Ayurveda is a form of medicine that originated in India over 3,000 years ago and is still a popular form of allopathic medicine today.  Ayurveda translates to "Life Science" and focuses primarily on how to keep one's doshas in balance. In Ayurvedic medicine there are 3 doshas, and while everyone has all 3, the doshas have a different natural balance in everyone. To determine which doshas are predominant for you, take this test.

1. Vata Dosha

Those who have a predominant Vata dosha tend to be restless and may struggle with anxiety. However, they are incredibly creative and agile. They tend to get cold easily and sleep very lightly. If you are feeling especially anxious, sweet, sour, and salty foods can help bring your Vata dosha back into balance. Some examples are rice, milk, lemon, and wheat. Bitter, pungent, and astringent foods will aggravate your Vata, so avoid those. 

2. Pitta Dosha

Those who have a predominant Pitta dosha are ambitious, driven, and competitive. However, if the Pitta dosha becomes too aggravated they can be aggressive, irritable, and a bit bossy. To bring your Pitta dosha back into balance, eat sweet, bitter, and astringent foods. Some examples are coffee, cocoa, rice, milk, apples, and green beans. Avoid sour, salty, and pungent foods as they will only further aggravate your Pitta Dosha. 

3. Kapha Dosha

I have a predominant kapha dosha, and while I am stable, reliable, and compassionate, I can also be sluggish and lethargic. Those with a predominant Kapha dosha are also prone to depression.  The food groups that will help bring your kapha back into balance if you are feeling particularly slow are pungent, bitter, and astringent. Apples, cocoa, coffee, chili, and garlic can help get you back on your feet. Be sure to avoid foods that are sweet, sour, or salty. 

If you aren't quite sure what any of the 6 tastes mean (especially astringent), you can find more information on that here. Also, feel free to look up other food examples in each category. No matter which (or how many) doshas are predominant, we all feel a little out of balance sometimes. Our diet and exercise patterns are the best way to make sure that we feel on top of our game. Recognizing how you feel is the best way to determine just what you need to make sure you're always feeling remarkable. Ayurvedic medicine can help guide you there. As Hippocrates said, "Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food."