In Ayurveda, toxins are called ama, and can be defined as the residue of poorly digested food. Foods that are difficult to digest such as dairy, meat, oily, sweet, salty and sour foods provoke kapha, and are typical in the standard American diet. Many of us do not digest foods properly because we have over taxed our systems, or weakened them through certain behaviors or emotional experiences. Even when we eat foods that are good for us, we struggle with utilizing nutrients properly.

Ama, can come from poor food choices, and inappropriately digested food.  Ama can also develop from unprocessed thoughts and feelings.  When not fully processed, traumatic experiences, resentments, betrayals and hurt feelings can get stuck in the body.  Imbalances in the body can create imbalance in the mind, and vice versa. Ayurveda teaches that proper detoxification practices have the power to eliminate these stuck experiences.

Ama also comes from our environment.  Chemicals, hormones, and preservatives are commonly found in our food supplies.  Our water and air, basic human needs for survival, have become contaminated.  Electromagnetic frequency from electronics, the constant borage of light on our skin, has been shown to effect our hormonal fluctuations significantly.  Ongoing detoxification is especially imperative during these times, when ridding our body’s overload, and strengthening our immune system is more important then ever.

Basic Ama Reducing Diet

Ama Diet- include fresh, organic vegetables; sweet, juicy fruits; whole grains such as quinoa, cous cous, rye, barley, amaranth, millet and rice; and easily digested proteins such as mung dhal or lentil soup. Cooked leafy greens such as chard and kale are especially good for improving elimination and helping to detoxify the body.

Avoid dairy, except Lassi — a drink made in the blender with one part freshly made yogurt, four parts water, and salt or honey for flavor — is an excellent digestion — booster to drink after a meal because it contains acidophilus, a friendly bacteria that aids digestion. Medicated Ghee is good.  Avoid many root vegetables, nuts, and processed foods, nightshades.