Our health is closely connected to the food we eat and the weather around us. Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, explains that three doshas — Vata, Pitta, and Kapha — govern our body’s functions and energy. Among these, Pitta dosha is linked to heat, digestion, metabolism, and many vital processes.

During summers or due to unhealthy lifestyle habits, Pitta often increases, causing issues like digestive problems, skin troubles, and irritability. Baba Ramdev’s Patanjali and Ayurveda expert Acharya Balkrishna have shared valuable insights into understanding and managing Pitta naturally.

What is Bile (Pitta Dosha) in Ayurveda?

Pitta dosha governs digestion and metabolism by controlling enzymes, hormones, and body heat. It is closely related to bile, which helps digest food and absorb nutrients. Besides digestion, bile influences skin health, body temperature, and mental functions such as intelligence, decision-making, and self-confidence.

In Ayurveda, there are five types of Pitta (bile), each with specific roles:

1. Pachaka Pitta – Helps digest food and absorb nutrients.
2. Rajjaka Pitta – Supports blood production and circulation.
3. Sadhaka Pitta – Governs mental ability, emotions, enthusiasm, and satisfaction.
4. Tarpaka Pitta – Maintains eye health.
5. Bhrajak Pitta – Controls body temperature and skin glow.

Causes of Increased Bile (Pitta)

Several factors can raise Pitta dosha, including:

• Eating too much spicy, bitter, oily, and fried foods.
• Excess consumption of sour and fermented foods like vinegar, sour cream, and alcohol.
• Eating dry vegetables, salty food, and acidic or citric foods.
• Irregular meal timings and indigestion.
• Consumption of dairy like curd, buttermilk, cream, and certain meats such as goat, sheep, and fish (cow and katwara fish).
• Emotional stress like anger, depression, and excessive mental pressure.
• Physical factors like heat, fatigue, staying in strong sunlight, and sudden weather changes.

Symptoms of Increased Pitta Dosha

When bile is high, the body and mind show various signs:

• Feeling weakness, fatigue, and excessive heat in the body.
• Skin problems such as rashes, acne, swelling, ulcers, bad breath, and body odor.
• Yellowing of skin, eyes, nails, and urine.
• Symptoms like sore throat, dizziness, fainting.
• Mental symptoms include anger, irritability, impatience, and self-criticism.

How to Control and Balance Pitta (Bile)

1. Identify and Avoid Causes

Recognize what triggers your Pitta imbalance—like spicy food or stress—and minimize them.

2. Detox with Virechana (Therapeutic Purgation)

Virechana is an Ayurvedic cleansing process that removes excess Pitta accumulated in the stomach and intestines, promoting balance and health.

3. Practice Meditation

Meditation calms the mind and cools the body, helping reduce the heat and irritability caused by excess Pitta.

4. Follow a Pitta-Balancing Diet

• Include ghee regularly, which has a cooling effect and balances Pitta.
• Eat aloe vera juice, sprouted grains, salads, and porridge to soothe the digestive system.
• Avoid heavy physical exertion and exposure to hot sun.

5. Connect with Nature

Spend time watching sunsets, sitting under moonlight, and near lakes or flowing water. The cool breeze and natural surroundings help pacify Pitta.

Balancing Pitta dosha with these natural Ayurvedic methods can improve digestion, skin health, and mental well-being—keeping you refreshed and energetic through the hot seasons.