Each of us is different. We have different metabolisms and different responses to food. In order to adjust our diet to suit our individual type, we must have a method. I call this method the ABC of Ayurvedic nutrition (This is the ‘tri-dosha’ theory that forms the basis of Ayurveda as a system.).

According to Ayurveda, there are three primary forces that control nature. Anyone can see these principles or their effects because the composition of the A, B, and C types are distinct. If we understand which of the types is dominant, we can understand a lot about the nature of the person. This is the basis of nutrition in Ayurveda.

To apply this system to people, it helps to have an understanding of the different metabolic functions of individual types. Each letter, ‘A’, ‘B’ or ‘C’, represents the dominant features of the types. These three types then combine to make four more types or seven types in total. They are: A, B, C, AB, AC, BC and ABC.

The purpose of these distinctions is not to classify people, but to understand the function of the different metabolisms. Ayurveda never uses one type as a comparison to another. Actually, it is against the tenets of Ayurveda to compare people in any way, shape, or form. No type is better or worse than any other. Nor, is any one mix or combination better than any other. Each type or combined type has its pros and cons. In truth, we all exhibit elements of the three principles, but one usually dominates.

By understanding how your unique metabolism functions, you can begin to adopt behaviors that support it, rather than working against it. If we do not support our type, we create various digestive problems that can eventually lead to disease. Working in harmony with your digestion brings good health – not just freedom from disease – but real health and vigor.

Still, there is a huge variance among the types. Try not to view the seven main types as a final stopping point, but rather as a starting point. Once we know our type according to Ayurveda, we can begin to work in the context of the guidelines for our type. I see people make this connection over and over again in my practice. A client will already have recognized intuitively that certain foods are problematic for them and they choose to avoid them. When I give them food recommendations for their type, they are amazed to see the foods that cause problems for them are not recommended. However, they often think that these recommendations are final. In reality, my recommendations in this book are basic guidelines that should be adjusted and refined for you as an individual.

Here’s where common sense comes into play. If you don’t like brussel sprouts, even if they are recommended for your type, don’t eat them. Use the guidelines to help you find a starting point. Later, you can refine your diet further, or you can simply use the recommendations unaltered if you don’t want to be bothered learning the system so thoroughly. The choice is yours.

In order to follow the basics of Ayurvedic nutrition for your type, you’ll find it useful to have a working knowledge of the seven different combinations. Most people will fall under one of the six main or combined types.

Type ‘A’ (In this book type ‘A’ refers to the Vata Dosha, or the biological humor of wind, the principle that governs movement)

‘A’ people have variable metabolisms; in other words, there is no daily consistency in their digestion. One day they will digest a pizza easily, and the next not at all. On still yet another day the same pizza will cause minor indigestion. Because digestion is one of the most important aspects of metabolism, A’s typically have inconsistent metabolisms.

They tend to digest quickly when they are in balance, but will get gas when they do not digest well. When this type is disturbed they become constipated, bloated, or just ‘gassy’. A’s tend to have dry skin and hair -- an internal dryness that can cause constipation.

A’s generally have a smaller bone structure and the bones themselves tend to be thin. They are tall and thin, or short and thin. However, when the A type is disturbed or agitated, they can gain excess weight, especially after the age of thirty. Generally though, A’s are thin by the time they enter adolescence, if not for their whole life.

A’s have difficulty gaining weight no matter how much they eat. In general they are not big eaters, and prefer to eat smaller meals more frequently. They are the least interested in food of the seven types and will very often settle for poor quality foods like fast foods, junk foods or snacks.

Even though A’s have a variable metabolism, their body temperature tends to be cool or cold most of the time. Their blood circulation is not strong and they often have cold hands and feet. They do not like cold weather much and need to cover themselves from the elements more than the other types.

The A type has the weakest immune system of all the types and will often come down with allergies, colds or the flu. Yet, they usually have abundant energy, though not necessarily the stamina to keep up with it. They are very often quite talkative, or even ‘speedy’ in a scattered sort of way. They are known to be good at starting things but lack follow-through. A’s can easily become aggravated by computers or other electronic devices, and they are the most physically sensitive of the three types.

