Written by John Immel, The first fifteen minutes after eating are crucial. A massive increase of blood flow to the digestive tract brings fluid to acid-producing glands lining the stomach. Very little blood remains for other organs, including the brain, which slips into a food-coma after a heavy meal. It's important to relax during this time of sleepiness, even to the point of reclining on the left side. Humans should yield to digestion, giving the body the time, space and blood it needs to properly digest food. After the stomach fills with fluids, blood will be released for other activities. Energy and alertness will return to the mind. Then alas, the afternoon siesta ends and you are ready to reclaim the day. Blood deficiencies weaken digestion. Indigestion makes it impossible to extract the energy you need from food. That's why weak digestion also makes the blood deficient, leading to a downward spiral. To prevent this downward spiral, blood and digestive health should be carefully guarded. Anyone with a blood deficiency should be cautious not to eat foods that are difficult to digest. Instead, concentrate on easy to digest foods and follow the foundations of healthy digestion. Examples of blood deficiciency include dehydration, low blood sugar levels, metabolic disorders & anemia. READ MORE ON THIS TOPIC
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About the Author John Immel, the founder of Joyful Belly, teaches people how to have a healthy diet and lifestyle with Ayurveda. His approach to Ayurveda exudes a certain ease, which many find enjoyable and insightful. John also directs Joyful Belly's School of Ayurveda , which specializes in digestive tract pathology & Ayurvedic nutrition. John and his wife Natalie recently published Explore Your Hunger: A Guide to Hunger, Appetite & Food.John's interest in Ayurveda and digestive tract pathology was inspired by a complex digestive disorder acquired from years of international travel, including his public service work in South Asia. John's commitment to the detailed study of digestive disorders reflects his zeal to get down to the roots of the problem. His hope and belief in the capacity of each & every client to improve their quality of life is nothing short of a personal passion. John's creativity in the kitchen and delight in cooking for others comes from his family oriented upbringing. In addition to his certification in Ayurveda, John holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Harvard University. John enjoys sharing Ayurveda within the context of his Catholic roots, and finds Ayurveda gives him an opportunity to participate in the healing mission of the Church. Jesus expressed God's love by feeding and healing the sick. That kindness is the fundamental ministry of Ayurveda as well. STUDY AYURVEDA
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