Kapha and children

In the winter season we are accumulating Kapha ( more earth and water elements). This is the time of runny noses and coughs and colds especially in children. In the life cycle Kapha disorders predominate in childhood, Pitta disorder in midlife and Vata disorder in the elderly. Therefore it is not a surprise to see kids with runny noses or the elderly with insomnia or tremors. Having this knowledge the key is to not create more problems by adding diets and life style that would aggravate these conditions.

Here are some simple things to remember when dealing with children and runny noses. Look to diet and rest first. The most common foods that increase Kapha are sugar, wheat (any white flour and most processed food) cheese and other heavy milk products, especially if they not been boiled and served warm, anything cold.

Getting your children away from sedantary activities such as computer games and TV and getting them to run and play and also to get to bed early and up early.

Adding some heating spices to their foods like ginger, black pepper, cinnamon, cardamom. These would all help to reduce Kapha and prevent accumlation of mucous which then acts as a medium for bacteria and viruses.