Type A can be very creative, imaginative and innovative. They are very skilled at all forms of abstract thinking, but they can have problems with the practical side of life. The ‘absent minded professor’ is a typical A type – scientific and creative, but unable to mind the details of daily life. A’s make good artists in all fields. They are very effective communicators and generally like to use these skills on the job.

They are the most spontaneous and flexible of all the types and this is one of their best qualities. They like travel and thrive on new experiences. Sometimes A’s create change things just for the sake of it – even when it may be quite impractical to do so.

A’s are often brilliant intellectually with very quick minds. They can be very intuitive. Yet, their memory is generally not that strong. They are more concerned with the short term rather than the long term. They are the non-conformists of the three types. They may exist on the edges of society, even though they can be very social and likeable. They make poor leaders and even poorer followers. Think of a socialite who enjoys being surrounded by people, but in a more superficial way with few real friends.

When this type becomes disturbed or unbalanced they suffer from worry, anxiety, nervous tension, nervous breakdowns, fear, and depression. They are the most sensitive of all the types and so suffer more from stress or problems of the nervous system. A’s are the most prone to become perverse or distorted; they can also become addicts easier than the other types or fall under emotional or physical dominance by a person or substance.

Type ‘B’ (In this book type ‘B’ refers to the Pitta Dosha, or the biological humor of fire, the principle that governs transformation)

The B type of person has a very strong metabolism. Their digestion is quick and strong; they can eat anything. Their metabolism runs on the hot side and they tend to be ‘hot blooded’ in all senses of the meaning. They have warm skin, hands and feet. Their blood circulation is the strongest of the three types and they can be prone to heart or blood problems later in life.

Their metabolism is not only strong, but also consistent. Up until about forty years of age they will hardly notice the process of digestion unless it is heart burn or acidity. After forty they suddenly begin to notice that a few pounds arrived uninvited. Then they tend to become more aware of problematic foods like tomatoes or acidic citrus fruits.

When B’s do have problems digestively it reveals itself in the form of loose stools or diarrhea. Fried foods especially can trigger this kind of response. This is extremely true for fast foods or restaurant foods that are prepared in old or poor quality oils. The excess consumption of fried foods can also make them obese. Generally, they are neither thin nor overweight unless they eat too many fried and fatty foods. Of the three types, the B’s have the most regular in bowel movements.

B’s tend to suffer from skin problems due to the acidic nature of their blood and body in general. They can also have liver problems even if they do not drink alcohol. Their eyesight may be poor or they may have trouble with their eyes at some point in their life. Generally, they suffer from irritation or redness in the eyes and they can be more sensitive to the sunlight than the other types. They often wear glasses.

The B type is of medium build and bone structure. They are the most ‘average’ in size of the three types. (Keep in mind though that any of the types can have an ‘average’ build.) They fall in-between the other types in both size and weight. They have an average level of endurance and stamina. Nonetheless, they have the strongest minds and so they can achieve actions beyond their normal strength or stamina through will power alone.

They have a good immune system and do not generally fall sick – unless they work too much! They tend to suffer more from frustration or burn out, which leaves them open to infectious diseases. When B’s do get sick, they are frequently susceptible to inflammatory problems.

The B person is the most purposeful and goal oriented of the types. Even relaxation or sports will have a goal attached to it in some manner. While understanding and focussing on goals is important in life these types tend to become obsessed with the process.

Generally, their motivation is not towards money, but rather power and control. A more developed B type is orientated towards understanding and knowledge. They are the most motivated of the types. If they are unable to follow a goal or purpose in life they become frustrated or unhappy. They need to have hobbies and interests outside of their profession or they risk becoming consumed by their work.

B’s are good at initiating events. They make good entrepreneurs and generally like roles with responsibility. In any situation these types will gravitate toward positions of authority. They are seldom satisfied to follow or serve unless they respect the person or system in which they work.

