Verse 17.9 : Sraddhatraya Vibhaga Yoga "Three Divisions of Faith"

Krishna describes Rajasic foods, which are favored by those in the mode of passion (Rajas). In ancient Vedic times, these foods were typically associated with warriors (kshatriyas) who needed quick energy, but they were recognized as unsuitable for maintaining a quiet, contemplative mind.

Rajasic foods are bitter, sour, salty, excessively hot (atyuṣṇa), pungent (tīkṣṇa), dry (rūkṣa), and burning (vidāhinaḥ). While they stimulate the senses and nervous system temporarily, their long-term consequences are negative, leading directly to physical pain (duḥkha), mental restlessness (śoka), and bodily disease (āmaya).

This perfectly describes the modern diet of processed fast foods, excessive caffeine, hot spices, and sugary snacks. These foods overstimulate the nervous system, triggering dopamine spikes followed by crashes. This cycle contributes to chronic inflammation, anxiety, and sleep disorders. In therapy, stabilizing the diet is often a primary step in managing mood fluctuations and stress.