by Anay Abreu, Ayurvedic Specialist
The Ayurveda world has offered countless individuals a path toward balance and healing. Among these practices, eating Kitchari during a detox, has garnered attention for its promise of detoxification and digestive reset.
Kitchari, sometimes spelled khichdi, is a staple food in the Ayurvedic tradition. Made from a balanced mix of split mung beans (or lentils), basmati rice in a 4:1 ratio, and various spices, kitchari is renowned for its ease of digestion and nourishing qualities. It’s often compared to a vegetable and legume soup or stew, with its consistency varying based on personal preference.
The Classical reference of Ayurvedic Kitchari is found in Bhavaprakasha-Kritanna Varga/ Chapter 10.
In Ayurveda, kitchari holds a special place due to its ‘tridoshic’ nature, which means it is suitable for all three doshas (vata, pitta, and kapha) – the energy types that, according to Ayurveda, define a person’s physical and mental constitution.
Consuming kitchari is believed to balance these doshas, it also ignites Agni or digestive fire.
The humble kitchari during a detox serves as a nourishing yet light meal that allows the digestive system to rest and reset, consumed for several days, along with other supportive practices such as yoga, meditation, and self-care rituals.
Kitchari is considered ‘Sattvic’ or pure, promoting clarity. It is used to cleanse the body, particularly the digestive system, and to remove toxins.
While the Ayurvedic tradition champions the Kitchari during a detox, viewing it through the lens of modern science is essential. From a nutritional perspective, kitchari is a well-rounded meal. The combination of rice and mung beans offers a complete protein source, which includes all nine essential amino acids our body can’t produce alone. These proteins are vital for tissue repair and the production of antibodies, making kitchari a nutritional powerhouse.
Furthermore, kitchari’s spices, like turmeric, cumin, coriander, rock salt, hing (asafoetida), ginger, and ghee, are known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Fresh grated coconut and groundnut can be added in the end stage of cooking. They can support digestion, immunity, and overall health.
Kichdi is preferred as semi-solid in consistency.
Mono-diets, like with Kitchari, reduce dietary complexity, giving your digestive system a chance to rest. While ‘detoxification’ is a term often associated with fad diets, the human body does indeed have its natural detoxifying process.
A cleanse or a mono diet could support these natural processes by reducing the digestive load, allowing the body to direct more energy toward cellular repair and detoxification pathways.
Drinking hot sips of hot water throughout the day is very important, while a mono diet keeps your digestive fire working properly, eliminates toxins, and avoids constipation.
The body naturally detoxifies itself, but with Kitchari, supports this process by reducing the digestive load and providing nutrient-dense, easy-to-digest meals.
Kitchari is commonly served at temples as Prasadam, a devotional offering, consecrated, then shared with devotees as a blessed, spiritually purifying “gift of grace”.
Please contact us to receive genuine homemade Kitchari recipes and ideas. We offer cooking courses and workshops upon request.
Contact email: aabreu@sampoornacollege.com
