Kapha means “that which holds things together”. The kapha-dosha is the mass of our body, the stability of the physical body. It also includes mental and emotional stability and the ability to forgive.
The characteristics of Kapha dosha are: their body is stocky, muscular and strong. They are prone to gaining weight. Their skin colour is typically pale and thick, with no veins showing through. Their hair is dark, oily, shiny and thick. They have broad foreheads and thick necks. Their shoulders and chest are broad. Their arms and thighs are thick, strong and fat. The Kapha type likes romance. They are attentive, kind, loyal, obedient, but generally shy and conservative. They are surrounded by many friends and feel at home around their family. They rarely venture outside their usual sphere of activity. They travel little, preferring to stay at home. Their clingy nature makes break-ups a painful experience. They are careful and forward-thinking.
Kapha (earth-water) most often shifts out of balance from spice-poor, raw, heavy, sweet or salty foods. Excessive consumption of cold drinks and dairy products can be harmful, as well as cold, damp weather. Too much sleep and lazing around are also not recommended for people with kapha. The consequences of kapha overweight are slow digestion, nausea, colds, indifference, too much sleep, heavy breathing and obesity.
The diet for Kapha dosha is warm, light and dry. Avoid greasy, heavy, cold foods. A build-up of mucus in the body is a sign that too much kapha food has been consumed. Kapha increases through sweet, salty and sour taste, but decreases through spicy, bitter and sour taste. People with Kapha dosha need less food and may also reduce the frequency of meals. It is best to eat three meals a day. The main meal should be at noon and the other two meals should be light. Do not eat in the evening, especially heavy meals. Fasting once a week is also good.
| Recommended | Should be avoided | |
| Fruits: Fruit increases the body’s water content, which can lead to mucus build-up. Their consumption is not recommended for people with a Kapha dosha. | dried fruit, apples, cranberries, pomegranates | cherry, date, grape, banana, mango, melon, orange, pineapple, plum, raspberry, strawberry, peach, pear, papaya, lemon, lime, blueberry, grapefruit |
| Vegetables: Most warm vegetables are suitable for Kapha dosha when warm, steamed and seasoned. | artichokes, asparagus, beetroot, peppers, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, Swiss chard, aubergines, green beans, chilli peppers, lettuce, mushrooms, parsley, coriander leaves, green peas, potatoes, radishes, spinach, horseradish | avocado, fresh corn, cucumber, okra, summer squash, sweet potato, tomato, pumpkin, zucchini, olives |
| Grains: They are considered a heavy food, so they are not ideal for people with Kapha dosha. | barley, buckwheat, maize, dry or cracked cereals, millet, rye, amaranth, quinoa, tapioca | basmati rice, brown rice, couscous, oats, wheat, white rice, pasta |
| Legumes: Most legumes are suitable for people with a Kapha dosha when eaten warm. | kidney beans, mung beans, soy, yellow peas, tofu, lima beans, lentils | chickpeas |
| Seeds, nuts: Most seeds and nuts are heavy, squeaky and not recommended for Kapha dosha. | pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds | almonds, tomatoes, cashew nuts, coconut, hazelnuts, pecans, pine nuts, sesame seeds, walnuts |
| Dairy: People with Kapha dosha should eliminate dairy products that cause mucus and allergies from their diet. | soya milk, goat milk, buttermilk | cheese, cottage cheese, cow’s milk, cream, ice cream, kefir, rice milk, sour cream, yoghurt |
| Oils: Most oils are thick and heavy, so they are not recommended for people with Kapha dosha, or only in small amounts. | canola oil, corn oil, linseed oil, mustard oil, sunflower oil | almond oil, butter, ghee, margarine, olive oil, peanut butter, sesame oil |
| Sweeteners: Sweetness is the most harmful taste for people with Kapha dosha, and perhaps the most frequent cause of their illnesses. | old honey | fructose, raw honey, cane sugar, molasses, maple syrup, white sugar |
| Spices: All spices are perfect for Kapha dosha. The warm, spicy flavours speed up metabolism and prevent water accumulating in the tissues. | asafoetida, basil, bay leaf, pepper, cardamom, cayenne pepper, coriander leaf, cinnamon, cloves, coriander, cumin, dill, fennel, fenugreek, garlic, ginger, horseradish, mint, mustard, nutmeg, oregano, paprika, parsley, rosemary, saffron, sage, soy sauce, turmeric | salt, tamarind |
Beverages
Kapha dosha types need less fluid. Avoid cold, icy water and drink tea regularly. Spicy tea is especially recommended (ginger, cinnamon, dandelion, dandelion, katanga).
Vitamins & minerals
People with Kapha dosha need fewer vitamins and minerals. Vitamin B is useful.
The key word is motivation.
If a Kapha type person is not motivated, they become depressed.
To exercise, you need a good coach or partner to motivate you. Exercise is important for them, they need to incorporate at least a regular daily walk into their life.
They need warm therapy and to consume drying herbs such as chamomile or mustard oil, which not only heat but also dry.
Over-indulgence also leads to an increase in kapha dosha.
Eating three meals a day is recommended, of which lunch alone should be substantial. Eat warm, cooked and light foods, favour spicy, bitter and astringent flavours, and restrain the consumption of sour, salty and sweet foods.
