In today’s hectic lifestyle, we often neglect proper eating habits, which compromises our digestion and overall well-being. 90% of health issues stem from poor eating habits and unhealthy lifestyles, leading to compromised gut health, which is often the root cause of many ailments.Many of us eat while distracted by loud music, TV, or our phones, leading to a lack of focus on our meals. This results in poorly digested food, lethargy, and health issues. Even children frequently eat while glued to screens, diverting blood flow away from digestion to brain activity, which can lead to similar problems.
We often wonder why we don’t enjoy good health despite eating nutritious food. The answer often lies in how and when we eat. Moreover, processed foods have become a significant part of our diets, often making up at least 50% of what we consume daily. While we may prioritize home-cooked meals, many of the ingredients we use for cooking—like sauces, noodles, and ready-to-cook masalas,packed and canned foods—are loaded with harmful preservatives and chemicals that disrupt gut health. This imbalance can damage beneficial gut bacteria, leading to issues like constipation, gastritis,acidity,migrane ,irritable bowel syndrome, leaky gut, and major food allergies. Just because these symptoms are common doesn’t make them normal.
Additionally, inadequate sleep and high stress levels can disrupt the doshas and further harm gut health. It’s essential to listen to our bodies; our gut often understands what our brains have yet to process. The body continually communicates with us, signaling distress that we frequently overlook until it escalates into more serious issues. Taking care of gut health requires mindfulness in eating and paying attention to these signals.
Ayurveda places great emphasis on gut health, considering it central to overall well-being.
Our Jathar Agni is the digestive power that plays a crucial role in the digestion, absorption, and assimilation of food. This Agni is responsible for breaking down food into nutrients. A strong Jathar Agni ensures efficient digestion, preventing issues like bloating, gas, and constipation.
Improving gut health is possible if we consider the following
Diet: A personalized diet based on individual prakriti (body types) is recommended. Foods that are easy to digest, seasonal, and fresh should be included in daily diet.Avoid foods that contain excessive preservatives and additives. Say no to packaged and processed foods. Instead, focus on changing your diet to include freshly cooked meals and seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. These foods are fresh, not sitting on shelves for days, and free from preservatives that diminish their nutritional value. By choosing local and seasonal produce, you ensure a diet rich in essential nutrients and flavor.
Avoid overeating. Eating until you’re about 75% full helps maintain good digestive system.Do not over eat as it will give rise to indigested matter resulting in toxins in the body that will cause indigestion and disease.
Mindful Eating is very important .Eat meals at regular times, focusing on fresh, seasonal foods. Also refrain from having sweets after meals instead have them before food.Avoid distractions like screens while eating..
Routine: Establishing a daily routine (dinacharya) helps regulate digestion and maintain gut health. Ayurveda provides a detailed framework for dinacharya that, when followed, can significantly improve digestive well-being.Dinacharya, or daily routine, is fundamental in Ayurveda for maintaining overall health, including gut health.
Early mornings : Aim to rise before the sun or atleast with the sun. Early mornings are considered optimal for mental clarity and setting a positive tone for the day.
Gandush or Oil Pulling
Swish coconut oil or medicated oil in your mouth for 10-15 minutes to detoxify and promote oral health.
Use a tongue scraper to remove accumulated toxins from the tongue.
Early Dinner:
Aim to have dinner at least 2 hours before bedtime to allow for proper digestion.if possible walk a view steps after eating food.
Adequate Sleep is very important for a healthy gut
Prioritize a consistent and early sleep schedule to support overall health and gut function.
Ayurveda also describes different dinacharya according to the seasons to support the body’s changing needs and to maintain balance.
Mind-Body Connection: Ayurveda recognizes the impact of stress on gut health. Practices like yoga and meditation can enhance mental well-being, positively influencing digestion. Incorporating exercise, yoga, pranayama, and meditation into your daily regimen is essential. While it’s not necessary to go to the gym every day, simple activities like walking or practicing yoga can have a profound impact on your gut health.
Detoxification: Periodic detox (panchakarma) can help cleanse the gut and restore balance .
Healing the gut can lead to a variety of positive changes in overall health and well-being.
Improved Digestion:
- less bloating, gas, and discomfort after meals, along with regular bowel movements and reduced constipation or diarrhea.
Enhanced Nutrient Absorption:
- A healthier gut lining allows for more efficient nutrient absorption, boosting your energy levels and vitality.
Reduced Food Sensitivities:
- Improved gut health can lead to a decrease in food allergies or sensitivities, enabling you to enjoy a wider variety of foods.
Stronger Immune Function:
- A healthy gut supports a robust immune system, reducing the frequency of colds, infections, and other illnesses.
Better Mood and Mental Clarity:
- The gut-brain connection means that healing your gut can enhance your mood, reduce anxiety, and improve mental clarity.
Balanced Weight:
- A healthy gut helps regulate appetite and metabolism, supporting weight management or weight loss efforts.
Increased Energy Levels:
- Improved digestion and nutrient absorption can lead to higher energy levels and reduced fatigue.
Healthier Skin:
- Many people notice improvements in skin conditions, such as acne or eczema, linking gut health to skin health.
Reduced Inflammation:
- A balanced gut microbiome can lower inflammation in the body, potentially alleviating symptoms of chronic conditions like arthritis and other inflammatory disorders.
Enhanced Overall Well-Being:
- With these improvements, you may feel more balanced, energized, and ready to engage in daily activities.
Healing your gut is a gradual process, and results can vary from person to person. Consistent dietary and lifestyle changes will contribute to long-term benefits.
By incorporating these practices into your daily routine, you can enhance gut health and overall well-being in line with Ayurvedic principles. So before it's too late, take action to heal your gut—because it’s your gut feeling that matters most.
