How To Improve Your Digestion Naturally
Improve Your Digestion Naturally
( Agni Tea. Photo by Emma Eckert www.radiantmoonchild.com )
In Ayurveda digestion is referred to as agni. Agni is your digestive fire and it is the first line of defense against illness. So tending to it properly is crucial to overall health. When you first light a fire, you don't smother it with large logs, but slowly add kindling until it starts going. Then when it comes time to put it out, you let it burn out on its own. Digestion works in this same way.
Ayurvedic Supplements For Digestion
Good health depends on strong and efficient digestion.
When you first wake up, you should begin your day with a lighter meal, slowly building up your agni. Then around noon, it should be working at its hottest. This is when you should eat your largest, heaviest meal. For dinner, eat something of moderate substance. If you were getting ready for bed, and putting out the fire, would you place another large log on it? No. That log would not burn completely and wouldn't be consumed until the following day when a new fire is started. That being said, late night snacks and large dinners work in the same way. Your digestion is slowing down for the night, so any foods consumed too late wont be digested properly.
How To Naturally Heal Low Stomach Acid - Dr. Josh Axe
Top five natural remedies to follow to naturally improve your stomach acid are:
1. Apple Cider Vinegar (Take one tbsp before meals & with digestive bitters for optimal results)
2. Digestive Enzymes (1-2 capsules before meals)
3. HCL with pepsin (only consume with protein in a meal, please advise your physician)
4. Manuka Honey
5. Lifestyle change: chew your food, eat smaller meals, and try intermittent fasting
- Source: Dr. Josh Axe
Four Main Types Of Agni
There are four types of agni:
- Tikshna Agni [sharp/strong digestion]
- Vishama Agni [variable digestion]
- Manda Agni [slow digestion]
- Sama Agni [balanced digestion]
Tikshna Agni
Tikshna agni is strong digestion. Someone with this type of agni experiences a very strong appetite. Even though it is strong, it isn't beneficial. This type of digestion over processes foods, stripping it of it's nutrients. Due to over processing, people with this type of agni usually suffer from malnutrition. If they skip meals they become irritable and lightheaded. Oily and spicy foods upset their systems and can lead to loose stools. In order to help balance this type of digestion, stick too cooling foods. You can garnish your meals with lime, cilantro and coconut flakes. Usually in Ayurveda snacks are frowned upon, but for this type of agni, snacking is good. Just make sure you're not eating oily nuts. Try cooling cucumbers or other vegetables.
Organic Cooling Pitta Spice Mix
Organic Cooling Pitta Spice Mix features coriander, cardamom and turmeric.
Vishama Agni
Vishama agni is variable digestion. People with this type of digestive fire can skip meals. They'll get wrapped up in an activity and simply forget to eat. When they do eat, they tend towards gas and bloating. The best way to help balance this type of digestion is through a regular eating routine. Don't skip meals. Make sure the food you're eating is well cooked and not raw. Warm foods are best, such as soups. For those of you who really struggle with gas, hingvastak is a great remedy. It's a powder that you can sprinkle on everything you eat, and because it's a carminative, it helps alleviate gas.
Organic Vata Churna Calming Spice Mix
Organic Vata Churna Calming Spice Mix is a blend of seven ingredients, including cumin, ginger and fenugreek.
Manda Agni
Manda agni is slow digestion. This can show up as a slow starting appetite, where true hunger doesn't appear until later in the day. People with manda agni tend to emotionally eat, and may never experience true hunger. After eating they feel tired and sluggish. First and foremost, if you have this type of digestion, only eat when you're hungry, even if that's not until noon. To help kickstart your hunger, try drinking a warm glass of lemon water first thing in the morning. Once you do feel the need to eat, stick to well spiced foods. Avoid sweets, dairy and other cooling foods.
Organic Kapha Churna Stimulating Spice Mix
Includes ginger, coriander and turmeric.
Sama Agni
Sama agni is balanced digestion. These people wake hungry, but don't have an overbearing appetite. They have no issues digesting any kind of food. This is the type of agni we all strive to achieve, and once we get there, we need to keep it in balance.
10 Tips To Help Improve Your Digestion:
No matter what type of digestion you have, the following list is important to follow in order to keep your agni healthy.
1. Begin your morning with a glass of room temperature water.
This helps clean out your digestive tract from the day before. Overtime, this will encourage a morning bowel movement. This helps ready your digestion further. If you aren't defecating first thing in the morning just yet, sit on the toilette after drinking your water. This will help train your body to poop before breakfast.
