Understanding the Ayurvedic Approach to Digestion
The Concept of Agni (Digestive Fire)
Basically, Agni helps in the transformation of food into energy. It digests macromolecules to micromolecules which is in an absorbable form and these nutritions are used by our cells for energy where ATP production and metabolism is controlled by Agni. From basic digestion of food to complex metabolic activities are taking place with the help of Agni. Thats what Ayurveda considers Agni dushti is the prime factor for all diseases.
What is Agni and its role in overall health?
Agni focuses on each cell, tissue, and system within the body. It decides which substances are beneficial to enter the cells, tissues, and systems. Which substances should be used as waste?
Types of Agni and their impact on digestion
There are 4 types of Agni based on the balance of tridosha; they are Sama Agni, Vishama Agni, Tikshana Agni, and Manda Agni.
Sama Agni is known as balanced Agni. If Sama Agni is balanced, then you will be having wellness and better health and metabolism.
Vishama Agni is imbalanced and irregular in nature. It combines vata. Tikshana Agni is overactive. It also results in digestion issues, acidity, fever, etc.
Manda Agni is weak compared to all. Hence it results in bloating, lack of appetite, sleepy mind, etc.
The Role of Doshas in Digestion
The role of doshas depends upon the mind-body type and physiological characteristics. There are 3 main doshas in digestion: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.
How Vata, Pitta, and Kapha doshas influence digestion
A number of ways Vata doshas can influence digestion are depleting macromolecules to micro molecules, and the movements of essential nutrients are regulated by vata. The imbalance of vata can cause gas, bloating, gut dryness, and constipation. So they should avoid cold and raw foods and follow a lifestyle like exercise, sleep, yoga, and stress management. Whereas Pitta dosha controls digestion and also imparting colour to the excreta. Its imbalance will lead to acidity, indigestion etc. Kapha dosha is promoting the kleda means the enough moist that needed for healthy digestion. Its imbalance will lead to indigestion, nausea and even vomiting.
Identifying imbalances in your digestive system based on doshas
If your digestion is improper, you can identify the imbalance because of doshas in the following ways: acidity, burning sensation, or inflammation are due to Pita dosha imbalance. The imbalance of Vata dosha can be identified by pain, irregularity in appetite, or weakness. To identify the imbalance of Kapha dosha, you can check the symptoms like nausea, vomiting, heaviness of the abdomen etc.
Ayurvedic Tips for Better Digestion
For better digestion, you should exercise, follow the diet, be active, have proper food, and hydrate yourself.
- Eat according to your dosha (Vata, Pitta, Kapha)
There are some guidelines to be followed for eating according to your doshas. For Vata dosha, you should be warm and moist. For Pitta dosha, consume cooling and mild foods such as milk. For Kapha dosha, you should eat light, dry, and warm foods.
2. Incorporate digestive herbs & spices
Ways to balance digestion are following timely food which includes all 6 rasas in appropriate quantity and quality, having good sleep, following adequate exercise, and taking care of your mental well-being. Ginger, turmeric, cinnamon, garlic, and black pepper are some herbs and spices that can help with better digestion.
Read the blog about Herbal Nutrition & It’s Health Benefits here.
3. Practice mindful eating
Mindful eating means eating your food with the presence of your mind. Some tips can be followed, like eating in a calm environment, avoiding TV and mobile while having food, and eating and chewing slowly and properly.
4. Avoid Digestion Inhibitors
You should avoid some things to help in digestion, such as exercising right after eating, not chewing properly, avoiding late-night food or snacks, and drinking water improperly.
5. Avoid overeating
Overeating can cause improper digestion issues. Overeating will lead to your body not being able to digest food properly, and you will feel uneasy. Hence, you should avoid overeating.
6. Avoid eating late at night
Eating late at night can cause digestion problems. You should avoid late-night eating as it can lead to weight gain, improper digestion, and improper sleep. The imbalance is also because of a lack of water because of going to bed right after having something late at night.
7. Chew food thoroughly to aid digestion
If you don’t chew food properly, the doshas and digestive system will not be able to digest your food properly. To get proper nutrition and better digestion, you should chew food thoroughly.
8. Detox regularly
To support your body to detox naturally, you have to drink 5-6 litres of water to remove toxins. It will improve your energy level. You should consume healthy food and avoid junk. Exercise, getting proper sleep, and stress management are helpful. You should avoid alcohol or heavy food.
Daily Routines for a Healthy Gut
The following are the tips for daily routines to be followed for a healthy gut.
Start the day with warm water.
After waking up, you should have a glass of warm water. It helps in digestion and cleaning your stomach. It also helps to get glowing skin.
