Mental health disorders have become so common in the United States that according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), an estimated 1 in 4 Americans ages 18 and older, suffers from a diagnosable mental disorder in a given year. One fact that mental health scientists agree on is the imbalance in the complex, interrelated chemical reactions of the brain. How this imbalance occurs continues to be a cause for study. Meanwhile research has produced a pharmacopoeia full of prescription meds to ease our mental suffering. Rarely is quality of diet mentioned as a treatment plan for mental illness and yet the ancient Ayurvedic practitioners and yogis knew the affects food can have on the brain.
The human body requires essential nutrients on a daily basis to function properly and we know from medical research that a lack of these nutrients can cause chemical imbalance in both organ and brain functions. Ancient practitioners of Ayurvedic medicine, known to be the world’s oldest surviving healing system, created a lifestyle in which the body and mind could maintain optimal health and mental well-being. By creating a harmonious chemical balance in the body, and practicing yoga and meditation, one may become more spiritually liberated.
The practice of Ayurveda distinguishes food as having particular energetic qualities, known as the 3 Gunas: Sattvic (lightness, purity), Rajasic (overactive, passionate), and Tamasic (lethargy, inertia). These energies are also seen to be universal in dimension and permeate all living and inanimate life. Eating too much of rajasic or tamasic foods will create a chemical imbalance in the brain. Instead eat these foods in moderation and aim for living a sattvic lifestyle.
Rajasic Food
“The foods that are bitter, sour, saline, excessively hot, pungent, dry, and burning, are liked by the rajasic and are productive of pain, grief, and disease.” Bhagavad Gita, 17-9
These are foods that over stimulate the brain causing anxiety, stress and nervous disorders. Rajasic foods are very hot, bitter, sour, dry, or salty. Too much rajasic food or eating too fast, will over stimulate the body and excite the passions, making the mind restless and uncontrollable. Rajasic foods include:
Hot peppers
Garlic and onions
Coffee and caffeinated tea
Refined sugar
Soft drinks
Chocolate
Over salted foods
Tamasic Food
A tamasic diet causes Prana, or energy, to decline, depresses the mind, causes the person to become dull, lazy and unmotivated. The body’s immune system is weakened and the mind filled with dark emotions, such as anger and greed. Overeating is also regarded as tamasic. Tamasic items include:
Alcohol
Tobacco
Drugs
Fish
Eggs
Fermented foods, such as vinegar
Fried foods
Mushrooms
Stale or overripe foods
Sattvic Food
“The foods which increase life, purity, strength, health, joy, and cheerfulness, which are savory and oleaginous, substantial and agreeable, are dear to the sattvic people.” Bhagavad Gita, 17-8
The sattvic diet is considered the purest, the most suitable for anyone, but especially for the serious student of yoga. It nourishes the body and creates a peaceful and calm state of mind. A sattvic diet leads one to attain optimal health, a peaceful and focused mind, with a balanced flow of energy between them. Sattvic foods include:
Whole grain cereals and breads
Fresh and dried fruit and vegetables
Fresh fruit and vegetable juices
Raw milk, butter and cheese
Legumes
Nuts, seeds, and sprouted seeds
Honey
Fresh herbs and herbal teas.
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