Copper Cup
A real ayurveda classic. Fill the cup with water in the evening, leave it to stand overnight and drink the water the next morning. In ayurveda this water is particularly highly regarded because it is said to have a purifying as well as a balancing influence on Pitta dosha. From a scientific point of view, the water has absorbed pure copper, which in this form is an essential mineral for the body.
2. Only eat when hungry.
This is crucial. Don't eat until you experience true hunger, even if that isn't until noon. If you dump food onto your digestive fire which isn't burning hot yet, this food wont be digested properly. This undigested food becomes toxic sludge which leads to sickness.
3. Eat slowly and chew your food.
In today’s fast paced world we are prone to rushing threw everything, our meals included. Eating too quickly leads to overeating. Sit down and eat your meals without any distractions. It's also important to fully chew your food. Attempt to chew at least twenty times before swallowing. This allows for easier digestions.
4. Eat without distractions.
No facebook, twitter, instagram or even magazines. If your energy is focused on reading, it wont be focused on digesting.
5. Don't drink too many liquids during your meal.
Drinking too much during a meal dilutes your digestive fire, leading to indigestion. Take small sips while you eat and resume normal liquid intake thirty minutes after you've finished your meal.
6. Avoid iced drinks.
While we're on the topics of drinks, don't drink anything with ice in it! This dulls your agni and makes digestion harder. Stick to room temperature or hot drinks. This includes any liquids throughout the day, not just during meals.
7. Practice proper food combining.
The list of proper food combinations is long, so we will stick to the most common. For example, don't drink milk with fruit. It's very common to eat fruit with yogurt, don't do it. Fruit should be eaten by itself. Stick to one type of protein at a time. This includes beans as well. So don't go mixing beans with eggs. In fact, beans and eggs shouldn't be eaten with cheese either (sorry all you Mexican food lovers).Nightshades (ie. tomatoes, eggplants and potatoes) shouldn't be eaten with dairy products. And lastly, don't cook with honey. Heating honey makes it toxic. So if you're going to add it to a meal, do it last, and make sure your food is out of the oven and off the stove.
8. Eat melons alone or not at all.
This one is so important it deserves a space of its own. Don't eat melons with anything! So no fruit salads unless it's all melons or no melons.
9. Eat your heaviest meal at lunchtime
As stated above, this is the time of day when your digestive fire is at its strongest. So instead of eating your biggest meal for dinner, as we Americans tend to do, eat it for lunch. Also, lunch is best consumed between eleven and one o'clock.
10. Eat your last meal, or snack, at least four hours before going to bed.
We talked about this earlier. You don't want to fill your belly up with a lot of food and then go to bed. Your body wont digest it. So try to eat dinner at least four hours before going to bed. Believe it or not, waking up feeling sluggish can be caused by late night eating. If you're like me and tend to get "hungry" right before bedtime, opt for a warm glass of milk. You can spice it if you'd like. Just be sure to avoid nutmeg if you're prone to constipation, as it is a binding agent.
About The Author
Lizzy Straba is based out of Albuquerque New Mexico, and offers Lifestyle Consultations and private Ayuryoga® instruction. One of Lizzy's main goals is to provide Ayurveda to everyone. Lizzy succinctly explains, "It's super easy to feel like we're not good enough or that we don't fit into a certain mold and in turn deny ourselves something life changing. I want you to know that you don't need to be a yogi or a vegetarian or even a spiritual human being to benefit from the knowledge of Ayurveda. All you need is a willingness to improve your health."
To contact Lizzy Straba please visit her home page: Rogue Ayurveda
Are We More Than Just The Physical Body?
Are We More Than Just The Physical Body?
The science of Yoga and Ayurveda are not separate but rather an integrated study - a complete & total science. In fact, the science of Ayurveda was never meant to be fragmented just as ancient physicians were well versed in astrology and various other aspects of alchemy. The understanding of both Yoga and Ayurveda helps to better comprehend that life is made up of [multidimensional] realms. More simply, the mental, emotional, and spiritual realms comprise our human experience. At times, we mistakenly perceive ourselves as merely a physical body and other times we identify ourselves with random thoughts and/or feelings. However, the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda reveals that we exist within dimensional realms [of reality] governed by sheaths or “koshas” which create our individual experiences.
The Different Koshas & Living From The Heart!!
