Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine often focuses on personalized approach to health. This is why it works for people, because it customizes itself as per the person's need. Same goes for its diet. Unlike one-size-fits-all diet plans, Ayurveda recognizes that every individual has a unique body constitution. The Ayurvedic term for the same is Prakruti, which determines their dietary and lifestyle needs. By understanding your Prakruti, you can tailor your diet to maintain balance, prevent diseases and promote overall well-being. What is Prakruti?Before we get into customizing our diets, firsts lets understand what is Prakruti and how it can help us customise our diets to achieve the best results. Prakruti is an inherent nature of an individual which is determined at birth, it remains unchanged throughout life. Ayurveda classifies human nature into two broad types: mental and physical nature. There are seven types of Sharir Prakruti (physical condition)VataPittaKaphaVata-PittaPitta-KaphaKapha-VataTridosha (a balance of all three)Each Prakruti has its unique characteristics that makes Ayurveda different from other medical systems. The selection of treatments, medicines, and dietary recommendations thus depends on the individual's Prakruti. Why Understanding Your Prakruti Matters?Every one has these three doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, but the proportions differs. Knowing your predominant dosha can help you understand your body's natural tendency and its needs. For instance, a person with Vata is more prone to joint pain, insomnia, and anxiety. A person with Pitta may experience more acidity, inflammation and irritability. While a person with Kapha will struggle with weight gain and sluggish digestion. Ayurvedic Diet for VattaPeople with Vata can be thin, energetic, and prone to dryness of skin, hair and joints. Their digestion too is often irregular. Thus they can add the following food items in their diet:Warm, moist, and nourishing foodsSweet, sour, and salty tastesDairy products like ghee, milk, and paneerCooked vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, and beetrootGrains like rice, oats, and ragiWarming spices like ginger, cardamom, and pepperFoods to Avoid:Cold, dry, and raw foodsCarbonated drinks, coffee, and black teaBitter and astringent foods like millets and dry fishAyurvedic Diet of PittaPeople with Pitta tend to be medium-built, ambitious, and warm-bodied. They also have a sharp-intellect. However, they are prone to acidity, skin rashes, and inflammation. The foods they can include are: Cooling and soothing foodsSweet, bitter, and astringent tastesFresh fruits like grapes, melons, and applesLeafy greens, cabbage, and bell peppersGrains like wheat and lentilsDairy products like milk and gheeFoods to Avoid:Spicy, oily, and fermented foodsExcessive salt and sour foodsCaffeine and processed foodsAyurvedic Diet for KaphaPeople with Kapha have a larger, well-built frame, but have a slower metabolism. They are thus prone to weight gain, sluggish digestion and respiratory issues. Foods they can include:Light, dry, and warming foodsBitter, pungent, and astringent tastesWhole grains like barley, millet, and brown riceLeafy greens, bitter vegetables, and spices like ginger and turmericLow-fat dairy and fermented foodsFoods to Avoid:Sweet, heavy, and oily foodsDairy products in excessProcessed and high-sugar foods