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How To Balance Pitta Digestion (tikshna Agni)

Written by John Immel, Asheville, NC
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Pitta tends toward hot, sharp, and quick digestion, a condition called tikshna agni in Ayurveda. Digestion is ruled by Pitta, so Pitta people often have a strong digestive fire. This means they have a strong appetite and need to eat quickly when hungry, otherwise, Pitta people become hot tempered (hangry).

Pitta people secrete more enzymes and bile than other doshas, tending towards hypersecretion. For this reason, Pitta people may be able to eat large portions of food in one sitting. Because of their strong digestion, Pitta people can also handle eating out more than any other dosha. They can also eat more difficult to digest foods, such as raw foods.

However, food may move through the intestines too quickly for nutrients to be absorbed. Pitta should be careful to take the time to eat meals, as they can easily get caught up in mental activities and forget they have a body! As Pitta ages, their digestion becomes exhausted and they experience more and more signs of vishama agni or Vata type digestion.

Symptoms

Pitta resides in the small intestine and Pitta digestive problems will often begin there. Their GI tract is easily irritated or inflamed as their strong digestive juices start eating away at it. These strong juices can lead to hypermetabolism and diarrhea. The hot, sharp, and oily nature of Pitta can cause hypersecretion of enzymes causing hyperacidity, ulcers, and hypoglycemia. Pitta's hot nature often results in inflammatory conditions such as gastritis, diarrhea, and inflammatory bowel disease.

Because Pitta also resides in the liver, their sensitive livers make for an over-reactive immune system. For this reason, Pitta people may have more food allergies than other doshas.

Types of Pitta Digestive Disorders

  • Inflammation
  • Pathogens / infections
  • Immune reactivity / allergies
  • Hypersecretions of enzymes

Remedies

Foods with astringency such as pomegranate and legumes can help reduce inflammation and swelling in Pitta digestive tract. Demulcent foods like oatmeal, tapioca, and okra can soothe inflamed tissues. Anti-microbials can abate inflammation from bacteria and other pathogens. Aloe vera's anti-inflammatory and soothing demulcent qualities can restore tissue that has been damaged from allergic reactions. Balancing Pitta systemically can help reduce excessive enzyme secretions. Avipattikar churna is Ayurveda's classic formula for pitta digestive issues. Soothe Inflamed Intestines Tea is an Ayurvedic formula designed to reduce inflammation in the digestive tract. Food Allergy Healing Tea can help rebuild the gut after damage and inflammation due to food allergies.

Pitta Dietary Remedies Pitta Lifestyle Remedies

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Understanding Pitta Dosha (Plus How to Keep It Balanced)
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About John Joseph Immel

About the Author

John Immel, the founder of Joyful Belly, teaches people how to have a healthy diet and lifestyle with Ayurveda biocharacteristics. His approach to Ayurveda is clinical, yet exudes an ease which many find enjoyable and insightful. John also directs Joyful Belly's School of Ayurveda, offering professional clinical training in Ayurveda for over 15 years.

John's interest in Ayurveda and specialization in digestive tract pathology was inspired by a complex digestive disorder acquired from years of international travel, as well as public service work in South Asia. John's commitment to the detailed study of digestive disorders reflects his zeal to get down to the roots of the problem. His hope and belief in the capacity of each & every client to improve their quality of life is nothing short of a personal passion. John's creativity in the kitchen and delight in cooking for others comes from his family oriented upbringing. In addition to his certification in Ayurveda, John holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Harvard University.

John enjoys sharing Ayurveda within the context of his Catholic roots, and finds Ayurveda gives him an opportunity to participate in the healing mission of the Church. Jesus expressed God's love by feeding and healing the sick. That kindness is the fundamental ministry of Ayurveda as well. Outside of work, John enjoys spending time with his wife and 7 kids, and pursuing his love of theology, philosophy, and language.

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