“The Five Koshas”
We, as human beings, are not merely physical but instead an expansive energetic system organized by different layers of consciousness. According to this ancient thought, we are the summation of five layers or sheaths. These five sheaths are called “koshas” which are all connected. The koshas, which are connected and inter-related provides a model to help explain how our consciousness manifests itself as a physical, mental, and spiritual body.
1. Annamaya Kosha - The Physical Body
Anna means “food” and the physical body requires food for its very existence. Interestingly, maya means “illusion” and provides us a hint of our true identity. More simply, the body is not permanent nor is the physical body our true identity. Just as the wave is not separate from the ocean. Similarly, the human being [i.e. the wave] is not separate from all of existence [i.e. the ocean]. However, identifying strictly with the physical body creates the illusion that one is separate from all that is of the universe.
Nourishing Your Physical Body
Nourishing the body begins with a healthy daily routine otherwise known as "dinacharya". According to the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda, health rests upon a foundation of balance – balanced doshas, balanced digestion, and restful sleep. If any one of these pillars of balance becomes weakened, then the overall health and well-being of a person will be affected.
Balanced Doshas
In managing any imbalance, Ayurveda determines which dosha [or combination of doshas] that may be out of balance and therefore takes steps to help normalize it, according to one’s unique tendencies. This process helps to seek out the root cause of any imbalance rather than treating mere symptoms.
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Organic Calming Vata Tea which is a sweet, soothing choice to help restore balance quickly whenever life gets too hectic. Organic Cooling Pitta Tea has fragrant rose petals combined with spices to help cool down mind, body and emotions. Finally, Organic Stimulating Kapha Tea is the perfect answer when you’re feeling sluggish or heavy — spicy tea!
Balanced Digestion
Ayurveda has described the underlying function of digestion and metabolism in our body as Agni [“Fire”]. Regarding the importance of Agni, the father of Ayurveda – Charak stated that when Agni of the individual is balanced then that person would be absolutely healthy and would lead a long, happy and healthy life.
Herbal Di-Gest
Supports improved digestion and balanced appetite; helps with gas, bloating, and discomfort.
Organic Digest Tone (Triphala Plus)
Supports digestive system and elimination; assists body in absorbing nutrients; high-quality antioxidant; wide range of benefits.
Practical Tips To Help Improve Digestion:
Although very simple these basic principles, if followed routinely, are often enough to improve your digestion and overall health. Often it’s the simple things that are most effective and oddly enough – overlooked. That said, let’s quickly take a look at the basics.
– All food should be freshly prepared, nutritious, and appetizing
– Food should generally contain all 6 tastes balanced to one’s needs
– We should leave 4-6 hours between meals with no snacking in between
– Eat your largest meal during the day when the sun it at its peak
– Relax and enjoy your meals in a calm soothing environment
Deep Rest & Blissful Sleep:
It’s nearly impossible to be healthy without adequate sleep. Sleep is essential for the maintenance and repair of the neurological, endocrine, immune, musculoskeletal and digestive systems. Rather, sleep is necessary for all systems of the body. Period. 8 Tips For Sound Sleep
Deep Rest
Deep Rest to support sleeping deeply through the night. This herbal formula is especially targeted for those who have difficulty staying asleep, waking up in the middle of the night. But it also helps those who have difficulty falling asleep and those who awaken early in the morning after less than six hours of sleep. The herbs in Deep Rest help you to sleep deeply throughout the night — and wake up feeling refreshed, ready to take on the day.
Blissful Sleep
The herbs in the Blissful Sleep formula produce a calming, balancing effect on the body, mind and emotions. You’ll find sleep becoming deeper and more restful. And you’ll wake up recharged, vitally alive, ready to take on the challenges of the day ahead.
2. Pranamaya Kosha - The Breath or Life-Force
Prana can be thought of as the subtle life-giving energy that flows in the air that we breathe. This subtle and unseen energy flows at the level of the nadis which channel throughout the body also known as the marma and chakra systems. “Prana” is breath or life-giving energy and “ayama” means control. Therefore, exercises such as “pranayama”, help to promote vitality by focusing on this life-giving force.
