College of Ayurvedic Diet & Digestion

College of Ayurvedic Diet & Digestion

 

DIET & LIFESTYLE

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How To Improve Digestion Naturally With Ayurveda

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If you want to improve your digestion naturally and with ease, start with your diet.

Not only do your food choices have a huge impact on your health, they are also one of the most profound ways you interact with the environment. And it is your digestion that determines the quality of that interaction.

When you eat an apple, you're not just enjoying its taste or nutrients — you're transforming it into you. Through the incredible process of digestion, your body takes that apple, whether sweet or sour, warm or cold, acidic or alkaline, and breaks it down into the very building blocks of your cells, tissues, and energy.

Digestion is more than a bodily function; Every bite you take becomes part of your living, breathing self. This is why the foods you choose and how well your body processes them play a central role in your health and vitality.

Unfortunately, impaired digestion makes this transformation difficult and may even cause harm.

If you suffer from poor digestion the following basic concepts from Ayurveda can help, unlocking your body's natural ability to heal and thrive.

Start by watching this video: The Importance of Good Digestion.

Then keep reading for more insight.

Digestive Concept #1: Agni - How to Improve the Strength of Your Digestion

Digestion isn't easy. In fact, digestion of food consumes up to 10% or more of your daily metabolism. The amount depends on the type of food you eat.

Protein consumes the most at 20-30 percent. Carbohydrates clock in at 5-10 percent, while fats consume up to 3 percent.

In other words, digestion takes work, tiring you out and reducing the energy you have available for other activities.

And since digestion is such an energy hog, Ayurveda pays close attention to it. In fact, Ayurveda has a special word for the strength of your digestion, which is agni (digestive fire).

There are many ways to improve your agni. YOu can include digestive spices in your cooking, eat easy to digest foods, avoid difficult to digest foods, and eat the diet that is right for your body type.

Digestive Concept #2: Ama - Toxins Created by Indigestion

Amongst the many problems caused by weak digestion, the buildup of toxins (ama) is one of the most challenging.

Ama is anything that remains undigested or stuck in the body. It accumulates whenever agni is low or deficient. Signs of weak agni in the stomach include burping, acid reflux, a small appetite, and feeling tired after eating.

Diarrhea, gas and bloating, and smelly poop are signs of weak digestion in the small intestine.

Information about many other signs of indigestion is available on this site.

Digestive Concept #3: Find the Diet that is Right for Your Type

Advertisers may try to sell you miracle foods, often from far-away places.

Ayurveda, on the other hand, says everyone has a unique body and there are no one-size-fits-all miracle foods.

It may take some time to find the diet that works best for you, but it's worth the trouble so be patient.

For every person there are special foods that help you feel great. Find your personal miracle foods by removing any foods from your diet that make you feel tired, emotional, or otherwise exacerbate your symptoms.

Once your diet is clean, you'll quickly begin to notice which foods make you feel good.

As your diet improves you'll also find your tongue craving healthy foods more reliably, making the process quicker.

And since your miracle foods change with the season, you'll want to repeat this process several times the first year.

Ayurvedic Facts About Digestion

Take the Digestion Quiz Discover your digestive strengths and weakness online.

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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 is clinical, yet exudes an ease which many find enjoyable and insightful. John also directs the Joyful Belly College of Ayurveda, offering professional clinical training in Ayurveda for over 15 years.

John's hobbies & specialties include advanced digestive disorders, medieval Catholic philosophy, & botany. He holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Harvard University. His wife and family of 7 kids live in Asheville, NC.

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