Abstract

CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF DIET (AHARA) ACCORDING TO PITTA PRAKRITI

Singh Akhilesh Kumar* and Dr. Darshana

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Abstract

Āyurveda (Science of Life), the ancient Indian system of medicine, underscores the centrality of individualized dietary and lifestyle regimens tailored to one's inherent Prakṛti (Constitutional makeup). Among the tridoṣic classifications, individuals of Pitta Prakṛti (Constitution predominated by the Pitta doṣa) exhibit a psychophysiological profile characterized by metabolic efficiency, intellectual acuity, and emotional intensity, rooted in the dominance of the Tejas (Fire principle). Classical treatises such as the Caraka Saṃhitā and Aṣṭāṅga Hṛdaya articulate that inappropriate dietary practices act as potent Doṣa-prakopaka (Aggravators of the biological humors), especially in Pitta-dominant individuals, leading to pathologies including Amalapitta (Hyperacidity), Raktapitta (bleeding disorders), and inflammatory dermatoses. The Āhāra (Diet) prescribed for Pitta Prakṛti requires a deliberate inclusion of Madhura (sweet), Tikta (Bitter), and Kaṣāya (Astringent) tastes, and properties such as Śīta (Cooling), Snigdha (Unctuous), and Drava (fluidic), which collectively function to counterbalance the inherent heat and sharpness of Pitta. This critical analysis synthesizes doctrinal Āyurvedic perspectives with contemporary interpretative insights to elucidate a constitution-specific dietary paradigm for Pitta-dominant individuals. Emphasis is placed on the preventive, promotive (Svasthavṛtta), and therapeutic (Ātura-vṛtta) implications of aligning food with one's Prakṛti, thereby reinforcing the epistemological depth and clinical relevance of Āyurvedic nutritional science.

Keywords: Prakriti, Pitta Prakriti-wise diet, Principles of diet, food according to body type.