Taking Care Of Your Life-Force
Breath is essential to life. This demonstrates firsthand how the breath is directly connected to the mind. It’s the first thing we do when we are born and the last thing we do when we leave. The mind, body, and breath are intimately connected and directly influence each other. Our breathing is influenced by our thoughts, and our thoughts and physiology can be influenced by our breath. The ascetic yogis have known for centuries that the breath has amazing recuperative and rejuvenating powers. By controlling the breath, the yogis were able to alter their state of mind - rather, they were able to directly perceive the various “koshas” which create our state of being. For example, Nadi Shodhana, or “alternate nostril breathing,” is a simple yet powerful technique that helps settle the mind, body, and emotions. Nadi shodhana is particularly helpful to ease racing thoughts especially if you’re experiencing anxiety, stress, or having trouble falling asleep.
3. Manamaya Kosha - The Mind or Mental Body
Manas means “mind” and this includes all thoughts, feelings, and emotions from the common to mundane aspects of life. Often, we associate our mental state with the brain. However, according to Ayurveda and Yoga, the entire central nervous system meditates the mind which is further governed and influenced by an even further subtle energy system [i.e. nadis and chakra system] of pranamaya kosha; as explained above. We are now beginning to see how all the systems are inter-related and connected. Similarly, certain herbs have a higher vibrational energy which can influence the mind and our ability to think and experience emotions.
Herbs To Enhance The Mind
Ayurveda talks highly about a special class of herbs called “Medhya” herbs. Ultimately, by providing nourishment to the brain, these herbs are especially useful for the mind and helps to enhance learning while improving both the retention and recall of knowledge.
Intelligence Plus
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Mind Plus
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Organic Youthful Mind
Supports mental functioning as one ages; removes toxins that impede learning, memory, and recall; promotes the development of consciousness.
Taking Care Of Your Mental Body
Mantras are medicine for the Soul. The word “mantra” can be broken down into two parts: “man,” which means mind, and “tra,” which means transport or vehicle. Therefore, a mantra is an instrument —a powerful sound or vibration that you can use to enter a deep state of meditation.
4. Gyanamaya Kosha - Intellect, Wisdom & Intuition
Gyana means “intellect” and gyanamaya kosha provides the ability of discernment. However, the meaning is even more subtle in that it implies the ability to connect to the innate intelligence of the body and embodies the hidden potential of the higher mind. In a sense, this form of intellect is beyond thought and gives us the sense that something is right and rings true; i.e. intuition. Often, profound moments of clarity arise when gaining access and tapping into the higher mind through various acts of meditation, dreams, being in nature, or simply sitting quietly in contemplation.
How To Care For Your Gyanamaya Kosha
Spiritual understanding becomes the “food” which nourishes your intellect. For example, “Jnana yoga”, also called gyana yoga, explores the truth about who we really are and the full realization of this truth brings about enlightenment. In other words, Jnana Yoga uses the intellect as a tool to understand that our true Self is behind and beyond our mind. To understand this, the mind negates all preconceived ideas [i.e. dogma] of what one thinks one is - and simply asks the question, “Who am I?”. By meditating on this one question - wisdom naturally arises spontaneously.
5. Anandamaya Kosha - Bliss Body
Ananda means “bliss” and anandamaya kosha represents the highest realm of consciousness, which is bliss. In this state of being, one experiences joy and ecstasy and is the state of mind which our spiritual masters were inspired to speak from. It seems that research centered around the benefits of meditation have now been rolling in steadily validating the ancient wisdom common to both Ayurveda and Yoga. Ayurveda is an ancient science which literally means ‘the science of life’. A basic fundamental premise to both Ayurveda and Yoga is that – both a sound mind and sound body are integral to one’s overall health and well-being.
Stress Free Mind
Stress Free Mind supports natural resistance to daily mental stress and fatigue. This potent blend of whole herbal extracts, powders, and minerals nourishes and supports the immune system, which is often taxed by everyday mental stress.
How To Feed Your Anandamaya Kosha
Devotion and Bhakti Yoga helps to open our heart to the all-pervading consciousness. By providing seva or “selfless service” in a loving state without the expectation of something to be returned is the nourishment of our bliss body.
“Follow your bliss and the universe will open doors for you,
where there were only walls.”
- Joseph Campbell
Disclaimer
The sole purpose of these articles is to provide information about the tradition of ayurveda. This information is not intended for use in the diagnosis, treatment, cure or prevention of any disease. If you have any serious acute or chronic health concern, please consult a trained health professional who can fully assess your needs and address them effectively. If you are seeking the medical advice of a trained ayurvedic expert, call or e-mail us for the number of a physician in your area. Check with your doctor before taking herbs or using essential oils when pregnant or nursing.
