Digestive disorders cause irritation and discomfort that may drastically affect the state of general well being and limit the energy levels and active lifestyle. The symptoms of poor digestion include excessive gas formation, constipation, diarrhea, burping, burning, vomiting, indigestion, bloating and abdominal pain.
Ayurveda Understanding of Digestion
Ayurveda states that the digestive system of an individual determines the health and well being of an individual. Hence, a healthy digestion is directly proportional to healthy living. Even high quality diet and pure food will not be able to deliver good health if it is not digested properly and can be rather harmful for the body. The majority of the digestion processes is carried out in the stomach (Jathar) which is referred metaphorically as “fire” (Jathargni). As per Ayurveda, a healthy digestion produces healthy tissues (Dhatus) and in case the digestion is not healthy, this reasons the accumulation of the toxins (Ama) in the body.
3 Types of Digestion Toxins
There are 3 types of toxins which are built up in a digestive disorder:
Ama: Ama is formed because of a weaker digestive tract or excess load of wrong food. If Ama is not cleaned from the body, it leads to an imbalance of the doshas within the body.
Amavisha: The build up Ama can react with sub–doshas and can create Amavisha (toxin), which is believed to be the strongest toxin, resulting in a disorder.
Environmental Toxins: These toxins are formed from the exposure to the contaminants.
Causes of Digestive Disorders
The underlying root cause of most of the Digestive disorders like bloating, gas, ingestion, or an abdominal pain is the weak Agni or the Digestive fire. Uncovering the root cause of the digestive problems is the first step towards the treatment of the disorder.
Ayurvedic Remedies for Digestion Disorders
Generally in Ayurveda, various Ayurvedic medicines, herbal & mineral, natural Ayurvedic remedies, diet, massages, yoga, meditation and other products & techniques are used for the purpose of healing, cleansing and restoring the balance of the body.
The first line of treatment in Ayurveda includes Detoxification and Cleansing of the body, without which other modes of treatments prove to be less effective or ineffective. According to Ayurveda, Digestion & metabolism are usually associated with the Pitta dosha (related to the elements fire element)
Ayurvedic Tips for Strengthening Digestion
Certain techniques to practice, improve and strengthen your digestive are:
- Regularly taking up some form of daily activities like yoga, or a 15 minutes morning walk controls the sugar spikes and aids in improving digestion.
- It is essential to avoid over-eating. Excess food if not properly broken down can produce ama/acid and cause indigestion, finally leading to more gas formation, bloating and discomfort.
- In Ayurveda, Ginger is known as a Universal Remedy for most of the ailments because of its beneficial herbal properties. Ginger relaxes the smooth muscle of the intestines, thereby relieving symptoms of gas and cramping. Including ginger or ginger tea throughout the day or in the meal is a good practice for improving body’s digestive fire.
- Eating the biggest meal during lunchtime, as studies have shown that highest concentration of digestive juices are secreted during the afternoon. Heavy meal at dinner leaves you bloated and results into difficulty in falling asleep.
