Digestion

In Ayurveda, a healthy digestive system is considered absolutely essential to good health. The transformative capacity of our gut is our metabolic core. Our quality of digestion therefore not only determines our ability to efficiently transform food into fuel, but also relates to other transformations in the body, such as our ability to transform blood into tissues and vital body functions, ideas into action (intelligence and productivity), emotions into meaningful experiences, and metabolic debris into waste products that can be eliminated by the body. In the absence of a sufficient digestive fire (Agni), we can begin to feel heavy, tired, achy, malnourished, vulnerable, even depressed and less capable. According to Ayurveda, the “how” and “when” of eating is just as important as the “what.” Here are some signs of digestive balance and imbalance, and a list of tips for improving your digestion and revitalizing your body and mind:

Signs of healthy digestion: Stable energy and mood, feeling light, bright eyes, mental clarity, regular bowel movements, strength, good stamina, restful sleep, good color, enthusiasm, confidence, patience, smiling easily and often.

Signs of poor digestion: Energy crashes, stomach pain, gas, bloating, gurgling, belching, nausea, acidity, constipation or diarrhea, feeling weak, pallor, anxiety, irritability, sluggishness, insomnia, disinterest or inability to concentrate, easily frustrated.

According to Ayurveda, healthy digestion plays an integral part in establishing good health and well-being. When the digestive system fails to function optimally, the body becomes congested, blocking circulation and inhibiting movement of toxins out of the body. Therefore, it is imperative that people work to establish good digestion.