3 Tips For Healthy Living - Finding Balance From An Ayurvedic Perspective
3 Tips For Healthy Living
The ancient science of Ayurveda has described health to be a state of perfect balance. Likewise, it’s very intuitive to acknowledge that this state of health and balance is brought about by maintaining a certain lifestyle in accordance with nature.
Cause And Effect
Although the world seems to be more unpredictable by the day - we know that disease often does not just appear from nowhere. Commonly, before any of the obvious signs and symptoms of disease appear there are often more subtle expressions of disease which are present - yet, unfortunately overlooked. In the same manner, if we were to come across a tree in the forrest we know with certainty that there was once a seed and fertile ground for that seedling to sprout and come to full bloom. So true with disease according to the teachings of Ayurveda.
3 Tips For Healthy Living
1. Food and Diet
2. Seasonal Changes
3. Stress - Emotional Concerns
"If diet is wrong, medicine is of no use.
If diet is correct, medicine is of no need"
- Ayurvedic proverb
1. Food and Diet:
In ancient times food was considered medicine. This being the case, people valued food much differently then. For example, considerations such as from whom and where we buy our food, the state of mind when preparing and eating food all matters and has subtle effects upon our state of health and well-being. Therefore, always seek out locally grown organic sources of food and eat in a peaceful manner in order to help nourish your body and mind.
Likewise, from an ayurvedic perspective, the setting which one eats should be as clean and pure as a sacred temple. This same sense of austerity should also be projected upon oneself [i.e. state of mind] when eating. Also, when eating we should eat with a balanced state of mind in order to appeciate the nourishing qualities we introduce into our body. Finally, ayurveda considers the unique needs of each individual - such as “vata”, “pitta”, and “kapha” individuals. Therefore, in order to help maintain health and balance we should learn to eat accordingly to these very needs.
2. Seasonal Variation:
The teachings of Ayurveda explain that each person is a reflection of nature. Just as nature has seasonal variations of fall, winter, spring and summer - so too do we also reflect these same variations from within. More simply, as nature changes throughout the seasons - so too shall we adjust in order to stay balanced despite seasonal variations.
Below are simple examples on how to stay more balanced even despite seasonal changes. After all, we are a reflection of nature and the seasonal variations in nature also reflect within both our body and mind.
FALL:
Fall is often associated with qualities such as dry, light, cool, rough, and windy. Therefore in order to remain balanced and promote health during fall season we should consider introducing more warm, soothing, and easily digestible meals [i.e. warm soups] into one’s daily routine. This is the season to keep warm and avoid the gusty winds which can lead to increased dry qualities within. This dry and rough quality of nature may expresses itself within as constipation, dry and rough skin, and irritation to the eyes - these are just a few basic examples.
WINTER:
Winter, on the other hand, is known to be cold, damp, cloudy, and heavy. As mentioned above - according to Ayurveda, we are considered a miniature reflection of nature. Also, Ayurveda explains a concept of “like increases like” - which means the increased cold quality of winter for example will also increase the cold quality within; hence the tendency to catch a “cold” during winter. Therefore, in order to remain balanced during winter season we should consider something as simple as drinking more warming herbal teas [i.e. ginger and cinnamon tea] ... just like grandmother used to make. Yes, your grandmother was correct as she likely understood seasonal variation.
SPRING:
Interestingly, from an Ayurvedic perspective, spring is the king of all seasons because this is the season which Mother Nature seems to wake up and spring forth. The quality of spring is moist and full of energy. This is the season where snow of winter begins to melt, flowers develop a full range of color, and birds sing joyfully. Because of all this, spring is the season of allergies, “spring colds”, and hay fever. Therefore, during spring we should consider focusing on removing this excess quality of ‘moisture‘ [i.e. allergies, cold & congestion] from within. Just as we ‘spring clean’ our home during this season, it is advisable to consider spring cleaning the body with an Ayurvedic practice called “panchakarma”. Panchakarma is a purification cleansing process only to be performed under the guidance of a trained professional provider.
SUMMER:
Summer is well known for being hot, sharp, and bright and it is intuitive to balance these "fiery" qualities with something cool, soothing, and refreshing. Therefore, summer is a time to enjoy cooling herbal teas such as CCF tea [cumin, coriander, fennel] and enjoying cooling meals such as a simple salad. Likewise, you may also want to cool down with applying cool coconut oil as a daily massage.
