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Spinach Benefits (Ayurveda Insights)
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Table of Contents

How Does This Ayurvedic Food Improve Wellness?

CONSTITUTIONAL NUTRITION INSIGHTS

Spinach is heating in the digestive tract and drying. It is unusual because very few foods are both astringent and hot. It contains oxalic acid which provokes Pitta and is especially contraindicated for kidney stones. Cooking destroys the oxalic acid.

Buying & Preparation

Baby spinach is more tender. Prewashed spinach has less mud from the farm. Avoid consuming mud from farms that use pesticides. Wash spinach twice before cooking to rinse any caked mud.

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  • SERVING SIZE: 1/4 lbs
  • EAT IN: SPRING

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Is Spinach a Good Match for My Body?

Find out by taking this free, easy quiz. You'll learn your body type, and whether 'Spinach' is a good fit. Complete the basic quiz in 1 minute, or go deeper with additional quizzes at your own leisure to learn more about your body.

Take the Quiz

Constitutional nutrition is tailored to the individual. In the kitchen, especially during your family’s formative years, you shape your family's lifelong health.

Understanding your child's constitution is key to raising resilience, instead of wiring in disease. Study constitutional medicine to discover the keys to personalized nourishment.

Rooted in the insights curated from Ayurveda and Greek medicine, constitutional medicine teaches you which foods match your body, so you and your family have true vitality, strength, and balance. See How it Works.

Medicinal Effects of Spinach

Constitutional nutrition systems use biocharacteristics to classify the metabolic nature of food, hebs, lifestyle choices, your body, and disease.

METABOLIC NATURE / BIOCHARACTERISTICS

Metabolic Nature / Biocharacteristics

Ayurveda assesses metabolic imbalances through 20 main biocharacteristics (vital qualtiies). Aggravating them weakens your body and causes imbalance. By knowing which biocharacteristics are habitually imbalanced in your body, you will be able to identify and correct metabolic imbalances before you get sick. Every biocharacteristic has an opposite which balances it (i.e. hot balances cold). You restore balance by favoring diet and lifestyle choices that increase the opposite biocharacteristic.

Find Out More

LIQUEFIED

ABOUT LIQUEFIED BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Substances that thin fluids (lower viscosity of blood plasma). These may include blood thinners or mucolytic herbs.

LEARN MORE ABOUT LIQUEFIED

HOT

ABOUT HOT BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Hot is identified by increased body temperature, metabolism, or inflammation.

LEARN MORE ABOUT HOT

LIGHT

ABOUT LIGHT BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Lightness is identified by reduced weight.

LEARN MORE ABOUT LIGHT

TASTES

The 6 Tastes

Taste is used to sense the most basic properties and effects of food. Each taste has a specific medicinal effect on your body. Cravings for food with certain tastes indicate your body is craving specific medicinal results from food. Taste is experienced on the tongue and represents your body's reaction to foods. Sweet taste causes physical satisfaction and attraction whereas bitter taste causes discomfort and aversion. Kapha should use less sweet taste while Vata and Pitta would benefit from using more sweet taste. One of the first signs of illness is that your taste and appetite for food changes. The six tastes are sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter, and astringent. Do you crave foods with any of the tastes below?

Find Out More

ASTRINGENT

ABOUT ASTRINGENT BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Astringency is characterized by constriction, drawing together, or drying.

LEARN MORE ABOUT ASTRINGENT

BITTER

ABOUT BITTER BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Bitter taste has cholagogue action - it is cold, clear, light, and stimulating. It increases digestive enzymes and is laxative, and drying.

LEARN MORE ABOUT BITTER

SOUR

ABOUT SOUR BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Sour refers to anything fermented or acidic.

LEARN MORE ABOUT SOUR

SALTY

ABOUT SALTY BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Salty refers to anything with salt, or high mineral content.

LEARN MORE ABOUT SALTY

AYURVEDA BODY TYPES (DOSHAS)

The Three Doshas / Body Types

Ayurveda is a metabolic theory of medicine that explains individual health, tendencies, and disease patterns through the concept of doshas, which can be understood as your metabolic patterns and tendencies.

Each dosha reflects a distinct metabolic nature and describes strengths & weaknesses in bodily function, and how these affect energy levels, digestion, susceptibility to disease, and many other tendencies.

