fat?

According to the official USDA nutrient database, cheese, milk, yogurt, burgers, chicken fat, turkey meat, bologna, and hot dogs contain about 1 to 5 percent trans fats (USDA chart).  There are also small amounts of trans fats in non-hydrogenated vegetable oils due to steam deodorization or stripping during the refining process.

Is getting a few percent trans fats a big deal, though?

The most prestigious scientific body in the U.S, the National Academies of Science (NAS), concluded that the only safe intake of trans fats is zero.  In their report condemning trans fats, they couldn’t even assign a Tolerable Upper Daily Limit of intake because any amount increases the risk of coronary heart disease.  There may also be not safe intake of dietary cholesterol, which underscores the importance of reducing animal product consumption. 

There has been debate over whether trans fats found naturally in animal products are as bad at the synthetic fats in partially hydrogenated junk food. The latest study supports the notion that trans fat intake, irrespective of the source increases cardiovascular disease risk, especially, it appears, in women. 

Because trans fats are unavoidable on ordinary, non-vegan diets, getting down to zero percent trans fats would require significant changes in diet for most.  The Director of Harvard’s Cardiovascular Epidemiology Program explained that it would be extreme to recommend a vegetarian diet, however, if science were the only factor being considered, that would be the recommendation.  

Ayurveda: The Science of Life

Ayurveda is the traditional healing system of India and the sister science of yoga.  It is considered the first form of medicine in the world and has been practiced continuously for over 5,000 years.  The word “ayurveda” literally means the science of life.  It is not only a system of medicine in the conventional sense of diagnosing and treating a disease.  It is a way of living.  It is a unique blend of science and philosophy that teaches us how to balance the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects that are necessary for optimal health.

The wisdom of Ayurveda comes from the Vedas, the oldest and most authoritative sacred texts coming out of India.  The basis of Ayurvedic philosophy is the belief that everything, living and non-living, is composed of the great five elements- namely space, air, fire, water, and earth.  In the human body, these five elements combine into three life-forces called doshas- namely vata, pitta, kapha.  Each of us is born with a unique combination of these doshas that make up our physical and psychological constitution.  When the dosha pattern is balanced, we experience health and well-being.  When the dosha pattern becomes aggravated or imbalanced (due to poor diet, stress, wrong lifestyle, climate changes, etc.), the end result is disease in the body.

Goal of Ayurvedic medicine is to detoxify the body and to rebalance the doshas or life-forces within the body.  The first step is to determine a person’s specific constitution and dosha imbalances.  This is accomplished by taking a complete history, doing a full physical exam (including tongue and pulse diagnosis), and running lab tests as necessary.  With this knowledge, specific herbs, foods, vitamins, exercises, and daily routines, along with cleansing and rejuvenation programs, can be prescribed to restore health to the body, mind, and spirit.

Ayurveda is an invaluable daily practice for creating health and harmony in your body and in your environment.  Once you begin to incorporate Ayurvedic principles into your daily activities, you will begin to see positive benefits in every aspect of your life.