Practice proper oral hygiene
Proper oral hygiene is essential to keep the dosas in balance because the imbalance can affect the perception of taste and also leads to localised inflammations.
Oil Pulling with Sesame
Oil pulling results in reducing harmful bacteria and gingivitis. Especially oil pulling with sesame oil results in healthier teeth and gums and reduces the risk of dental issues.
Engage in gentle movement or yoga.
Practicing yoga and exercise daily is the best remedy to stay strong and healthier. It reduces stress and results in a healthier gut. It also helps to get a healthy body, stamina, and strength.
Stay Hydrated Throughout the Day
Drink enough water to stay hydrated. Water is an essential component of the body. Dehydration can lead to health issues. Stay hydrated throughout the day.
Activate Digestive Agni Before a Meal
Also, follow the Ayurvedic diet and guidelines of ayurvedic practitioners to activate digestive agni before a meal. It will help you to get a healthy digestion and help your digestive system to digest your food properly. And it also leads to getting a good appetite.
Support Digestion After Eating
Guidelines from our Ayurvedic practitioner can help you get proper digestion. To support digestion after eating, you should avoid sleeping and becoming lazy. Being active and having a walk is the best practice for getting a healthy diet.
End the day with a light, early dinner.
You should avoid having heavy food or late-night food at the end of the day. You should follow by having light food at early dinner. Avoid eating snacks or food at night, as it leads to problems with your digestive system, metabolism, and sleep as well.
Ayurvedic Remedies for Common Digestive Issues
The following are some remedies for common digestive issues.
Gas and Bloating
Using water in appropriate quantities and methods can effectively reduce the incidences of bloating. Also, having herbs like Hingu (asafoetida), nagara (dry ginger), Jeeraka (cumin seed), ajamoda (Ajwain),(Saindava lavana (rock salt) etc are effective in case of bloating and gas accumulation.
Acid Reflux and Indigestion
Herbs such as tinospora cordifolia, terminalia chebula etc are highly effective in acid reflex and associated indigestion.
Constipation
For constipation, the best solution is to have enough hot or warm water. Eating fruits or drinking fruit juice helps in getting relief from constipation.
Diarrhoea
Buttermilk is the best remedy for diarrhea. It helps to gain the Agni bala and improve digestive power, helps to reabsorb the excessive water content from the gut, and meets the electrolyte balance in the body as well.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
It is an issue that cannot be cured permanently. To get relief from IBS, you have to maintain a bland diet for a good digestive system. The only way to control the IBS is to maintain good gut health.
Food Sensitivities or Intolerances
This is a type of food allergy that is caused by an imbalance of any one doshas. By identifying which type of dosha is resulting in food allergy, you can go for ayurvedic treatment to get a cure for this issue.
Nausea and Vomiting
When the Agni gets hampered and Ama formation happens, nausea and vomiting can happen as a natural defence mechanism to expel the undigested stomach content. So the best way of relief is to fast for some time and have an appropriate quantity of hot water. Some medicines, like kumaryasava, draksharishta, matala rasayana, and vilwadi lehya can help to digest the remaining stomach content.
Poor absorption of nutrients
In cases of poor absorption of nutrients, you have to maintain a proper diet. Food with nutrients, exercise, yoga, and chewing properly is suggested to be followed. Drink enough water and have fruits and vegetables. In some cases, due to inflammation of the gut absorption of essential nutrients will get affected so if the problem is persisting for a long time prefer the expert’s advice for better management with Ayurveda medicine.
Stomach cramps and discomfort
In most cases, stomach cramps are due to vata imbalances and associated digestive problems. Vatanulomana drugs such as ajwain, cumin seed, ginger etc are effective home remedy to boost the digestive power as well as to control the abdominal cramps.
Embracing Ayurveda for a Healthy Gut
As we all know, imbalances in the three doshas—vata, pitta, and kapha—are the reason for all diseases. Ayurveda helps in restoring gut health. It also helps in well-being. Daily exercise is the best solution for health, and it also embraces a healthy gut.
How Herbal Park Can Support Your Journey to Healthy Digestion
At Herbal Park, The Authentic Ayurvedic Massage Center, We can support your journey to healthy digestion by giving the best tips and guidelines from our experienced practitioners. We rise by lifting others; if you will get rid of all your digestive issues and live a healthy life, we will be satisfied to serve you. We offer you the best treatment, focussing on every issue regarding the imbalance of doshas and digestion problems. We guarantee that you will step in with your problems and will step out with a smile and a stress-free, relaxed mind.
Do support us and give us a chance to cure your health!
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