Your metabolic nature not only affects your physical characteristics, but also influences your mental thought patterns, confidence, and enthusiasm.

Ayurveda balances these metabolic strengths & weaknesses to support your body's vitality and prevent recurrent disease cycles. This support is a critical aid, especially in chronic or incurable disease conditions.

The 3 metabolic body types (doshas), are Catabolic (Vata), Metabolic (Pitta), and Anabolic (Kapha).

Through dosha, Ayurveda empowers people to identify metabolic imbalances early, break repetitive patterns of disease, and cultivate habits that support long-term vitality and well-being.

Ultimately, these metabolic patterns also provide a framework for understanding yourself, including body, mind, and spiritual tendencies.

Find Out More

AGGRAVATES
Kapha aggravating Pitta aggravating Vata aggravating

GREEK MEDICINE / TEMPERAMENTS

The Four Temperaments / Humors

Ayurveda & Greek Medicine were the dominant form of medicine along the Silk Road from England to China and South Asia. They work by assessing your metabolic type, patterns, and nature. Greek medicine recognizes 4 metabolic temperaments, Melancholic, Choleric, Sanguine, and Phlegmatic.

Find Out More

AGGRAVATES
CHOLERIC

ABOUT CHOLERIC BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Has a hot and dry metabolic nature. Enthusiastic, vibrant and bright. In excess burns up fluids and ojas, irritable. Corresponds to high bilirubin in the blood that irritates and heats up the body and liver.

LEARN MORE ABOUT CHOLERIC

MELANCHOLIC

ABOUT MELANCHOLIC BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Cold and dry with a slow, variable or erratic metabolism. Colicky, tense. Withdrawn, pensive, anxious, and hesitant. Analytical, intelligent, detail oriented and creative. Prone to ojas depletion, dehydration, an overactive nervous system, and depression.

LEARN MORE ABOUT MELANCHOLIC

PHLEGMATIC

ABOUT PHLEGMATIC BIOCHARACTERISTIC

A Phlegmatic has a cold and wet metabolic nature. The coldness implies a slow metabolism, the moisture that you are well-nourished. Phlegmatics tend towards sluggishness and thickened fluids, including mucus.

LEARN MORE ABOUT PHLEGMATIC

SANGUINE

ABOUT SANGUINE BIOCHARACTERISTIC

A hot and oily nature with a moderate metabolism and a well nourished body makes Sanguine individuals vigorous, vivacious, outgoing and generous, and prone to impulsivity and self indulgence. Bullish and intense when out of balance.

LEARN MORE ABOUT SANGUINE

Other Health Virtues

Affinity:
Bone Joint, Cleanse And Detox, Weight Loss

Medicinal Benefits, Uses & Herbal Actions of Spinach
Experiences are Personal
Experiences vary according to the person and constitution. Individual results may vary. The list of herbal-actions below has not be approved by the FDA and should not be used to treat a medical condition.

(see all)
Energy Vitality:
Builds Stamina

BUILDS-STAMINA

Promotes strength, endurance and resistance in the body. Rebuilds weak tissues after a time of depletion.

SEE ALL 'BUILDS-STAMINA' FOODS / HERBS

Immune System:
Anti Inflammatory

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY

Reduces inflammation in the body. Different herbs and carriers target different body systems.

SEE ALL 'ANTI-INFLAMMATORY' FOODS / HERBS

Heart & Circulation:
Antioxidant

ANTIOXIDANT

An antioxidant is a molecule that inhibits oxidation. Oxidation is a chemical reaction that can produce free radicals that lead to a chain reaction causing damage or death to cells. Antioxidants terminate these oxidation reactions.

SEE ALL 'ANTIOXIDANT' FOODS / HERBS

Weight Loss:
Lowers Thyroid

LOWERS-THYROID

Reduces thyroid function. Useful for people with hyperthyroid.

SEE ALL 'LOWERS-THYROID' FOODS / HERBS

Bone & Joint:
Bone Tonic

BONE-TONIC

An herb that strengthens the bones and joints.

