Diet

Question

For the past few months, I’ve been trying to lose weight, but no matter what I do, nothing seems to work. First, I tried skipping dinner, then I switched to only eating fruits in the morning. Then someone told me carbs are bad, so I cut rice and chapati completely. I did lose a little weight at first, but now my energy is totally gone. I wake up feeling exhausted, my skin looks dull, and I’ve been getting headaches almost every day. My digestion is also a mess – sometimes I feel bloated for hours, and other times I have to run to the bathroom suddenly.

I’m really confused about what my diet should be. Everyone says something different – some say eat only raw vegetables, others say have more protein, some even say fasting is the best. But my body doesn’t feel right at all. My hair has also started falling a lot, which never happened before. Could it be because of my diet? I used to have regular periods too, but last month, it was delayed by almost 10 days. Now I’m wondering if all these diet changes messed up my system.

A friend suggested I try Ayurveda to fix my diet. They said Ayurveda recommends food based on body type, but I don’t know what mine is. How do I find out what kind of food is good for me? Should I avoid certain things? And is there any Ayurvedic way to improve digestion without taking medicines? Right now, I feel like nothing I eat is actually giving me energy, just making me feel weaker.

If I follow an Ayurvedic diet, how long does it take to see changes? Can I eat normal food, or do I have to follow a strict diet plan? And what about my hair fall and periods – will they get better if I fix my diet?

Dr Sujal Patil · Answer

It sounds like your body is struggling due to an imbalanced diet and weakened digestion (Agni), which Ayurveda considers the root cause of most health issues. Skipping meals, cutting essential food groups, and sudden drastic changes can disturb your Doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha), leading to issues like fatigue, bloating, hair fall, and irregular periods. From what you’ve described, it seems like your Vata Dosha might be aggravated due to excessive restriction, leading to low energy, poor digestion, and hormonal imbalances. Instead of following extreme diets, Ayurveda recommends a balanced, nourishing approach based on your body constitution (Prakriti).

To restore energy and improve digestion, you need warm, easily digestible foods like moong dal khichdi, ghee, cooked vegetables, and whole grains rather than raw foods or extreme fasting. Cutting carbs completely can weaken digestion and metabolism, so including small portions of rice or millets can help. Spices like cumin, fennel, and ginger can reduce bloating and improve gut health. Drinking jeera or ajwain water after meals can also aid digestion. Hair fall and irregular periods often indicate nutritional deficiencies, so adding sesame seeds, soaked almonds, walnuts, and iron-rich foods like leafy greens and dates can help restore balance. Ashwagandha and Shatavari are two Ayurvedic herbs that can support hormonal health and overall vitality.

Ayurvedic changes work gradually but deeply, usually showing results within 4–6 weeks when followed consistently. You don’t have to follow a strict diet, but instead, focus on eating fresh, home-cooked meals at regular times. Avoid processed foods, excessive caffeine, and extreme dieting. Simple lifestyle changes like oil massage (Abhyanga) with sesame oil, daily morning sunlight, and light yoga can also support weight loss naturally while keeping your body strong. Consulting an Ayurvedic doctor can help identify your exact Prakriti (body type) and give personalized guidance, but you can start with these small changes to regain energy and balance.

Dr. Harsha Joy · Answer

It seems like your body is reacting to the extreme changes in diet, which can disrupt your digestion, energy levels, and even your hormonal balance. In Ayurveda, the approach is holistic and based on your unique body type (Prakriti). To determine which foods are best for you, you would need to understand your dosha – Vata, Pitta, or Kapha – and balance it with your current state of health (Vikriti). For example, if you're experiencing fatigue and bloating, your digestion might be out of balance, and your dosha could be aggravated. Ayurveda recommends eating warm, cooked foods, avoiding extremes like raw vegetables or strict fasting, and incorporating balancing spices like ginger, cumin, and coriander to improve digestion. Foods like whole grains, healthy fats, and moderate protein are usually beneficial, but it’s important to avoid processed foods, excess sugar, and caffeine. Hair fall and irregular periods can improve as your digestion and overall health are restored, but changes may take a few weeks to a couple of months. An Ayurvedic diet doesn’t need to be strict but should be tailored to your needs, focusing on digestion, nourishment, and balance. It would be helpful to consult with an Ayurvedic practitioner for personalized advice.

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