When disturbed they can become aggressive and controlling. If they become frustrated, emotions can easily accelerate to anger, irritability or jealousy. They have ‘hot’ emotions and while they have little difficulty expressing how they feel, it is frequently not done in a manner that is constructive. Instead, they tend to explode and then have to put things back together afterwards. The B type normally controls the relationship in a couple – sometimes in a passive-aggressive manner.

They sometimes surround themselves with less intelligent or more subservient people in order to control others and expand their ego. In the more developed B types this same quality becomes helpful and humanitarian. A developed B person makes a good teacher or leader. They often are found in humanitarian service-orientated roles such as social workers, relief workers and the medical profession. Still other B types will become engrossed in the pursuit of knowledge and understanding. In this sense they can become good psychiatrists or psychotherapists.

Type ‘C’ (In this book type ‘C’ refers to the Kapha Dosha, or the biological humor of water, the principle that provides cohesion)

The ‘C’ type of person has the slowest metabolism but the greatest consistency. Their digestive capacity is very regular. They can easily become congested or overloaded because their metabolism functions slowly. Of the three types these people take the longest to process what they eat. They respond regularly to the same kinds of foods or meals.

When C’s have digestive disturbances they get bloated or have an obvious heavy feeling in the stomach. As their digestion reflects their slow metabolic function they can easily over eat or eat too much of heavy, slow to digest foods. Digestive disturbances tend to produce an accumulation of mucus or fat, especially when C’s eat more than their metabolism can handle.

C’s have the least resistance to sweets, yet they are often the most attracted to eating them. This attraction can put an extra strain on the adrenal – pancreas function that regulates blood sugar and the processing of fats and cholesterol among other things. Their kidney function can also become weak from excess fat. Of the three types C’s retain more weight in fluids because of the inherent weakness in their metabolism of water – i.e., kidney function. This can give a ‘puffy’ look to the skin and edema (swelling) in general.

The C type has the strongest body and the greatest endurance of the three types. While somewhat prone to becoming over weight, this is not unavoidable. In fact, C’s can achieve great feats of strength in certain sports and types of professions. They are the most physically orientated of the types and so have the greatest love of food. They have the largest bone structure of the types yet do not tend to be tall. Rather they are of medium height and stocky.

Along with their physical strength they have the strongest immune function. Their resistance to disease is much greater than the other types and C’s generally do not become sick. When they do become ill it usually reflects poor nutritional or lifestyle habits, such as excessive use of alcohol or smoking, both of which cause problems for all the types. The C type is prone to all kinds of accumulation in the body, which can lead to the growth of tumors and other internal growths, but they are usually benign. They can also be prone to lung problems or problems of the respiratory system in general.

All in all, the C type generally enjoys the greatest level of physical health. Provided they do not indulge in extremes and temptations, these people can live the longest.

Psychologically, C people are driven by the need for comfort and security in every sphere of life. In a positive sense, this quality makes the C person caring, with a strong desire to nurture and provide for friends and family. In a negative sense, they become controlling and greedy.

Again, these two extremes reflect the basic need for security. Emotionally, love is also a form of security. Hence, these people can become obsessed with the need to be loved. This can take on a very sentimental, romantic flare, or a neurotic, needy quality. Remember that everyone exhibits elements of the three types to some extent and each of us has moments when romance dominates our psychology. But the C type is the most concerned by love relationships and by love in general. Sometimes their social or family conditioning brings on neurotic tendencies, but it generally reflects the lower or negative side of this type.

C’s are prone to replace love with food. When a loving relationship is absent, food becomes disproportionately important. Food is also a symbolic form of love and it is a very concrete form of security. Sometimes people who feel inferior or unloved will gain weight to give themselves more presence around others. These types sometimes overeat out of a sense of need, which reflects greed for security in the form of food. Because the C metabolism is the least able to handle excessive eating, they often become fat.

C people are strong and consistent in their efforts, goals and relationships and make a good mate or employee. They like to be close to their friends and family members. They are not very open to change and take time to warm to others outside of their immediate group. Yet, they often have the deepest relationships of the three types.