SEE ALL 'BONE-TONIC' FOODS / HERBS

Constituents:
Betaine

STRONG BETAINE

Used to reduce homocysteine in the blood, which supports proper liver function and prevents fatigue and blood clots. Improves muscle stamina and weight loss.

SEE ALL 'BETAINE' FOODS / HERBS

,
Nitric Oxide

STRONG NITRIC-OXIDE

Improves circulation by dilating blood vessels. Protects blood vessels from damage. Improves athletic performance, libido, immunity, and brain health.

SEE ALL 'NITRIC-OXIDE' FOODS / HERBS

,
Calcium

CALCIUM

Calcium nourishes bones and muscles. A muscle cell is activated when calcium enters the cell. It relaxes when the calcium is secreted.

SEE ALL 'CALCIUM' FOODS / HERBS

, Folate,
Iron

IRON

Iron is necessary for the transport of oxygen in red blood cells.

SEE ALL 'IRON' FOODS / HERBS

,
Magnesium

MAGNESIUM

Helps muscles relax. Laxative.

SEE ALL 'MAGNESIUM' FOODS / HERBS

, Potassium,
Salicylates

SALICYLATES

Salicylates relieve inflammation, are anti-cancer, and antidiabetic, but some are allergic to it.

SEE ALL 'SALICYLATES' FOODS / HERBS

,
Saponins

SAPONINS

Can be used to make soap. Saponins stimulate mucus membrane secretion, liquefying mucus for easy removal (expectorant).

SEE ALL 'SAPONINS' FOODS / HERBS

, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Vitamin K

Foods with a Similar Nature to Spinach

  • Cauliflower

    Cauliflower has these Actions in Common

    Antioxidant, Lowers-thyroid, Anti-inflammatory

    LEARN MORE

  • Brussels sprouts

    Brussels sprouts has these Actions in Common

    Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, Lowers-thyroid

    LEARN MORE

  • Green Tea

    Green Tea has these Actions in Common

    Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, Lowers-thyroid

    LEARN MORE

  • Stinging Nettles

    Stinging Nettles has these Actions in Common

    Bone-tonic, Builds-stamina, Anti-inflammatory

    LEARN MORE

  • Turmeric Root (Fresh)

    Turmeric Root (Fresh) has these Actions in Common

    Bone-tonic, Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant

    LEARN MORE

  • Turmeric

    Turmeric has these Actions in Common

    Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, Bone-tonic

    LEARN MORE

  • Red Bell Pepper

    Red Bell Pepper has these Actions in Common

    Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant

    LEARN MORE

  • Pecans

    Pecans has these Actions in Common

    Antioxidant, Builds-stamina

    LEARN MORE

  • Cabbage (raw)

    Cabbage (raw) has these Actions in Common

    Anti-inflammatory, Lowers-thyroid

    LEARN MORE

  • Quinoa

    Quinoa has these Actions in Common

    Anti-inflammatory, Builds-stamina

    LEARN MORE

Herbs & Supplements with a Similar Nature to Spinach

  • Ashwagandha

    Ashwagandha has these Actions in Common

    Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, Bone-tonic, Builds-stamina

    LEARN MORE

  • Bala Taila

    Bala Taila has these Actions in Common

    Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, Bone-tonic

    LEARN MORE

  • Hawthorne Berry & Flower

    Hawthorne Berry & Flower has these Actions in Common

    Builds-stamina, Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant

    LEARN MORE

  • Arjuna

    Arjuna has these Actions in Common

    Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, Bone-tonic

    LEARN MORE

  • Punarnava

    Punarnava has these Actions in Common

    Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, Builds-stamina

    LEARN MORE

  • Glutathione

    Glutathione has these Actions in Common

    Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant

    LEARN MORE

  • Colorful Berries / High Flavonoid Foods

    Colorful Berries / High Flavonoid Foods has these Actions in Common

    Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant

    LEARN MORE

  • Evening Primrose Oil

    Evening Primrose Oil has these Actions in Common

    Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant

    LEARN MORE

  • NagaKeshar

    NagaKeshar has these Actions in Common

    Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant

    LEARN MORE

  • Mimosa Tree

    Mimosa Tree has these Actions in Common

    Bone-tonic, Antioxidant

    LEARN MORE

  • Punarnasava

    Punarnasava has these Actions in Common

    Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory

    LEARN MORE

Spinach - Metabolic Impact Report

The reports shared below are part of an educational assignment completed by students at the Joyful Belly College of Natural Health Sciences. These represent subjective experiences intended to help students explore principles of Ayurveda through personal observation. In each report below, students ate the selected food for 3 days and self-reported these effects. See other food & herb reports at Joyful Belly.

