Alcohol in the Modern World
In the modern world, alcohol is a part of social gatherings, celebrations, and relaxation rituals. More than often, there is a huge pressure to consume alcohol and if one doesn’t, society sees you as boring! Even in professional and certain cultural settings drinking alcohol seems to be the way to fit in.
While consuming alcohol is ultimately a personal choice; is the choice we make really dictated by what we want or need or is
it dictated by our surroundings?
Understanding why you consume alcohol in the first place, can be the starting point in your journey to re-evaluate this relationship. The impact of alcohol on our health through the lens of Ayurveda can provide valuable insights and help you then make a mindful choice. How does Ayurveda view alcohol, and how can we integrate its wisdom into our modern lives?
The Ayurvedic Perspective on Alcohol
Ayurveda, considers alcohol as a substance with heating and intoxicating properties. In simple terms, it is considered as a toxin.
In Ayurveda, we categorize everything in the universe into three fundamental energies or doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Each dosha represents different elements and qualities:
Vata: Air + Ether, it embodies lightness & movement
Pitta: Fire + Water, it governs transformation and metabolism.
Kapha: Earth + Water, it represents structure and stability
Alcohol influences all the three doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—in various ways, depending on the type and quantity of alcohol consumed, as well as the individual's constitution, gender and genetic makeup. That is why it is critical to understand yourself and observe how alcohol impacts you.
Potential Imbalances as per your Dosha
Vata Imbalance: Alcohol can dry out the body for Vata types, leading to nervous system disturbances like anxiety and restlessness and poor digestion
Pitta Imbalance: For Pitta types, alcohol can trigger excessive heat in the body, causing aggression, heartburn, irritability and inflammatory conditions.
Kapha Imbalance: Alcohol can make Kapha sluggish and heavy, contributing to weight gain, brain fog, fluid retention, and respiratory issues.
If you do not know which Dosha you are, you can take my FREE Dosha Quiz here
So how can we deal with this toxic relationship?!
While Ayurveda traditionally acknowledges certain types of alcoholic preparations, like herbal wines (Asavas and Arishtas), which are used in therapeutic contexts; in daily life, Ayurveda strictly forbids alcohol. This might not be possible for everyone in the modern world. So a good solution is to deal with alcohol mindfully- in moderation and through mindful consumption.
Choose Wisely: Opt for natural and organic alcoholic beverages. Remember when you drink cocktails, you are not only consuming alcohol but also a huge quantity of sugar. When you take a shot of alcohol, you are burning your insides and heavily stressing your gut and liver. Think wisely before you consume.
Moderation: Limit consumption to small quantities. Drinking a glass everyday of alcohol is not a small quantity! Be honest with yourself and journal how much you are truly drinking in a week or month and come up with a slow and sustainable plan to reduce the quantity.
Timing: Consume alcohol in the evening when the body is more relaxed. Eat food while drinking. Avoid drinking on an empty stomach or late at night, as it can disturb sleep and digestion. For women, avoid completely alcohol ten days before your periods and during ovulation. You can have a couple of drinks in the days after your period and before ovulation.
Balancing Ingredients:
Spices: Incorporate warming spices like ginger and cinnamon in your drink to aid digestion and counteract the cold quality of some alcoholic beverages.
Dilution: Mixing alcohol with water or herbal infusions can reduce its potency and balance its effects on the body.
Hydration: Drink plenty of water alongside alcohol to stay hydrated and support the body’s natural detoxification processes. Help your poor liver!
Listening to Your Body: Pay attention to how your body responds to alcohol. Maintain a diary of how you felt, mentally and physically especially the morning after. Reflect and question yourself. Remember we only have one body and we are the only ones who can truly take care of it. Stand up for your body and do not give in to social pressure!
Alternatives to Conventional Alcohol
For those seeking alternatives to conventional alcoholic beverages, here are my go to suggestions:
Non alcoholic beverages: Opt for non alcoholic beverages like iced teas, fresh lemonades if you can find those alternatives. Be careful of mocktails and canned juices as they can be high in sugars or preservatives
Concentrate with Sparkling Water: A great alternative to alcohol that I personally use is a ginger based concentrate to which I add sparkling water. You can buy these in the market based on where you live or even prepare them at home. They are generally sugar free and end up looking like cocktails so there is no social pressure to fit in and drink! You get hydrated and take care of your body at the same time!
Kombucha: A fermented tea with a slight alcohol content, kombucha can be a refreshing and healthful alternative.
Remember, Ayurveda is all about self-understanding and balance. What works for one person might not work for another. Embrace the journey of discovering what best supports your health and well-being in the modern world.
If you want to learn more about Ayurveda and Ayurvedic Lifestyle, you can check out my ONLINE course: Ayurvedic Living in the Modern World
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