Culinary Micro-Dosing for focus

 by Ayurveda Embodiment Guide and Ayurvedancer Nandini Natasha Austin

The Art of the Strategic Micro-Dose

In a relentless corporate culture fueled by caffeine, cortisol, and the inevitable 3pm sugar crash,

I teach a different kind of stimulation.

Not more.Not louder.Just… smarter.

Enter: the strategic micro-dose.

A small amount of chili — intentionally used — can trigger a natural endorphin response that sharpens focus, boosts circulation, and gently ignites digestion without the jittery highs and productivity-killing crashes so common in modern work life.

Why Chili (and Why Just a Little)

I am spice adddict. otherwise know as Piment Junkie to close friends. Piment means Chilli pepper in French, I’ve been micro-dosing on Chillies for years now, Thai green chilies to be precise and its wonderful.

Let me be clear —I add a dollop of my homemade chilli sauce to my food and don't eat chilli peppers solo. It not about burning my mouth, I like to taste my food. I’m after that subtle heat that arrives quietly, does its job, and leaves you feeling vibrantly awake rather like a little buzz, taking you from brain fog or overwhelm to waking you up.

Its a tiny flavorful spark, after all Ayurveda is all about balance and stoking your digestive fire deliberately gives it a nudge.

Nature’s Original Focus Enhancer

Capsaicin — the compound responsible for chili’s heat — stimulates the brain to release endorphins and dopamine. Your nervous system interprets the sensation as heat stress, responds with pleasure chemicals, and you’re left feeling alert, focused, and surprisingly uplifted.

It’s often compared to a runner’s high — except this version doesn’t require Lycra or a 6am alarm.

This is my joyous preferred “performance enhancer to enliven any dish"

• No crash

• No dependency

• No jitters

  
  

Just a delight to the senses, providing clarity, warmth, and circulation,

The Business Case for a Little Heat

Used correctly, micro-dosing chili can:

• Support digestion by stimulating enzymes and reducing Ama (metabolic residue)

• Improve circulation, delivering oxygen and nutrients more efficiently

• Clear congestion, both respiratory and energetic

• Ignite Agni, the digestive and metabolic fire linked to stamina and clarity

  
  

In short: when digestion works, everything works better — including decision-making.

The “Piment Glow” (A Professional Asset)

That gentle flush you see after a touch of chili? That’s vasodilation — improved blood flow to the skin and brain."

I love to feel that flush on my cheeks, makes me feel alive."

I like to think of it as a mini internal facial:

• clearer eyes

• brighter complexion

• sharper thinking

You show up to meetings looking alive — not depleted.

And yes, I always carry a small jar in my handbag. Occupational hazard.

A Cultural Nod: Mauritian Green Chili Mazavaroo

In Mauritius, we make Mazavaroo — a fresh green chili paste designed for exactly this purpose: controlled heat, and delicious flavor used sparingly, throughout the day.

A Note on Balance

(Because Ayurveda Is Not a Free-For-All)

As with everything in Ayurveda, context matters.

• Kapha types: benefit greatly from chili’s heat and clearing qualities

• Vata types: small amounts can be grounding and warming

• Pitta types (my fiery friends): proceed with restraint — or save for special occasions

Excessive chili can inflame digestion, skin, and temperament. This is a spice, not a personality trait.

Final Word (and a Gentle Wink)

When I say “Keep calm and carry on eating chili,” I don’t mean recklessly.

I mean:

• Be intentional

• Wake up your system

• Add a little fire where life or food has has gone flat

Spice, used wisely, is a form of intelligence.

And sometimes, spicing up your food — and your habits — is exactly what you need.

Ready to spice up you wellness- or indeed stoke your teams creative fire?  If you are ready to tunr up the heat , Book a 30-minute Discovery Call here] to explore bespoke programming or executive coaching.

Subscribe to my Substack for insights on the Art of Self-Maintenance.

Keep calm and carry on eating chili.

Revel in the Moment

 Nandini Natasha Austin Ayurvedic Embodiment Guide & Founder www.nandiniaustin.com  & www.thecocktailarchitect.com