TEMPERATURE/CIRCULATION

How did Spinach affect your temperature?

15
12
9
6
3
0
0
 3
 13
 8
 0
Much colderSlightly colderSameSlightly warmerMuch warmer
Total Responses: 24 REPORT ID:95 (2022-03-05 - 2022-04-24)

How did Spinach affect your ear temperature?

25
20
15
10
5
0
4
 19
 1
HotterNo ChangeCooler
Total Responses: 24 REPORT ID:95 (2022-03-05 - 2022-04-24)

How did Spinach affect your sweat quantity?

25
20
15
10
5
0
0
 0
 21
 3
 0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 24 REPORT ID:95 (2022-03-05 - 2022-04-24)

How did Spinach affect the color of your skin?

25
20
15
10
5
0
0
 1
 2
 0
 21
Yellower/GreenerPalerRedderGrayerNo Change
Total Responses: 24 REPORT ID:95 (2022-03-05 - 2022-04-24)

How did Spinach affect the color of your tongue body?

15
12
9
6
3
0
3
 8
 0
 13
PalerRedderBluerNo Change
Total Responses: 24 REPORT ID:95 (2022-03-05 - 2022-04-24)

How did Spinach affect the swelling of your tongue body?

21
17
13
9
5
1
2
 3
 19
More SwellingLess SwellingNo Change
Total Responses: 24 REPORT ID:95 (2022-03-05 - 2022-04-24)

How did Spinach affect your appetite/hunger?

15
12
9
6
3
0
0
 5
 12
 7
 0
Much less hungrySlightly less hungrySameSlightly hungrierMuch hungrier
Total Responses: 24 REPORT ID:95 (2022-03-05 - 2022-04-24)

How did Spinach affect your digestion speed?

20
16
12
8
4
0
0
 9
 14
 1
 0
Much fasterSlightly fasterSameSlightly slowerMuch slower
Total Responses: 24 REPORT ID:95 (2022-03-05 - 2022-04-24)

TOXINS

How did Spinach affect the amount of gas & bloating?

20
16
12
8
4
0
0
 2
 17
 5
 0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 24 REPORT ID:95 (2022-03-05 - 2022-04-24)

How did Spinach affect your stool smell?

20
16
12
8
4
0
0
 2
 17
 4
 1
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 24 REPORT ID:95 (2022-03-05 - 2022-04-24)

How did Spinach affect the thickness & size of your tongue coating?

20
16
12
8
4
0
0
 9
 14
 1
 0
Much smallerSlightly lessSameSlightly larger coatingMuch larger
Total Responses: 24 REPORT ID:95 (2022-03-05 - 2022-04-24)

How did Spinach affect the color of your tongue coating?

20
16
12
8
4
0
4
 0
 1
 2
 17
YellowerBrownerGrayerWhiterNo Change
Total Responses: 24 REPORT ID:95 (2022-03-05 - 2022-04-24)

How did Spinach affect your throat soreness?

25
20
15
10
5
0
2
 22
 0
More soreNo ChangeLess sore
Total Responses: 24 REPORT ID:95 (2022-03-05 - 2022-04-24)

How did Spinach affect your urine smell?

25
20
15
10
5
0
0
 0
 20
 4
 0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 24 REPORT ID:95 (2022-03-05 - 2022-04-24)

How did Spinach affect the amount of bubbles in your urine?

25
20
15
10
5
0
0
 0
 22
 2
 0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMany more
Total Responses: 24 REPORT ID:95 (2022-03-05 - 2022-04-24)

How did Spinach affect your sweat smell?

30
24
18
12
6
0
0
 0
 23
 1
 0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 24 REPORT ID:95 (2022-03-05 - 2022-04-24)

How did Spinach affect your acne?

25
20
15
10
5
0
1
 22
 1
More acneNo ChangeLess acne
Total Responses: 24 REPORT ID:95 (2022-03-05 - 2022-04-24)

How did Spinach affect your freckles/moles?

