AYURVEDIC PERSPECTIVE ON GOOEY

Gooey is identified by anything gelatinous (such as oatmeal), or by mucus congestion.

Gooey foods are slimy, smooth, and sticky. Gooey foods increase mucous and sometimes even resemble it. Sugar and all foods with a sweet taste are gooey because they create more mucous.

Mucous, Yellow Sputum, & Runny Noses

Ayurveda differentiates between three types of congestion. Thick white mucous is pure Kapha, coming from thick, gooey, sweet blood plasma (lymph). Yellow or green sputum is Kapha mixed with Pitta. A thin, watery runny nose is a sign of Vata ama irritating mucous membranes. Gooey foods aggravate Kapha and Pitta mucous only.

Mucous & Cheese

One day an adventurous Ayurveda practitioner will try the following experiment: collect a cup full of mucous, then boil it until it becomes thick. It will resemble cheese. Cheese is concentrated mucous and should be avoided when mucous is present. Avoid all dairy products when Kapha mucous is present.

Wheat & Glue

Glue is gooey. As kids, we made glue from flour and water. As adults, we bake flour and water into bread. Then in our mouths, we chew it back into glue. Wheat aggravates Kapha people in the blood, making it sticky and gooey. Wheat aggravates Vata people in the colon because it is difficult for Vata to digest. Wheat transforms into a sticky glob of stool once it enters the cecum, the beginning of the colon (located on the lower right of the abdomen). There, the fermenting food bloats the colon. Celiac is Pitta in nature; it is an allergic reaction to wheat in the small intestine.

Gooey Foods & the Skin

Sometimes the skin becomes so dry even oils won't penetrate. Instead, rehydrate extremely dry skin with gooey-ness. For example, make a paste of oatmeal and apply directly to the skin. After ten minutes, clean the surface and use oil to seal in moisture.

Gooey & the Digestive Tract

The inside of the digestive tract closely resembles skin. Dry skin often indicates a dry colon. While wheat is too sticky, other foods like oatmeal effectively coat a dry colon, helping to keep it moist.

Gooey Foods & Wound Healing

Unless a wound is infected, gooey foods help wounds heal quickly. Cholesterol is gooey. High cholesterol runs in my father's family and his wounds heal more quickly and effectively than my Vata wounds, which always leave a scar.

Protecting Tissues

The dull aspect of gooey coats and protects delicate tissues. Dullness pacifies aggravated doshas and slows down all bodily functions, depressing activity and dulling the mind. Thick, viscous, gooey blood is hard to circulate and creates stagnation. Stagnant, slimy blood reduces circulation of oxygen, depressing metabolic activity and thyroid function (see sweet taste).

INGREDIENTS WITH GOOEY QUALITY

HERBS & SUPPLEMENTS WITH GOOEY QUALITY

HELPFUL FOR*

'Gooey' may be helpful for these symptoms and causes below.

CONTRAINDICATIONS / AGGRAVATES / IS AGGRAVATED BY*

'Gooey' may aggravate, or be aggravated by, these symptoms and causes below.

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 6 kids, and pursuing his love of theology, philosophy, and language.

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