Q&A with David Simon, MD

1. I spent the first 40 years of my life rather ignorant about health and wellness. However, for the past 10 years I have been much more conscious about taking care of myself. I eat well, exercise, and meditate, but are these changes enough to make up for the first part of my life? Is it possible to turn a new leaf in midlife and increase health and longevity?

You have an important choice to make. Either you can spend your energy lamenting the past, or you can focus on enjoying the present and committing to choices that bring you peace, happiness, love, and well-being.

The good news is that according to Ayurveda, Mother Nature designed our bodies so that we are much more capable of digesting toxins when we are young. She knew that we would be more likely to attempt to “get away with things” during the first few decades of life, when our agni or digestive fire is inherently more powerful and resilient. Now is the time to tend your fire more carefully. If you can look back at your life without the thought, “I wish I knew then what I know now,” you haven’t learned much.

Life is about becoming increasingly conscious of the outcome of our actions. I encourage you to celebrate your new awareness.

2. I don’t really like taking supplements of any kind. I’m a 35-year-old woman, in overall good health, and I prefer to just eat well. However, sometimes I worry that I may be making the wrong decision to not supplement, and it’s somehow going to “catch up” with me. Should I reconsider and start taking supplements? If so, what supplements and/or herbals would you recommend for my age?

I encourage all my patients to keep nutritional supplementation simple. They should be complements to-not a substitute for-a healthy diet.

Having said that, there is a growing body of scientific research that suggests that even with an ideal diet, it is not that easy to ingest the optimal doses of basic micronutrients that have been associated with reductions in heart disease and cancer.

The Chopra Center basic recommendations are as follows:
1. A high potency daily multi-mineral, multivitamin
2. A bone health formula that includes calcium and vitamin D, particularly if you are a woman
3. A blend of Ayurvedic herbs known as Rasayana. These are elite botanical allies extolled by Ayurveda as potent rejuvenative substances. Over the past decade, scientific research into some of these substances- ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), and amalaki (Emblica officinalis)-has confirmed they possess measurable immune-potentiating properties.

3. When I read about Ayurveda, I often come across mention of the three body types of Kapha, Pitta, and Vata. From what I’ve read, it’s important for me to know my body type for my health and longevity. I’m confused about this; I can’t seem to get a good handle on what type I am. Is there a way for me to understand this concept and determine my unique body type?

A person’s individuality is derived from universal principles. Ayurveda defines three primary threads from which our minds and bodies are woven. Vata is the principle of motion, governing the movement of thought, breath, food, and blood. Pitta is the principle of metabolism, regulating digestion, body temperature, and detoxification. Kapha is the principle of protection, cushioning the joints, brain, digestive tract, and respiratory system.

Each person has a unique proportion of these energies. When people have a predominance of Vata in their nature, they tend to be lively, enthusiastic, and creative, but they also tend to get anxious, suffer with insomnia, and have irregular digestion when under stress. Those with more Pitta have strong appetites, keen intellects, and are goal oriented. When they get stressed, their tempers flare and their bodies respond with heartburn or hypertension. Kapha types are more earthy by nature, with a natural tendency to nurture and support. When they become stressed, they tend to be retentive and onto to relationships or jobs even if they are no longer nourishing. They gain weight easily and are susceptible to diabetes, allergies, and sinus problems.

Knowing your nature enables you to make more conscious health decisions. Diet, exercise programs, daily routines, and even occupations can be tailored to support optimal mind-body balance based upon your individual composition. Managing your life energy efficiently slows the aging process and provides access to physical, emotional, and spiritual vitality.