30
24
18
12
6
0
0
 24
 0
DarkerNo ChangeLighter
Total Responses: 24 REPORT ID:95 (2022-03-05 - 2022-04-24)

How did Spinach affect the color of your sclera (white part of eye)?

25
20
15
10
5
0
0
 0
 0
 0
 3
Redder/BloodshotYellowerGrayerBrownerWhiter
21
No Change
Total Responses: 24 REPORT ID:95 (2022-03-05 - 2022-04-24)

How did Spinach affect the color of the lower eye lid?

30
24
18
12
6
0
0
 0
 23
 1
More green/dark greenMore purpleNo ChangeLess green/purple
Total Responses: 24 REPORT ID:95 (2022-03-05 - 2022-04-24)

HYDRATION

How did Spinach affect your urine frequency/quantity?

25
20
15
10
5
0
0
 0
 20
 4
 0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 24 REPORT ID:95 (2022-03-05 - 2022-04-24)

How did Spinach affect the dryness of your skin?

25
20
15
10
5
0
3
 1
 20
DrierOilierNo Change
Total Responses: 24 REPORT ID:95 (2022-03-05 - 2022-04-24)

How did Spinach affect the puffiness of lower eye lid?

25
20
15
10
5
0
0
 22
 2
PuffierNo ChangeLess Puffy
Total Responses: 24 REPORT ID:95 (2022-03-05 - 2022-04-24)

How did Spinach affect the cracks on your tongue?

20
16
12
8
4
0
0
 2
 17
 5
 0
Larger/longer/more cracksSlightly moreSameSlightly less/smaller/shorterMuch less
Total Responses: 24 REPORT ID:95 (2022-03-05 - 2022-04-24)

FLUID-THICKNESS

How did Spinach affect your ear pressure?

26
21
16
11
6
1
2
 20
 2
More pressureNo ChangeLess pressure
Total Responses: 24 REPORT ID:95 (2022-03-05 - 2022-04-24)

How did Spinach affect your congestion?

25
20
15
10
5
0
0
 19
 5
More congestionNo ChangeLess congestion
Total Responses: 24 REPORT ID:95 (2022-03-05 - 2022-04-24)

How did Spinach affect the thickness of your mucous congestion?

20
16
12
8
4
0
0
 17
 7
More thickNo ChangeLess thick
Total Responses: 24 REPORT ID:95 (2022-03-05 - 2022-04-24)

NERVOUS-SYSTEM

How did Spinach affect your energy levels?

15
12
9
6
3
0
0
 2
 13
 9
 0
Much less energySlightly lessSameSlightly more energyMuch more
Total Responses: 24 REPORT ID:95 (2022-03-05 - 2022-04-24)

How did Spinach affect your muscle tension?

25
20
15
10
5
0
0
 4
 19
 1
 0
Much less tensionSlightly lessSameSlightly more tensionMuch more
Total Responses: 24 REPORT ID:95 (2022-03-05 - 2022-04-24)

How did Spinach affect your anxiety?

25
20
15
10
5
0
0
 2
 19
 3
 0
Much less anxietySlightly lessSameSlightly more anxietyMuch more
Total Responses: 24 REPORT ID:95 (2022-03-05 - 2022-04-24)

How did Spinach affect the stillness of your tongue?

30
24
18
12
6
0
0
 24
 0
More stillNo ChangeMore Trembling / Jittery
Total Responses: 24 REPORT ID:95 (2022-03-05 - 2022-04-24)

DIGESTION

How did Spinach affect your appetite/hunger?

15
12
9
6
3
0
0
 5
 12
 7
 0
Much less hungrySlightly less hungrySameSlightly hungrierMuch hungrier
Total Responses: 24 REPORT ID:95 (2022-03-05 - 2022-04-24)

How did Spinach affect burning sensations in digestive tract (do not include acid reflux)?

20
16
12
8
4
0
0
 2
 17
 5
 0
Much reliefSlight reliefSameSlightly more burningMuch more burning
Total Responses: 24 REPORT ID:95 (2022-03-05 - 2022-04-24)

How did Spinach affect your digestion speed?

