By Setareh Kiumarsi
Two questions: Why am I always angry?!
Answer: In our family, anger is basically inherited… we all have short tempers! I don’t hold anything in, but I suddenly explode like dry herbs on fire, and my tongue becomes a sharp blade!
Or you might say… In this post-quarantine era, with all the stress, financial pressure, and everything getting on your nerves, how can one not be angry or irritable?!
But beyond external stressors and genetic predispositions, even in the exact same conditions, you’ll find two people:
One is chill and peaceful, rarely gets angry…
The other loses their temper at the slightest provocation, yells, and offends those around them!
As if their head is boiling and smoke is coming out of their ears… their mind filled with judgment and negativity!
So, what makes someone’s mind so quickly consumed by rage?
According to Ayurveda, when the fire element or Pitta dosha in the body is out of balance (in excess), these emotional symptoms arise.
As mentioned in the “Second Brain” post, the digestive tract (especially the small intestine) is referred to as the second brain. When it’s overwhelmed by excess heat, and warmth dominates the brain hormone receptors (most of which are located in the small intestine), a person becomes more prone to Pitta-related emotional imbalances: anger, irritability, impatience, perfectionism, pessimism, etc.
So what can we do if we’re genetically predisposed to anger and irritability, or live in a world full of emotional triggers, to avoid fueling this fire with the wrong food choices?
Let’s look at the foods and habits that aggravate the Pitta dosha and anger—and explore home remedies to balance them.
What foods make you prone to anger and irritability?
As mentioned, when the digestive system (aka the second brain), and therefore the mood hormone receptors, are dominated by excess heat, the Pitta imbalance makes a person more prone to anger, irritability, impatience, and pessimism.
So, those experiencing these emotional symptoms should avoid consuming foods that are excessively heating. Which foods?
Eggplant, ginger, mint, raw garlic, raw onion, raw scallion, raw leek, radish, raw tarragon, turnip, black pepper, red pepper, all spicy peppers, mustard, curry, cayenne, black cumin, chili, walnuts.
And more importantly… caffeine (including coffee, instant coffee, black tea), cigarettes, tobacco, hookah, marijuana, alcohol, and all kinds of drugs!
These substances temporarily ignite a massive artificial fire in the digestive tract. That’s why they increase appetite or help with bowel movements.
Think of people who get extremely hungry after using marijuana… or those who must eat something with alcohol, or else get stomachaches… or those who can’t have a bowel movement until they’ve had their morning coffee or cigarette!
This massive artificial fire also intensely heats the mood hormone receptors in the small intestine. It temporarily lights up your world, gives you energy and confidence… but once the initial effect wears off, it leaves you hypersensitive and dramatically increases your potential for anger and rage.
If you’re someone with a “hot head” and short temper… consume the above with great caution—especially in summer!
What habits make you prone to anger and irritability?
As previously discussed… an increase in Pitta (or bile) means an increase in the fire element, resulting in excess heat in your body and mind. This makes your mind far more likely to flare up in anger.
So, if you’re often angry or feel easily triggered… avoid exposing yourself to excessive heat!
Don’t stay in the sun for too long, don’t stare at the sun or any artificial light source for extended periods… always wear sunglasses and a hat!
Never let yourself go too hungry…
It’s like keeping a fire burning in an empty digestive tract… you’ll end up full of anger, restlessness, irritability, and headaches!
Avoid intense workouts in hot weather—why? Because exercise increases metabolism and thus the fire element. Now imagine spending a hot day cycling for hours in direct sun… you’re basically lighting a massive fire throughout your body, making yourself extremely hot and dry!
Instead, go for cooling exercises like swimming, or take a moonlight walk!
Try to avoid warm colors like yellow, orange, and red in your clothing and surroundings. Instead, choose cool colors like blue, green, and purple.
What else? Laughter therapy!
Did you know that deep, genuine laughter reduces inflammation, cools the body, activates mood hormone receptors, and helps release serotonin?
So, watch a comedy series for 30 minutes a day. Every few days, go see a comedy show or movie!
And most importantly… smile.
Your beautiful face is a thousand times more radiant when smiling.
Please be sure to credit the author, Setareh Kiumarsi, when sharing or republishing this article, which was written with love and the hope of well-being for all.
