In the context of nutrition, AMA is linked to Ayurveda. AMA is a metaphorical representation of toxins. The Sanskrit term has the following meanings: “uncooked”, “raw”, “immature” or “undigested”. Moreover, AMA represents a holistic expression of lack of balance in the body and mind.

 

 

Ayurveda is a system of medicine with its historical roots going back to the Indian subcontinent. The theory of Ayurveda is based on non-systematic observations regarding nutrition and handed down from generation to generation. Thus, it is regarded by many medical authorities as pseudo-science. Ayurveda places a great deal of importance on prevention of ill health by means of creating balance in one’s life, paying attention to body, mind, and consciousness. It is based on the principle that just as each person has a unique fingerprint, s(he) has a constitution with specific needs in terms of nutrition, mindset, and lifestyle, to maintain good health.

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According to Ayurveda, the three elemental body humors, known as tridosha or the doshas are: Vata (space/air, equivalent to the nervous system), Pitta (fire/water, equivalent to enzymes) and Kapha (earth/water, equivalent to mucus).

Each dosha has specific roles and attributes within the mind and body and it is considered that an imbalance of doshas leads to ill health.

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Diet can be planned according to body type. Every food has an innate potency, hot or cold, according to whether it has a cooling and heating effect on the body. This affects digestion and metabolism. It must be noted that classification of hot and cold foods is not related to the temperature of the food.

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Hot Foods:

• Onions, peppers, mustard, ginger, ice cream, garlic, and ghee

• Fruits like apples, oranges, and mangoes

• Spices and herbs like asafetida, ajwain, basil, oregano, mint

• Potatoes, broccoli, spinach, beans

• Root vegetables like carrots, radish, and turnips

 

Impact of hot Foods:

•  Enhance digestion and circulation and increase appetite.

• Help in body cleansing or detoxification, and immunity.

• Relieve cold and flu symptoms.

• Gives a light feeling.

• Excessive consumption may lead to inflammation, gastritis, ulcer, and rashes.

   

Cold Foods:

•  Melons, coconut, tomatoes, mushrooms, pumpkin, cauliflower, asparagus, and lettuce.

• Banana, strawberries, kiwi, watermelons, and apricots

• Common dairy products

• Hot green tea has a cooling effect on the body and is considered a cold food.

 

Impact of cold foods: 

• Refresh the body.

• Help in cleansing the body. 

• Restrict the digestive system.

• Give a feeling of heaviness.

• Provide nourishment and strength.                                     

 

The balance of hot and cold foods ensures good health. When this balance is lost, it results in AMA. The term AMA in Sanskrit in the context of diet means undigested. This food accumulates in the stomach and intestines and over a period, begins to rot due to bacterial fermentation, leading to various diseases, as toxins are released into the body.

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Ama is usually considered as a physical condition, nevertheless, there also exists a mental Ama, due to raw emotions not being released or being kept unchecked. One of the many ways of getting rid of physical AMA, i.e., removing undigested food is to use a tongue scraper. Other ways of removing both physical and mental AMA include:

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• Fasting

• Exercise e.g., Yoga

• Changing diet and lifestyle

• Changing mindset, becoming detached from emotions

• Problem solving

• Avoid consuming very cold foods (cold – not in terms of temperature, but in terms of the doshas.)

 

As this ancient medical system known as Ayurveda has not been disproved or proved scientifically, I believe it is worth trying, in conjunction with more mainstream medicine and consultation with a GP and nutritionist.

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Tahereh Azari  March 2021, updated March 2022