3. Stress - Emotional Concerns:
With the world moving at an increasingly faster rate than ever before it is to no suprise that mental health is becoming more relevant in present day. It is well established in the science of Ayurveda that our health and well-being are centered around factors involving both the body and mind. It is becasue of this that Ayurveda recommends a daily routine [i.e. Dinacharya] which consists of consuming a nourishing diet, establishing positive and loving relationships, and devoting time for meditation and contemplation to help alleviate and prevent the occurence of stress.
Some Basic Benefits Of Meditation:
– greater clarity and inner calmness
– increased creativity and happiness
– improved sense of emotional stability
– reduced level of anxiety and depression
– improved brain function and memory
– reduced level of stress
… the list can go on and on …
“Sleep is the best meditation” - Dalai Lama
Although the above quote may not be technically correct, it does stress the importance for sound sleep.
Click Here: 8 Tips For Sound Sleep
The Root Cause Of All Disease - An Ayurvedic Perspective + Practical Tips To Improve Digestion
The Root Cause Of All Disease
Ever get that heavy feeling with unclear thinking and tiredness especially after a meal? According to the science of Ayurveda [“The Science Of Life”] this lack of vitality is often due to the formation of toxins [“ama”] - which arises due to poorly digested food material and is considerered unsuitable to the body. After all, if we eat food to gain energy - why then should we feel deprived of energy after the consumption food? The answer is quite simple as we shall see below.
Respect Your Digestive Flame
In most ancient cultures fire was revered because it provided light, warmth and the ability to cook food. In some cultures [i.e. vedic culture], fire is considered sacred as it represents the transformation between the mortal world and the heavens above. We can use this same metaphor to represent the flame within - the digestive flame called “Agni”. We can think of this digestive flame as a metaphor for all metabolic functions in the body. Therefore, it is thought that by simply respecting the digestive flame “Agni” we can directly influence all significant transformations of the body - digestive function, cellular metabolism, mental perception, and overall health and well-being.
The Importance Of "Gut Health"
Currently there is much attention centered around “gut health” in the scientific community. In fact, Hippocrates - the father of modern medicine is often quoted as saying, “you are only as healthy as your digestion” and “all disease begins in the gut”. Even more impressive is the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda which has stated this same very concept thousands of years ago.
Ancient Wisdom Of Ayurveda
"When food is digested improperly because agni [the digestive flame] is low the undigested food becomes vitiated [disturbed] and collects in the stomach. It is known as ama [toxins]."
- Astangahrdaya Samhita
The Root Cause Of All Disease - "Ama"
As mentioned above, “ama” is considered undigested or poorly digested food material which is thought to be toxic to the body. We can think of this simply as poorly digested food material which then enters into the colon only to create a hostile environment within the G.I. tract; i.e. supporting unhealthy gut flora. Not only does this support an unhealthy gut flora but even worse it supports the process of fermentation and putrefication. Now, if that sounds pretty toxic to you - you’re absolutely correct, because it most certaintly is.
Common Causes Of Ama:
The main cause for the formation of ‘ama‘ or undigested food material is impaired digestive function. Therefore, factors which impair digestion and increase the formation of ama include:
- overeating and consuming cold substances
- irregular eating habits
- overconsumption of raw food
- eating heavy and fried food
- incompatible food combining
- eating with extreme emotions [i.e. anxiety, stress]
- sleeping before food is properly digested
Practical Tips To Help Improve Digestion
Although very simple these basic principles, if followed routinely, are often enough to improve your digestion and overall health. Often it’s the simple things that are most effective and oddly enough - overlooked. That said, let’s quickly take a look at the basics.
- All food should be freshly prepared, nutritious, and appetizing
- Food should generally contain all 6 tastes balanced to one’s needs
- We should leave 4-6 hours between meals with no snacking in between
- Eat your largest meal during the day when the sun it at its peak
- Relax and enjoy your meals in a calm soothing environment
Another Great Consideration ... Trikatu - The Digestive Herbal Formula:
Trikatu is a formula combination of equal parts ginger, black pepper and pippali. The name trikatu means three peppers or the three pungents. It is a wonderful herb with strong digestive properties.
Wait There’s More! ... 10 Golden Rules For Healthy Eating
1. Food should be warm
2. Food should be unctuous [oily]
3. Food must be taken in proper quantity
4. Allow enough time between meals
5. Avoid food with contradictory properties
6. Do not eat in a hurry
7. Do not eat too slowly or too quickly
8. Pay attention to your food while eating
9. Do not eat food which is too hot or too cold
10. Take food with proper respect for yourself