Digestion is the process of converting what you eat or drink into the raw materials your body needs to be healthy.
Improve your digestion for better health and well-being
Supporting our digestive system should be our primary importance.
Especially during challenging times! Get yourself the best nutrition possible. Delivered in the most easily digestible forms. Keep it simple. Easy does it here as well.
"According to Ayurveda, good health depends on your body and mind’s ability to metabolize all of life’s experiences, both good and bad. This is why digestion, or agni, is important as it relates to the metabolization of life on all levels. Agni means gastric fire, enzymes, and metabolism and determines how efficiently you are able to convert information in the form of food, emotions, and experiences into nourishment. When agni, and the gastrointestinal tract (or GI tract for short), is strong, everything is broken down and absorbed into your mind-body physiology as appropriate. Anything that is not useful is eliminated from your body and mind. Start to notice how you personally metabolize the world around you and how it affects you." Deepak Chopra
To feel light, energized, clear and, focused - well-functioning digestion is key.
There are many ways to improve your digestion and even get rid of constipation or gassiness.
Here are my recommendations: - Take your time and be present while you eat - Your stomach should be filled only up to 2/3 - around the size of your fist - Eat with all your senses - don’t rush - if you have to rush - don’t eat
- Have no or only light conversations during meal time
In the morning: > Drink hot water with lemon and ginger in the morning. That can encourage your bowels to let go > Get up earlier as your gut does not respond well to being rushed > Dry brush your body
Massage for better digestion: Belly massage first thing in the morning when you wake up - clockwise for 3-5 minutes Practice Abhyanga, self-massage, with warm oil Recommended eating times from an Ayurvedic perspective: 1) A light & stimulating breakfast between 6-10 am 2) The main course, your largest meal for the day, between 10 am - 2 pm 3) Light dinner ( soups ) around 6 pm Pause between meals - try to not snack!
What to eat: To support your digestion the best possible way it is recommended to have a diet that is high in vegetables or fiber lead
- To maximize the benefits of fiber use the whole food steam vegetables and avoid to eat them raw - Simplify your meals - use fewer components - If you eat beans - soak them overnight - Avoid dairy and see if that supports your digestion - Eat a lot of fruits and veggies - Use spices to stimulate your digestion like ginger, turmeric, black pepper, cumin - Avoid too spicy and pungent food like hot sauces, too much garlic, chili powder - After your meal lay on the left side of your body for around 5 - 15 minutes Drink Enough to improve digestion and avoid gassiness. > Make sure you keep room temperature water on your desk > Dandelion tea: cleanse the liver and digestive tract > Make yourself a lot of fresh juices and/or green smoothies in the morning
Extra Tip:
- A daily dose of Triphala, a mixture of 3 herbs, is a common practice in Ayurveda. It helps to maintain a healthy digestive tract.
- A high-quality probiotic supplement will help balance the bacteria in your gut and promote better
Cleanse:
For sluggish hard or constipated bowels dissolve 1,5 tablespoon of Epsom Salt in 1 cup of water, add 2 teaspoons of lemon juice. The effect will start around 1,5 hours after - do not eat anything just warm tea, after. After this cleanse try to eat 3 meals a day that is in season. Keep your food warm if possible. Digestion Boost
One of my favorites: 30 minutes before you eat:
Take a slice of ginger. Put a pint of rock salt on it, with a few drops of lemon juice. Practice Basic Deep Breathing: 1. Lie on your belly. Place your hands on your lower abdomen. Close your eyes. 2. Breathe into the lower abdomen, then into the middle portion of your torso and then upper lobes of the lungs and hearts. 3. Very slowly release the air out of your body as you exhale. 4. Continue breathing like this for 5 Minutes „What to eat in times of stress: The more complicated your physical, emotional, or spiritual life, the simpler your diet should be“ Dr. Claudia Welch Do’s: > Plenty of sleep, rest, and relaxation. Yoga, meditation, walks in nature. Moderate exercise. > Daily routines, structure.
> Try to eat gluten-free for a while to give your liver a rest > Have an evening routine!
> Learn how to release emotional stress! Dont’s: > Alcohol, smoking, eating when stressed. Avoid hard to digest food: fried food, processed food, maybe dairy and any other food you feel heavy and sluggish afterward
If constipation goes on for longer always consult your doctor. Some easily digestible food recipes & sources: Kitcheri Pumpkin Soup Read also Food
Thank YOU, gorgeous! I hope you’ve enjoyed inspirations and tips on how to improve your digestion. For your individual morning routine to support your digestion - reach out.
Remember, inviting positive change is possible wherever you are and whatever your belief around this is right now.
Your turn: What is the one thing you can do to have a healthy bowel movement? I'd love to hear how it went! Let me know in the comments below.
From the heart,
Jenny