20
16
12
8
4
0
0
 9
 14
 1
 0
Much fasterSlightly fasterSameSlightly slowerMuch slower
Total Responses: 24 REPORT ID:95 (2022-03-05 - 2022-04-24)

How did Spinach affect the amount of gas & bloating?

20
16
12
8
4
0
0
 2
 17
 5
 0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 24 REPORT ID:95 (2022-03-05 - 2022-04-24)

TONGUE

How did Spinach affect the cracks on your tongue?

20
16
12
8
4
0
0
 2
 17
 5
 0
Larger/longer/more cracksSlightly moreSameSlightly less/smaller/shorterMuch less
Total Responses: 24 REPORT ID:95 (2022-03-05 - 2022-04-24)

How did Spinach affect the color of your tongue body?

15
12
9
6
3
0
3
 8
 0
 13
PalerRedderBluerNo Change
Total Responses: 24 REPORT ID:95 (2022-03-05 - 2022-04-24)

How did Spinach affect the color of your tongue coating?

20
16
12
8
4
0
4
 0
 1
 2
 17
YellowerBrownerGrayerWhiterNo Change
Total Responses: 24 REPORT ID:95 (2022-03-05 - 2022-04-24)

How did Spinach affect the swelling of your tongue body?

21
17
13
9
5
1
2
 3
 19
More SwellingLess SwellingNo Change
Total Responses: 24 REPORT ID:95 (2022-03-05 - 2022-04-24)

How did Spinach affect the stillness of your tongue?

30
24
18
12
6
0
0
 24
 0
More stillNo ChangeMore Trembling / Jittery
Total Responses: 24 REPORT ID:95 (2022-03-05 - 2022-04-24)

How did Spinach affect the thickness & size of your tongue coating?

20
16
12
8
4
0
0
 9
 14
 1
 0
Much smallerSlightly lessSameSlightly larger coatingMuch larger
Total Responses: 24 REPORT ID:95 (2022-03-05 - 2022-04-24)

STOOL

How did Spinach affect your stool frequency/quantity?

20
16
12
8
4
0
0
 3
 14
 7
 0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 24 REPORT ID:95 (2022-03-05 - 2022-04-24)

How did Spinach affect your stool color?

15
12
9
6
3
0
1
 0
 11
 0
 12
More yellowMore grayMore greenMore orangeSame
Total Responses: 24 REPORT ID:95 (2022-03-05 - 2022-04-24)

How did Spinach affect your stool lightness?

25
20
15
10
5
0
0
 1
 19
 4
 0
Much lighterSlightly lighterSameSlightly darkerMuch darker
Total Responses: 24 REPORT ID:95 (2022-03-05 - 2022-04-24)

How did Spinach affect your stool smell?

20
16
12
8
4
0
0
 2
 17
 4
 1
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 24 REPORT ID:95 (2022-03-05 - 2022-04-24)

How did Spinach affect your stool consistency?

15
12
9
6
3
0
0
 8
 12
 3
 1
Much softerSlightly softerSameSlightly harderMuch harder
Total Responses: 24 REPORT ID:95 (2022-03-05 - 2022-04-24)

URINE

How did Spinach affect your urine frequency/quantity?

25
20
15
10
5
0
0
 0
 20
 4
 0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 24 REPORT ID:95 (2022-03-05 - 2022-04-24)

How did Spinach affect the amount of bubbles in your urine?

25
20
15
10
5
0
0
 0
 22
 2
 0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMany more
Total Responses: 24 REPORT ID:95 (2022-03-05 - 2022-04-24)

How did Spinach affect your urine clarity?

25
20
15
10
5
0
1
 20
 3
More cloudySameMore clear
Total Responses: 24 REPORT ID:95 (2022-03-05 - 2022-04-24)

How did Spinach affect your urine smell?

25
20
15
10
5
0
0
 0
 20
 4
 0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 24 REPORT ID:95 (2022-03-05 - 2022-04-24)

How did Spinach affect your urine lightness?

25
20
15
10
5
0
0
 3
 19
 2
 0
Much lighterSlightly lighterSameSlightly DarkerMuch Darker
Total Responses: 24 REPORT ID:95 (2022-03-05 - 2022-04-24)

SWEAT

How did Spinach affect your sweat quantity?

