The Phlegmatic Body Type

Phlegmatic is considered to be the coldest, most passive, energy-conserving constitution. Phlegmatics thrive on easy-to-digest, light meals. 

The dominating system is the lymphatic system. Mucus-forming foods (cold/damp foods), when eaten in excess, will aggravate the Phlegmatic body type. This is the reason why so many people who adopt the gluten-free, dairy-free diet feel better because both glutenous foods and dairy products are cold and damp, thus producing more mucus.

Constitution: Cold & Wet

Other names: Phlegm, Balgham (Islamic), Yin (Chinese Medicine), Kapha (Ayurveda)

Vegetarian, pescatarian, mediterranean diets or the Prophetic diet are the best to help this Body Type to feel energized and well-nourished. Phlegmatics should avoid excessive dairy products, fresh cheeses, refined sugar, refined starches and flours, wheat and glutinous foods, cold foods, ice cold drinks, and moist, creamy rich foods - this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t eat them at all, however you might indulge once or twice a week, rather than daily consumption.

It is not uncommon for Phlegmatic Body Types to crave dairy products, starchy foods and sweets. Though Phlegmatics can eat the foods they crave, you must develop the discipline to keep the quantities small so that you do not slow down your digestive system even further and increase mucus production.

You can easily identify a Phlegmatic Body Type by their physical characteristics:

• Round face, full cheeks, often dimpled, double chin, pug nose
• Heavy well-developed frame with ample flesh, often plump or overweight
• Cool, clammy perspiration especially in hands and feet
• Sweats profusely in heat or during physical activity
• Tendency to easily gain weight everywhere
• Large wrist size
• Medium sized palm and fingers (neither long nor short)

Phlegmatic body types are prone to developing the following conditions when out of balance but this is not an exhaustive list of diseases they can develop (and it's possible for other body types to also develop some of these diseases):

• Phlegm congestion
• Water retention
• Lymphatic congestion
• Poor venous circulation
• Slow digestion
• Hypothyroid
• Adrenal hypofunction
• Weight gain, obesity
• Frequent colds and flus
• Chronic respiratory conditions

Sometimes it helps to visualize people with this Body Type in order to really understand its physical attributes. Celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey, Kelly Clarkson, Melissa McCarthy, Jason Mamoa, Leonardo DiCaprio, Johnny Depp and Tom Welling are examples of the Phlegmatic Body Type.

To learn more about your Body Type, be sure to click here to take the Body Type Quiz