Mentally they are a little slower then the other types – not less intelligent – but slower. They like to mull things over before coming to a conclusion about anything. They do not make rash decisions, nor can you push them into gear. In fact, the more you try to push a C person, the less he/she will move. They are best communicated with through love and understanding. A firm hand may be necessary with C types in order to get them to change bad habits or try new things. Even this must be done with love or care, because they can be very resistant and stubborn.

Most people exhibit a combination of traits derived from the pure A, B and C types. We call these mixes dual types and they reflect a combination of principles. Usually, a dual type is fairly equal in displaying the traits of both type, but sometimes one type can dominate in either the body or the psychology, resulting in a person who looks like one type but behaves like another. This is rare, however.

The AB type is a mix of both the A and the B types. Physically these people most often resemble a combination of the A and B types, but it is possible to look more like a pure A or a pure B. Generally, they are thinner rather than thicker and can exhibit either the dry, nervous qualities of the A type, or the hot, dynamic qualities of the B type. As nature is infinite in her combinations, so are the possible mixes of these two principles. Physical appearance is less important in determining a dual type than observing your metabolism. The AB mix tends to have a strong digestion, but they are occasionally troubled by gas, malabsorption of nutrients, or diarrhea. They are normally free from disease and are stronger than the pure A type. Yet, they are not as resistant to illness as the B type and can – when unbalanced – fall prey to the problems of both A’s and B’s.

Since they are a blended type, the AB person can exhibit the best attributes of the two types. AB’s make good athletes; they like to move and compete in events or activities and are often more social than the pure B type. They are also easier going than the pure B type, yet more practical and persistent than the pure A type.

As the A type is the most innovative and creative, and the B type is the most practical and dynamic, AB’s are revered in our present society. The more developed side of this mix is a person who can achieve many things, both creative and innovative. They communicate well and are full of energy. They have the ability to actualize their ideas and dreams in concrete form and can make good leaders in business. This is also an excellent mix for teachers and/or students. The B qualities add a good determination to the A qualities for the ability to focus on one subject and explore it fully.

In less developed types this mix can lead to intellectual indecisiveness, insecurity and frustration. AB’s can over-think things and become irritable. They can be difficult to live with and sometimes exhibit irrational behavior with a violent or aggressive flavor.

Type ‘AC’

The ‘AC’ type is an interesting mix that can offer great qualities or conflicts. Physically, they resemble the C type more than the A type; i.e., stronger and well formed rather than thin. In a smaller percentage of people, the A type can dominate physically, but if this is the case, the mental disposition will exhibit more C type qualities.

AC’s can suffer from some of the traits of the A type, such as constipation and colic pain, but generally speaking, they have strong constitutions and do not become ill very easily. They do, however, tend to be troubled by many small, nagging problems in their health -- problems that are usually related to the A principle, such as migrating pains, nervous problems, or irregularities in the metabolism. The A side of the constitution can aggravate the C side quite easily and cause bloating, distention, and edema. Their lungs may also be susceptible to allergies or congestion.

The best qualities of this combination are the intuitive, quick mental attributes of the A type balanced by the stability and persistence of the C type. The farsighted C type counteracts the usual short sightedness of the A type and these people often end up with careers in the arts. AC’s are generally very social and work well with people in a caring, motherly capacity. They make good service oriented people, for example, and are good at communicating and relating with others. AC’s can be one of the most interesting and happy of the types when both sides of the nature are well understood and nurtured.

Conversely, when the AC type encounters disharmony they can suffer from the worst of both principles. Because the two types are almost opposites, a disturbance can be almost unbearable. The A side likes to move and change while the C side hates this behavior. The A type gravitates toward irregularity – staying up late, eating at strange hours – and the C type craves consistency – eating and sleeping at the same time every day. The physical problems that can result from this pull are reflected in a confused metabolism. The slowness of the C side is quite disturbed by the erratic behavior of the A side. The spontaneity of the A side is aggravated by the rigidity of the C side.

Understanding the two sides is critical for this combination or mental and physical unhappiness results. Working with the dual aspect of your constitution brings harmony and peaceful metabolic function. Ignoring one or the other of your two sides will bring digestive, nervous disorders and mental problems – usually poor self-esteem and self-negating attitudes.

