Why Cold Food is a No No… !

Yes… you read that right! As much as today’s society loves their iced latte’s, ice creams, icy cocktails, and cold water from the fridge, cold food and drink actually irritate the system and slow down metabolism. Now it isn’t to say that every once in a while you can’t enjoy a delicious chocolate ice cream (which just happens to be one of my favorites), but understanding why it’s not ideal for our system will help you discern when to allow for an exception without it having too great of an effect on your body. Let’s dive into it; I’m sure you’re dying to hear all about why you shouldn’t eat ice cream…

Agni - Metabolic FIRE

“A man lives as long as his Agni is strong!” - Agni governs all transformation of substance into energy. Without the internal fires of our body, we would not be able to metabolize anything, and therefore would not be able to live.

- Dr.Lad

Metabolism is the fire within our body that is in charge of maintaining life by breaking down and transforming substances into energy that our body can utilize. Metabolism happens everywhere, in each one of our cells, tissues, and in our brain, effecting the way we feel and function physically, emotionally, and mentally. There are different types of Agni in Ayurveda which relate to the different organs, tissues, and bodily systems.

Different Types of Agni

• Jathara Agni -

  • lives in the stomach and small intestine (duodenum).

  • Governs break down of the food that we ingest in order for proper absorption of nutrients to take place.

  • Also in charge of identifying that which will be used for absorption, and that which needs to be eliminated as waste from the body.

• Bhuta Agni -

  • Metabolic function of our liver

  • Breaks down substances for waste elimination

  • Regulates blood glucose levels

  • Identifies which nutrients need to go where - such as fats

  • Stores vitamins and minerals until they are required by other cells

• Dhatu Agni - Refers to the Agni/metabolic function present in each one of the Dhatu (bodily tissues: our lymph, blood, muscular system, adipose tissue, skeletal system, nervous system, and reproductive system.)

So the fire in our body is what governs the strength and balance of our metabolism. And if we put this fire out with cold food and drink, we will begin to see a lot of health issues arise as the metabolism weakens. To keep our vitality, strength, and immunity, we have to continuously keep this fire burning in a balanced manner.

“Then when can I enjoy some Ice Cream??!”

If you’re craving a chilled drink or an occasional ice cream, choose a day that is warm, sunny, and preferably dry! You can make a note to have some fresh ginger tea afterwards, or some heating spices to support your agni and help balance the effects of the cold. Avoid cold things especially on cloudy, rainy, and cold days. And simply try not to make eating/drinking cold things a habitual practice. And if you’re already feeling slightly sick, then of course avoid cold things at all cost.

Symptoms of Slow Metabolism Due to Excessive Cold Quality- Disrupted metabolism will disrupt all of the tissues, causing a variety of issues depending on each person’s tendency/ predominant Doṣa

• Accumulation of metabolic waste (toxins)

• Mucous formation/build up - runny nose, mucous in throat/lungs, excess saliva

• Drooling at night

• Getting sick more often - throat ache, fatigue, malaise

• Allergies

• Weight gain

• Heavy menstrual flow with dull aching pain

• Bad breath due to accumulation of AMA (toxins) on the tongue

• Indigestion - heaviness, regurgitation, constipation

• Fatigue, laziness, inertia

• Lack of motivation

• Lack of hunger

• Emotional eating

• Cold clammy skin

• Fogginess in the mind

• Lack of concentration

• Feeling sad, crying easily, getting attached to people and things

• Hypertension

• Diabetes

• Changes in thyroid function

• Water retention/Edema

  So, should you never enjoy ice cream again? Not a chance! Just start by observing your own body each time you consume something that’s cold. How do you feel after? How do you feel the next day? As you begin to observe yourself, your own body will tell you what you need to stay away from and when. The body has all of the knowledge already… sometimes we just need a little kick-start! (The kick-start being this article you just read!)