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Dr. Oz's Ayurvedic diet for weight loss based on your body type

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Dr. Oz discussed Ayurvedic medicine, an ancient holistic healing practice from India that's based on treating a person’s body type, on the Jan. 7 episode of the Dr. Oz Show.

Dr. Oz said an Ayurvedic diet provides a simple road map for treating your body based on your dosha, or unique body type. "It is not about treating body parts; it's about your body type," he said.

Dr. Oz's guest was neurologist Dr. Trupti Gokani, who said there are three different body types: Kapha, Pitta, and Vata. Each body type has its own physical and emotional characteristics.

Kapha (Large Body Type)

The Kapha dosha is the largest body type, characterized by wide shoulders and hips, thick hair and lots of stamina. They tend to be resilient and stable but are prone to health issues like weight gain, poor circulation, sluggish digestion, nasal congestion, and allergies.

Dr. Oz said Kapha people should limit sugar, salt and fats from their diets and eat lots of vegetables. Dr. Gokani recommended that Kaphas take a holy basil supplement to clear up brain fog and congestion.

Pitta Body Type (Medium Build)

Pitta doshas tend to have a medium frame with a medium build and are often goal-oriented and warm individuals who have glowing skin. Their major health complaints include stress, irritability, acid reflux and sleep interruptions, and pain near their temples.

Gokani told Dr. Oz Pittas should limit alcohol, coffee and hot spices, and instead should consume sweet juicy fruits like mangoes and melons and "cooling" vegetables like cucumbers, kale and lettuce.

Dr. Oz recommended that Pittas drink CCF Ayurvedic Detox Tea, a tea made with cumin, coriander and fennel seeds to ease bloating and stress.

Pittas should take a good anti-inflammatory supplement that can boost the immune system like amla, which has potent antioxidant properties.

A head massage with coconut oil can relieve Pitta's headaches and pain around the temples.

Vata Body Type (Small-Boned)

The third dosha is Vata, which is the thinnest of the three body types. Vatas tend to be small-framed and small-boned with energetic, enthusiastic personalities.

Vatas are often artistic and don't like set schedules. Their major health complaints include racing thoughts, insomnia, constipation, bloating, cold hands and feet, and dry hair and skin.

Vatas should avoid carbonated beverages, dry/crunchy foods and cold/raw vegetables in their diets. They should eat warm, soupy foods; nuts; cooked vegetables, and hot milk. Dr. Oz suggested Vatas consume ghee, or clarified butter, that's antioxidant-rich and promotes nerve and brain health.