Type ‘BC’

The BC person is very good at competitive sports and physically demanding activities. The strong will of the B type combines with the strong body of the C type, resulting in a powerful combination. Most of our sports heroes in football and basketball are BC’s. The mental discipline needed to exercise and practice routinely is a C quality, while the competitive quality reflects the B type.

BC’s have strong constitutions – the strongest in many ways – and they are not as prone to congestion from the accumulation of the C principle. Their metabolism runs hotter and stronger than the C type, yet not as hot or acidic as the pure B type. Problems usually arise when BC’s become sedimentary and stagnant, leading to aggravation of both sides of the constitution. The B side will become congested by the C qualities, which always become exacerbated by lethargy. The more active this type is, the fewer problems they will have.

Mentally this type needs challenge or they become unhappy and restless. However, they are not risk takers generally, but prefer well-laid plans. The C type is conscious and careful, and when combined with the B type, they will take action when needed – though rarely without planning. These people prefer to work or be active in defined areas, such as their home town or neighborhood. They may travel some or go to the same place for vacation regularly. They are more habitual than the other mixed types. BC’s often make good CEO’s or executives. While the C type is good with people and management, the B type is aggressive and seeks power. BC’s are often successful at running a business because their combined qualities keep them motivated and strong, but also able to work well with subordinates. Their willingness to persevere gives them a powerful presence even if their physical body is not obviously developed.

When physical problems arise for the BC person they usually involve the heart – especially congestion of the arteries and blood vessels. They are also prone to problems of the pancreas and the gall bladder, which can become congested or blocked from poor nutrition and eating habits. These people do have large, strong appetites so it is important to eat foods they are capable of digesting completely. They are drawn to overly rich and fried foods that they may be able to digest easily while young, but once in their mid-thirties, they can balloon out with sudden weight gain.

Type ‘ABC’

The seventh type, ABC, is considered quite rare as it indicates an equal balance of qualities from the three types. I have come across only two true ABC people in the last six years of my practice, seeing several thousand clients. ABC’s are well-balanced physically and mentally, and are the least likely to become ill or disturbed. If they do become ill, it can stem from any of the three principles. Our modern culture rewards frequent change and adaptability, and can easily draw out the A principle to an unhealthy degree. This is true for all of the types since the A principle is the most irregular and unstable and many people struggle with this quality when it becomes overactive.

The ABC person tends to have a BC body -- stronger rather than thinner. This strong body with some fat and good muscle tone is thought to be the healthiest of the types. ABC’s are often free of disease and unhappiness. They live long and enjoy life. Despite their apparent strengths, even the ABC person can be thrown into a state of imbalance by bad habits and poor nutrition. Generally, this type will have the greatest capacity to withstand disease and bad habits because of the equilibrium that is present in the combination of the three types.

According to classical Ayurveda, men tend to have more ‘B’ traits (aggressive, goal-oriented), and women tend to have more ‘C’ traits (nurturing, receptive). During the course of the day it is normal for everyone to move through the different types emotionally. For example, during a typical day, I might get my children ready for school – feed them, clothe them, and help them to the bus. All of these emotions and actions are typical of the ‘C’ type. Then I go to work where I have a sales position and move into my ‘B’ emotions and actions. Perhaps I have an inspiration on how to sell more widgets, which reflects the creative side of the ‘A’ psychology. Then I again come home to my spouse and feel romantic, or passionate -- ‘C’ and ‘B’ emotions. And just before going to sleep, I have an inspiration on how to redecorate the living room, an ‘A’ type of inspiration. Each type reflects certain aspects of human nature, so on any given day, you may exhibit elements of all the profiles. What’s important is to establish which of them is dominant in your nature.

Also remember that any one of the types can be positive or negative depending on you. It is up to you if you want to reflect the higher or lower qualities of any Ayurvedic type. This is not fixed genetically. If you want to be a criminal or a humanitarian, the choice is up to you. By the same token, if you want to eat well or gobble junk food, that choice is also up to you. Whatever your profile, you still have the ability to shape and control your life – only now you will be able to work with your nature – whatever it is – and stop fighting against it.