25
20
15
10
5
0
0
 0
 21
 3
 0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 24 REPORT ID:95 (2022-03-05 - 2022-04-24)

How did Spinach affect your sweat smell?

30
24
18
12
6
0
0
 0
 23
 1
 0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 24 REPORT ID:95 (2022-03-05 - 2022-04-24)

SKIN

How did Spinach affect the color of your skin?

25
20
15
10
5
0
0
 1
 2
 0
 21
Yellower/GreenerPalerRedderGrayerNo Change
Total Responses: 24 REPORT ID:95 (2022-03-05 - 2022-04-24)

How did Spinach affect your freckles/moles?

30
24
18
12
6
0
0
 24
 0
DarkerNo ChangeLighter
Total Responses: 24 REPORT ID:95 (2022-03-05 - 2022-04-24)

How did Spinach affect your acne?

25
20
15
10
5
0
1
 22
 1
More acneNo ChangeLess acne
Total Responses: 24 REPORT ID:95 (2022-03-05 - 2022-04-24)

How did Spinach affect the dryness of your skin?

25
20
15
10
5
0
3
 1
 20
DrierOilierNo Change
Total Responses: 24 REPORT ID:95 (2022-03-05 - 2022-04-24)

EYE

How did Spinach affect the color of your sclera (white part of eye)?

25
20
15
10
5
0
0
 0
 0
 0
 3
Redder/BloodshotYellowerGrayerBrownerWhiter
21
No Change
Total Responses: 24 REPORT ID:95 (2022-03-05 - 2022-04-24)

How did Spinach affect the color of the lower eye lid?

30
24
18
12
6
0
0
 0
 23
 1
More green/dark greenMore purpleNo ChangeLess green/purple
Total Responses: 24 REPORT ID:95 (2022-03-05 - 2022-04-24)

How did Spinach affect the puffiness of lower eye lid?

25
20
15
10
5
0
0
 22
 2
PuffierNo ChangeLess Puffy
Total Responses: 24 REPORT ID:95 (2022-03-05 - 2022-04-24)

ENT

How did Spinach affect your throat soreness?

25
20
15
10
5
0
2
 22
 0
More soreNo ChangeLess sore
Total Responses: 24 REPORT ID:95 (2022-03-05 - 2022-04-24)

How did Spinach affect the thickness of your mucous congestion?

20
16
12
8
4
0
0
 17
 7
More thickNo ChangeLess thick
Total Responses: 24 REPORT ID:95 (2022-03-05 - 2022-04-24)

How did Spinach affect your ear temperature?

25
20
15
10
5
0
4
 19
 1
HotterNo ChangeCooler
Total Responses: 24 REPORT ID:95 (2022-03-05 - 2022-04-24)

How did Spinach affect your congestion?

25
20
15
10
5
0
0
 19
 5
More congestionNo ChangeLess congestion
Total Responses: 24 REPORT ID:95 (2022-03-05 - 2022-04-24)

How did Spinach affect your ear pressure?

26
21
16
11
6
1
2
 20
 2
More pressureNo ChangeLess pressure
Total Responses: 24 REPORT ID:95 (2022-03-05 - 2022-04-24)

SYSTEMIC

How did Spinach affect your energy levels?

15
12
9
6
3
0
0
 2
 13
 9
 0
Much less energySlightly lessSameSlightly more energyMuch more
Total Responses: 24 REPORT ID:95 (2022-03-05 - 2022-04-24)

How did Spinach affect your muscle tension?

25
20
15
10
5
0
0
 4
 19
 1
 0
Much less tensionSlightly lessSameSlightly more tensionMuch more
Total Responses: 24 REPORT ID:95 (2022-03-05 - 2022-04-24)

How did Spinach affect your anxiety?

25
20
15
10
5
0
0
 2
 19
 3
 0
Much less anxietySlightly lessSameSlightly more anxietyMuch more
Total Responses: 24 REPORT ID:95 (2022-03-05 - 2022-04-24)

How did Spinach affect your temperature?

15
12
9
6
3
0
0
 3
 13
 8
 0
Much colderSlightly colderSameSlightly warmerMuch warmer
Total Responses: 24 REPORT ID:95 (2022-03-05 - 2022-04-24)

HEART

How did Spinach affect your heart rhythm?

