AYURVEDIC PERSPECTIVE ON EASY

Easy refers to anything easy to digest, or digests quickly.

Easy means easy to digest.

Digestion Takes a Lot of Work.

We use up to 60% of our daily metabolism on digesting our food. That means by the end of the day your intestines have run a marathon. We have a special word called 'agni' in ayurveda for the strength of digestion.

Give Your Digestion a Break

When you are sick, taking the burden off your digestive organs gives your body some extra energy to heal itself. Giving your organs a rest improves your agni! Easy foods pull less blood into the digestive track, keeping the mind light. That leaves more blood for the brain. Heavy food causes "food coma" or sleepiness after eating.

What Kinds of Foods are Easy?

Generally cooked, soft, and soupy foods. Foods that are like baby foods are easy to digest. No one gives a baby steak or a salad to wean it from mother's milk. Instead, babies get mashed bananas and carrots. The idea is to get maximum nutrition with the least amount of digestive effort. Rice soups with steamed carrots is ideal!

Ayurveda's Specialty

Digestion is Ayurveda's speciality and gift. Ayurveda has a straightforward approach to treating conditions like IBS and Crohn's.

OTHER HERB ACTIONS AFFECTING DIGESTION

INGREDIENTS WITH EASY QUALITY

HERBS & SUPPLEMENTS WITH EASY QUALITY

HELPFUL FOR*

'Easy' may be helpful for these symptoms and causes below.

CONTRAINDICATIONS / AGGRAVATES / IS AGGRAVATED BY*

'Easy' may aggravate, or be aggravated by, these symptoms and causes below.

About the Author

John Immel, the founder of Joyful Belly, teaches people how to have a healthy diet and lifestyle with Ayurveda biocharacteristics. His approach to Ayurveda is clinical, yet exudes an ease which many find enjoyable and insightful. John also directs Joyful Belly's School of Ayurveda, offering professional clinical training in Ayurveda for over 15 years.

John's interest in Ayurveda and specialization in digestive tract pathology was inspired by a complex digestive disorder acquired from years of international travel, as well as 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. Outside of work, John enjoys spending time with his wife and 6 kids, and pursuing his love of theology, philosophy, and language.

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