Ayurveda & digestion

Issues with allergies? Digestive symptoms? Fatigue? Read on.....

According to Ayurveda, you are what you eat but more importantly you are what you digest. Proper digestion is critical to the overall workings of the body and is the number one thing to focus on when the body is out of balance. Poor digestion can lead to obvious symptoms such as heartburn, bloating, etc. But it is also implicated in issues such as allergies, asthma, inflammatory conditions, colds, etc. You name it - it can often be tracked down to the condition of our agni - digestive fire. Ama (toxins) also build up as a result of low agni and become lodged in our bodies, causing issues as well. Here are some simple tips for digestive health that applies to anybody no matter what your constitution/dosha is:

- Sip on warm water throughout the day. No iced beverages
- Avoid iced food as well, especially in the winter time. 
- Eat seasonally! Wonder why we crave soups and stews in the winter? Fresh produce in the summer? There is a rhythm to nature and also in our bodies - we need to honor that and listen to it. We are not the same from season to season.
- Despite being popular, raw food is hard to digest. Cooked food is much easier to digest and is recommended. Cook your food with herbs and spices for maximum digestion
- Fruit should be eaten by itself - and never with dairy products. It does not combine well. Eat as a snack inbetween meals. 
- Speaking of.... as smoothies are also popular, according to Ayurveda they are very hard to digest as they are cold and also often have food combinations that are not compatible
- Never eat before the last meal is digested. 
- Make lunch your biggest meal, when your agni is strongest
- Keep consistent eating times: Morning (done by 8am), lunch (between 11-2) and be done eating by 6pm in the evening
- With your meal, have 1/2 filled with food, 1/4 with liquid, and 1/4 space (you need space in order to digest).  
- Keep your emotions in check. Don't cook or eat when you're emotional, upset or angry. Eat in a quiet, calm atmosphere - away from your work.  
- Never cook with honey. Heated honey is considered toxic and produces ama
- Milk should not be taken cold. Ideally should be warm and mixed with spices (turmeric, or warming spices such as nutmeg). Milk should be separate from meals.  
- Have all 6 tastes in a meal: sweet, salty, bitter, pungent, astringent, & sour
- Sit quietly for a few moments before eating and after. Practice gratitude for the food before you.  

I know, it's a lot. This is not even an extensive list. Yes Ayurveda has a lot of food and eating rules, but each one has a purpose and is based on thousands of years of ancient science. Overwhelmed? It's ok. Focus on one or two to start - ones that are do-able and see how you feel. Keep a food journal if it helps, document how you feel. Keep track of your symptoms and your stools.  

See my related post from December 6th about agni: the digestive fire!