30
24
18
12
6
0
0
 23
 1
More palpitationsSameLess palpitations
Total Responses: 24 REPORT ID:95 (2022-03-05 - 2022-04-24)

How did Spinach affect your heart pain/pressure/cramping?

30
24
18
12
6
0
0
 1
 23
 0
 0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 24 REPORT ID:95 (2022-03-05 - 2022-04-24)

How did Spinach affect your heart rate?

25
20
15
10
5
0
0
 1
 20
 3
 0
Much slowerSlightly slowerSameSlightly fasterMuch faster
Total Responses: 24 REPORT ID:95 (2022-03-05 - 2022-04-24)

Note: These exercises are not part of an FDA-regulated study, and were not designed or conducted under a clinical research protocol. They are neither investigational in nature nor scientific findings. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. They are experiential assignments rooted in traditional Ayurvedic education, intended solely for instructional use. No conclusions should be drawn regarding the therapeutic effects of any food, herb, or dietary substance based on these student reflections.


Joyful Belly is a recognized college of biocharacteristics medicine.

CONTRAINDICATED FOR
THESE SYMPTOMS

Spinach may be harmful or contraindicated for these symptoms. Note this is not a complete list of all possible contraindications. Please see your doctor before using this food to treat a medical condition.

Herb Drug Interaction Risk

Here are some potential herb drug interactions with Spinach. Please see your health care provider for more information.

View other ingredients
for Spring

Spinach is recommended for Spring. Check out these other Spring foods here.
VIEW ALL SPRING FOODS MAIN INGREDIENT PAGE

Constitutional Nutrition: Strengthen Your Health Naturally

When your dietary choices align with your individual nature (constitution), it supports your metabolism, energy, and health naturally. A personalized diet, fitting to your constitution, leverages your natural strengths while gently supporting your body where it's vulnerable.

Constitutional nutrition is especially beneficial for digestion, a foundational pillar of health influencing your entire well-being. Balanced digestion fortifies your body's natural defenses against illness and enhances your resilience when illness does arise. A healthy digestive fire (*agni*) eases discomfort, speeds recovery, and naturally uplifts your mood.

By embracing constitutional nutrition, you will soon experience a profound sense of renewal, vitality, and inner strength.

CONTINUE READING

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About the Author

John Immel, the founder of Joyful Belly, teaches people how to have a healthy diet and lifestyle through constitutional nutrition (Ayurveda & Greek Medicine). His approach is clinical, yet exudes an ease which many find enjoyable and insightful. John also directs the Joyful Belly College of Ayurveda, offering professional clinical training in Ayurveda for over 15 years.

John's hobbies & specialties include advanced digestive disorders, medieval Catholic philosophy, & botany. He holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Harvard University. John, his wife Natalie and their 8 kids live in Asheville, NC

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Comments & Impressions of 'Spinach'

Do you like 'spinach'? Why or why not? What makes it unique? Is there something else you'd like to know about 'spinach'?

(3.50 out of 5 stars) 2 ratings, 133 likes
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John J Immel Asheville, NC
2012-01-16
“When Vata and Pitta are imbalanced, spinach (especially raw spinach) can soften the stools, overstimulate the liver, and cause low grade kidney pain. Next time you eat alot of spinach, you might notice one or more of those symptoms. If not, it is probably fine for you."
Like Reply
Cyle Mount vernon, WA
2012-05-25
“How does one feel symptoms of an overstimulated liver? I like spinach, and do not eat it too often, or too much, but it is very tasty in soups. I am a Vata-Pitta person and am wondering if it is okay. Not much tends to bother my digestion except for the dry and gooey textures."
Like Reply
Natalie Immel Asheville, NC
2015-04-20
“They use a different species of spinach in India than they do in the United States. In the United States, spinach is in a different plant family, and the plant is actually heating. Great comment though!"
Like Reply
dehydratedpaani
2015-12-11
“Astang Hridayam 85 lists it as also difficult to digest. Can add difficult tag if you want."
Like Reply
Kimberly Kubicke Asbury park, NJ
2019-03-26
“We mention that spinach has oxalic acid which generally provokes Pitta."
Like Reply
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