Ayurveda Myths Debunked: Animal Protein, Garlic, Onions, Coffee, Alcohol + More with Dr. Sujatha Kekada - 441
Release Date: 04/23/2026
Elements of Ayurveda Podcast
What does integrity truly mean in Ayurveda and why does it matter now more than ever? In today’s rapidly expanding global wellness space, conversations around ethics, responsibility, and authenticity are becoming increasingly important. While this episode doesn’t focus on specific events, it acknowledges that moments of rupture in any healing tradition can serve as powerful invitations to return to its roots, back to awareness, accountability, and integrity. In this episode, I’m joined by Vaidya Jayarajan Kodikannath, CEO and Academy Director of Kerala Ayurveda (USA), he brings both...
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In modern life, we often talk about stress as if it’s one single experience. We say “I’m stressed” and assume the solution is the same for everyone, but Ayurveda offers a much more nuanced understanding. From an Ayurvedic perspective, stress is not one-size-fits-all. It expresses itself through the lens of the doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) and each one creates a very different experience in the body and mind. This is why what works for one person may feel ineffective, or even aggravating for another. In this episode, Colette guides you through the different types of stress according...
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Colette is joined by Dr. Sujatha Kekada to explore some of the most common myths surrounding Ayurveda and bring clarity to what this ancient system truly teaches. From questions around diet and lifestyle to its relevance in today’s scientific landscape, they unpack how Ayurveda is far more adaptable, nuanced, and evidence-aligned than many believe. Together, they explore how Ayurveda meets you where you are, honouring individuality, context, and balance rather than enforcing one-size-fits-all rules. In this episode, they discuss: Whether Ayurveda is truly “scientific” and how modern...
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Mushrooms have become increasingly popular in the modern wellness world, particularly for their potential benefits for the nervous system, immunity and resilience. But where do they fit within Ayurveda? In this episode, I’m joined by Sharmistha Guha Majumdar to explore mushrooms through the lens of Ayurvedic principles. While mushrooms are not extensively described in the classical texts, Ayurveda offers a sophisticated framework for understanding any substance through observation, energetics and ecological context. Sharmistha shares how we can move beyond simply asking whether something is...
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As winter transitions into spring, many people begin to notice subtle shifts in how they feel. You might experience brain fog, sluggish digestion, low motivation, seasonal allergies, or new cravings for sugar and comfort foods. While these symptoms may seem random, Ayurveda recognizes them as common responses to the seasonal shift from winter to spring. In this episode, Colette shares seven signs that your body may be asking for a seasonal reset and explain how Ayurveda views these signals as early messages from the body. Rather than waiting for deeper imbalance to develop, Ayurveda encourages...
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Have you ever felt tired… but something about it didn’t feel like true fatigue? In this episode, Colette explores the subtle but important difference between Kapha accumulation and true fatigue, and how easily the two can be confused. What feels like low energy may actually be heaviness, stagnation, and mental fog, which are signs that the body is asking for movement and stimulation, not more rest. Colette shares a recent personal experience of waking up feeling heavy, slow, and mentally foggy, not depleted, but stuck. Through her Ayurvedic lens she understood that these qualities were not...
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Healing rarely happens through a single change. More often, it unfolds through awareness, consistency, and a growing relationship with the body and mind. In this episode, Colette is joined by her client Erica, who shares her deeply personal journey of healing through Ayurveda. What began as a search for answers during a period of fatigue and sluggishness became a transformational process of self-discovery, compassion, and empowerment. Erica began working with Colette in January 2025 and joined the Reset–Restore–Renew Program, where she experienced how structured cleansing, supportive...
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As we approach the Spring Equinox on March 20th, nature reaches a moment of perfect balance, equal light and equal dark. But this shift isn’t just happening around you… it’s happening within you. In Ayurveda, seasonal transitions are considered powerful physiological turning points. The Spring Equinox marks a pivotal moment when winter’s accumulated heaviness begins to melt and move through the body, influencing digestion, energy, emotions, and overall wellbeing. In this episode, you'll learn: The deeper meaning of seasonal awareness in Ayurveda Why the Spring Equinox is a...
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What happens when we slow down enough to truly listen? In this heartfelt conversation, Colette is joined by her client Jenny, who shares her personal journey with Ayurveda, from her early connection with nature to her recent experience on the Digestive Reset Cleanse. Jenny reflects on how growing up in rural Ireland with a deep love of the natural world quietly shaped her path toward yoga and, eventually, Ayurveda. What began as curiosity evolved into a meaningful relationship with practices that helped her reconnect with her body’s rhythms. In this episode, they explore her experience on...
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Hormones influence every system in the body, from mood and metabolism to sleep, fertility, and the transitions of midlife. In this episode, I’m joined by Vaidya Princy Prasad of Kerala Ayurveda Academy to explore hormone regulation through the classical lens of Ayurveda. Rather than viewing hormones in isolation, we discuss how endocrine balance reflects the state of the doshas, agni, the nervous system, and overall resilience, especially in today’s high-stress world. Vaidya Princy shares practical wisdom on building awareness of hormonal fluctuations, supporting the body through stress...
info_outlineColette is joined by Dr. Sujatha Kekada to explore some of the most common myths surrounding Ayurveda and bring clarity to what this ancient system truly teaches. From questions around diet and lifestyle to its relevance in today’s scientific landscape, they unpack how Ayurveda is far more adaptable, nuanced, and evidence-aligned than many believe.
Together, they explore how Ayurveda meets you where you are, honouring individuality, context, and balance rather than enforcing one-size-fits-all rules.
In this episode, they discuss:
- Whether Ayurveda is truly “scientific” and how modern research supports its core principles
- Ayurveda’s perspective on vegetarianism and the role of animal protein in healing
- The origins of avoiding garlic and onions and when they may be appropriate
- How Ayurveda evaluates coffee and alcohol
- Why Ayurveda is not inherently strict or restrictive, and how it embraces flexibility and indulgences
- How to follow Ayurvedic principles while maintaining a vegan lifestyle, including alternatives to ghee
Check out Dr. Sujatha's offerings here Amrtasiddhi.com
Exciting News: The New Elements of Ayurveda Podcast Community is Live!
Over the years, this podcast has blossomed into a global community, a gathering of seekers, healers, and lifelong learners. And now, I’m delighted to share that our revitalized community space is officially open!
This new online home was created for those who wish to go deeper into Ayurveda, together. Inside, you’ll find:
- Early access to podcast episodes
- Member forums for discussion and Q&A
- Mindfulness and self-care practices
- Monthly live Zoom meetups
- Seasonal group challenges and reflections
It’s a conscious, supportive space to connect, learn, and grow with others walking the Ayurvedic path.
Come say hello, introduce yourself, and be part of this living, breathing sangha.
Join the new Elements of Ayurveda Podcast Community here:
https://www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com/community
I look forward to connecting with you soon!
Check out Colette's online services:
- Online Consultations https://www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com/consultations
- At-home Digestive Reset Cleanse https://www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com/digestive-reset-cleanse
- Online Daily Habits for Holistic Health Program https://www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com/daily-habits
- Reset-Restore-Renew Program https://www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com/reset-restore-renew
Have questions on Colette's online services? Book a FREE 15 min Services Enquiry Call here. https://www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com/consultations
Do I have an accumulation of ama/toxins in my body? Take this quiz to find out https://www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com/resources
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