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How To Balance Kapha Digestion (manda Agni)

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Kapha's digestion tends to be slow and sluggish, a condition called manda agni in Ayurveda. As a result, Kapha people tend to gain weight easily and store energy well.

The dull, gooey nature of Kapha creates excess mucus in the stomach, which covers the food and interferes with enzymatic action, slowing digestion down.

Kapha people may have an urge to burp, but because of mucus, have trouble releasing the gas. They also tend to have sluggish metabolism and poor circulation, which leads to a lack of oomph and movement through the digestive tract.

Kapha people tend to love eating even though they don't need to eat much. They find comfort in food, especially sweets. For this reason, they should be careful to avoid overeating and emotional eating.

Symptoms

Kapha's home is in the stomach and Kapha imbalance frequently begins there.

Common Kapha digestive woes include nausea, loss of appetite, feeling tired after eating, and acid reflux due to hypoacidity.

Kapha's static quality and tendency toward thick fluids can result in gallstones, weight gain, and other congestive disorders.

Kapha people may also have some constipation due to weak peristalsis and poor bowel muscle tone, especially if the thyroid is depressed (cold quality).

Remedies

Kapha should eat well balanced meals with moderate portions in order to minimize snacking between meals. They do best when avoiding heavy, gooey foods like dairy, wheat, and sugar, which bog down their digestive system. They should also include ample bitter greens in their diet, which stimulate peristalsis, cleanse their digestive tract, and keep things moving.

Legumes with insoluble fiber and astringency clean the Kapha digestive tract of excessive moisture and mucus. They should also spice their food generously to stimulate digestion and liquefy mucus.

It's also important that they get some form of exercise in their day to stimulate metabolism and prevent stagnation in the digestive tract.

Kapha folks should only eat when they have true hunger, i.e. when the stomach is growling.

Kapha is the only dosha who can skip a meal or fast occasionally, but only if this practice does not cause strong hunger. It's best for Kapha to eat midday when the temperature is warmer and the sun is up because this is the time of day when digestion is strongest.

A common, spicy Ayurvedic formula to support Kapha's digestion is Trikatu. Digestive Bitters is an ideal formula for Kapha, specially formulated to reduce sluggish digestion, keep the bowels moving, and boost metabolism.

Kapha Dietary Remedies Kapha Lifestyle Remedies

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About the Author

John Immel, the founder of Joyful Belly, teaches people how to have a healthy diet and lifestyle through constitutional nutrition (Ayurveda & Greek Medicine). His approach 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. John, his wife Natalie and their 8 kids live in Asheville, NC

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(5.00 out of 5 stars) 1 rating, 98 likes
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Vatsala Malde
2018-04-25
“The recommendations are very appropriate"
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