Ayurvedic Fall Cleansing Diets

Ayurveda, from the Sanskrit words Ayur, for life, and Veda, for knowledge, is an ancient Indian approach to the "science of life". Dating back to the sacred Hindu scripture, Atharva Veda, it is a collection of medicinal remedies and techniques designed to improve health through the balance of mind and body. The foundation of these teachings lies in daily routine and wholesome diet. Refer here for background information about Autumn Ayurvedic diets.

Proper absorption and elimination of ama
Proper digestion is a two-step process; absorption of nutrients and the elimination of waste. Improper digestion leads to the buildup of toxic material, called ama in Ayurvedic tradition, which, if allowed to remain in the body, will produce a physiological imbalance and poor health. Excessive amounts of ama in the body is said to cause a general malaise, constipation, lack of appetite, and lethargy. To avoid this imbalance, one should follow specific seasonal routines and diet. If symptoms persist, a more concerted effort must be made to rid the body of ama through a more thorough cleansing regime called Panchakarma. Even though Ayurvedic detoxification procedures are rarely harsh and typically last over long periods of time, supervision by an Ayurvedic practitioner is often recommended before choosing this course of action.

Fall is NOT the best time for cleansing
According to the Ayurveda, the condition of one's physical mind/body type or dosha, whether it is Vata, Pitta, or Kapha, is intimately related to the season of year. These two concepts interact in determining proper diet according to Ayurveda. The fall/winter (Vata - air, movement) season, is NOT the best time of year for cleansing because a person is usually unbalanced coming out of the summer (Pitta - fire) season. The end of the spring (Kapha - moisture, earth) is a more suitable timeframe for a thorough internal cleansing of the body. In the interim between now and the spring season, use the following guidelines for a mild detoxification routine that can be performed at home.

• Especially now, during the fall and winter season, restrict or totally eliminate foods that are known to produce ama. Heavily processed foods are the most obvious choice in this category.
• If possible, buy and consume whole, fresh foods.
• Avoid any food that has preservatives or chemical additives. The further removed a food is from its natural state, the more likely it will be difficult to fully digest.
• Raw foods during a "do-it-yourself" cleansing are also to be avoided. Uncooked vegetables in salads or sandwiches are just as difficult to digest as over-processed food.
• Avoid candy, sweets, carbonated drinks, and fermented foods like yogurt and kefir.
• Choose light, cooked, easy-to-digest foods that are either served warm.
• Substitute warm water for cold beverages.
• Cook with spices that enhance digestion such as turmeric, clove, dried ginger, cinnamon, and coriander but again coordinate your choices according to the season and your dominant dosha.

The key to choosing these nutrients lies in identifying your dosha. Consider seeking advice from an Ayurvedic practitioner or referencing Ayurveda websites and literature for the most appropriate foods and ingredients. Similarly, Ayurveda recommends simple, easy to digest, plain diets like Kitchari especially while engaging in a cleansing or detoxification program.

References
AuyurBalance, an excellent website for reference
Fran's House of Ayurveda, a well-written personal blog describing Ayurvedic practices