Chakras: Nourishment Through a Whole Foods Diet

The Seven Chakras

     In the last two posts we learned what the Chakras are and what can happen when they become imbalanced.  This week we will learn how a whole foods diet can assist the chakras (body) to return to homeostasis or balance.  Whole foods are gifts of mother nature and are consumed in their purest form: unprocessed, unrefined, and contain no additives or preservatives.  An apple picked and eaten from a tree versus a store bought jar of  applesauce (containing added sugars) is an example of whole versus refined foods. 

     A recent article in the Idea Fitness Journal  (June, 2014) talks about chakra nutrition from a holistic standpoint.  The following is a synopsis of author Teri Mosey's  discussion on this intriguing topic  from root to crown.

Root



Apple

     When the root chakra becomes unbalanced, we will have a tendency to crave proteins, mainly in the form of animal meats.  Reason being, these foods have strong bone and blood contents which are red in color much like the root chakra itself.  Mosey states that once we begin to feel "rooted" again we should add plant-based proteins to our diet as well (2014).  Red foods include: apples, cherries, tomatoes, red grapes, and beets.  Too much animal protein can be taxing on the body, and this will be the subject of a future post.  A plant-based diet will contain a good amount of dietary fiber which assists in the transition of digested foods through our intestines and keeps us regular.

Sacral

     Mosey tells us that the sacral chakra, which resonates with the color orange, is all about flow and movement.  The sacral chakra is assisted by foods that are orange-colored and have both a high water and omega-3 fatty acid content (2014).  The author goes on to say that proper hydration is the key to maintaining balance for this chakra.  Orange foods that prove most beneficial are carrots, butternut squash, oranges, apricots, sweet potatoes, and cantaloupe.  Foods high in omega-3's are: wild caught salmon, pumpkin seeds, walnuts, and cashews (2014).



Carrots

salmon

Solar Plexus

lemon

     Just above our belly button, we find the solar plexus chakra with its affinity for the color yellow.  The author notes that "naturally occurring carbohydrates" found in fruits, veggies, grains, and legumes (beans) provide nourishment for the solar plexus.  Additionally, one should eat foods that have high fiber content (squash, broccoli, lentils, and beans) on a daily basis in order to support the necessary balance for this chakra.  Mosey lists the following yellow foods as most beneficial to the solar plexus: lemons, chickpeas (garbanzo beans), bananas, pineapple, and quinoa (2014).

 

chickpeas(garbanzo beans)

 

 

Heart

     In the center of our chest we find the heart chakra that resonates with the color green.  An imbalanced heart chakra may present as heart and lung issues.  This chakra appreciates the consumption of the cruciferous veggies like collard greens, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and bok choy.  Additionally,  bitter greens such as dandelion and escarole assist with detoxification of the body as well as "penetrate" the heart chakra (2014).  Foods such as scallions, garlic, ginger, cinnamon, and peppermint have a knack for clearing the sinuses and expand the lungs to their fullest potential.

broccoli

scallions

Throat

     The blue throat chakra involves our ability to communicate and speak our inner truths.  An unwell throat may exhibit as thyroid gland disorders and chronic neck issues.  Mosey emphasizes that to nourish the throat chakra we must use all of our physical senses as well as listen to our body (2014).  The author states that it is most beneficial to the throat chakra if we eat a variety of food choices to create as diverse a diet as possible.  Foods that soothe the throat are: soups, sauces, and high-water content foods.  Sea plants (contain iodine) are supportive of the thyroid gland and should be consumed as well.  Examples include: nori rolls, miso soup, and arame salad (2014).

 

arame salad

nori rolls
 

 

Third Eye

     The Third Eye chakra is partial to the color purple and is the seat of our intuition and imagination.  Mosey states that with regard to food we must focus not only on our physical being, but are "intuitive eating" as well (2014).  What is it that our body is trying to tell us?  An example of intuitive eating is called cravings.  A blocked third eye lends us to crave chocolate, and while we may say "yeah!!" at this point, too much chocolate can over stimulate the mind due to its caffeine content (2014).  Certain spices such as chili, pepper, turmeric , and ginger assist in balancing this chakra.  The author tells us that we should focus on the purple-red foods like blueberries, plums, figs, and pomegranates.  It is within this chakra that we should pay attention to how what we eat affects our wellbeing.

blueberries

turmeric

Crown

     Through the crown chakra we are connected to the world and to all around us.  The crown is represented by the color white and when blocked , forces rigid thinking with a need to always be right.  Mosey notes that it is here where one must show gratitude for the food before them either through prayer or an eating ritual (2014).  There are no specific foods that nourish the crown other than giving thanks.

     The foods associated with each chakra provide us with a menu of wholesome items that can assist us in moving away from the processed, ready-to-eat meals to which we have become accustomed.  However, not every person can eat every food that has been discussed in this post.  Those with a pre-existing condition or who take prescription medications must consult with their primary care physician or a dietitian prior to a change in dietary intake.  Some foods may interfere with the actions of some drugs.  For example, those on the blood-thinning agent Coumadin, are discouraged from eating dark, green leafy vegetables as they contain Vitamin K, which encourages blood coagulation (thickening).  This is in direct opposition to the intended action of Coumadin.

This article is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to treat, diagnose, cure, or prevent disease. This article has not been reviewed by the FDA. Always consult with your primary care physician or naturopathic doctor before making any significant changes to your health and wellness routine. 

References

Mosey, T. (2014).  Chakra Nutrition.  Idea Fitness Journal, 11 (6), 38-45.