As the Western world becomes more attuned to concepts that were previously only familiar in the East, our society has begun to develop an increased appreciation for the non-physical. One of the most glaring and apparent aspects of the non-physical is the chakra system. Chakras, or energy wheels, are a series of vortices that channel etheric energy into the four bodies of the human being. A chakra cannot really be open or closed, despite the current New Age understanding - rather, they are always open and exist in different states of functioning. A healthier chakra allows more energy to be drawn into our body, bringing us into a state of good health. While meditation and exercise are certainly among the most efficient ways to keep your chakras spinning properly, eating a chakras diet can also ensure their proper function. Here are some of the best ways to sustain your chakras with physical fare: Muladhara, or root chakra The muladhara chakra, also known as the root chakra, helps to ground us to the energy of the earth. The root chakra is also conveniently nourished with root vegetables, such as carrots and sweet potatoes, as well as protein-rich foods like grains and beans. Svadhisthana, or sacral chakra The svadhisthana chakra governs our sexual energy, and is frequently associated with the color orange. It also helps to govern and regulate our emotional and creative health - two things which are highly linked to our sexual, or creative, energy. Sweet foods, especially fruits, are fantastic for feeding the svadhisthana chakra. Manipura, or solar plexus/navel chakra The solar plexus chakra helps to regulate our personal power, and can thus contribute to our sense of identity and self-esteem. Foods that nourish the manipura chakra include nuts and seeds, as well as dairy products made from happy, grass-fed animals. Anahata, or heart chakra The heart chakra is often associated with emotion, but in a more practical sense, it helps to distribute and balance the energies from the lower and higher chakras. It acts as a mediator between these denser and lighter energies. The heart chakra can be fed with greens - reflecting the color of the chakra itself. Vishuddha, or throat chakra The throat chakra regulates our emotions, our self-expression, and our communication. Keep it satiated by consuming cool foods and drinks, especially things like peppermint. Stay hydrated. Ajna, or third eye chakra The third eye chakra is our source of wisdom and insight, and is a bridge that allows us to communicate with higher realms. Nourish the third eye with darker fruits like blueberries and blackberries. Sahasrara, or crown chakra The crown chakra links our energy directly with that in the realms above, and is not well nourished by foods. Rather, you can nourish it by burning incenses and smudges like frankinscense and sage. The basic takeaway from this article is that you need to eat a healthy, well-balanced diet to ensure the optimal functioning of your chakras. If you notice a depletion of energy in a certain area, you may be able to resolve that by focusing on including certain types of food in your diet. For the most part, however, the best chakras diet is one that's varied and filled with fruits, vegetables, and love.