Gut Health & "Ama" [Toxins]
Gut Health & "Ama"
Over the course of a lifetime, we ingest roughly 50 tons of nutrients and our ability to properly digest these nutrients determines to a large extent the state of our health. “Ama” is a concept of Ayurveda which can be best understood as the accumulation of toxic metabolic by-products at various levels of physiology. More simply, ama is the by-product of poor digestion and according to the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda - ama is the root cause of nearly all diseases.
Ayurveda states that proper diet and optimal digestion are the major pillars of good health. Similarly, optimal function of the GI tract requires proper mucosal integrity and a balanced microbial ecosystem in the gut. In essence, “gut health” relies on “good bacteria”. Any compromise to the mucosal integrity and/or disturbances in the bacterial flora in the gut may give rise to what’s often considered “leaky gut syndrome” - the epitome of ama. Ultimately, the absorption of poorly digested food material [“ama”] along with toxins from the environment blocks the physiological channels at various levels and therefore undeniably becomes the root cause of disease.
Top 7 Foods For Healing Leaky Gut - By Dr. Josh Axe
The top 7 foods to get rid of leaky gut for good are:
1. Bone Broth
2. Kefir or fermented yogurt
3. Fermented vegetables
4. Coconut oil
5. Wild caught fish like Salmon
6. Flax seeds
7. Steamed vegetables or vegetables in the crockpot
[broccoli, cauliflower, celery carrots, cabbage or squash are all great]
Digestion - At Various Levels:
At The Level Of Gross Digestion
Poorly digested food in the GI tract creates a thick and slimy substance which then lines the walls of the bowels and impedes the absorption and assimilation of nutrients; i.e. malabsorption.
At The Level Of Cellular Digestion
Metabolic process of cellular digestion [i.e. oxidation] along with external impurities [“gara visha”; exogenous toxins] such as pesticides and pollution can create physiological by-products which are damaging to the cell. For example, free radicals [“ama visha”; reactive ama] and the accumulation of toxic metabolic by-products are known to be the cause of aging and disease and collectively may be referred to as “ama” from a cellular perspective.
Rasayana - Nature’s Greatest Antioxidant!!
According to Ayurveda, Amalaki is considered one of the most nourishing and rejuvenating herbs. Amalaki is a strong natural antioxidant containing high levels of vitamin C and acts as a powerful immune strengthener. Amalaki is one of the best sources of natural vitamin C and contains 20 times more vitamin C than an orange.
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Amrit Kalash: Full-spectrum antioxidant:
Traditional ayurvedic formula of 13 herbs that supports the health of mind, brain, and nerves; increases vitality and inner strength; powerful antioxidant — research shows it to be up to 1,000 times more effective than vitamins C and E.
At The Level Of Mental Digestion
Similarly, unprocessed thoughts, feelings, and emotions can also become “mental ama” which may then crystallize and manifest as stress in various physiological expressions; i.e. depression, hypertension, etc.
Stress Free Emotions
For natural resistance to emotional stress and fatigue; promotes emotional balance, positive feelings, and feelings of fulfillment.
Worry Free
Calms the mind and emotions; supports clarity of mind and deeper sleep; natural support for everyday stress and tension.
Blissful Joy
To help uplift the emotions; helps balance emotional ups and downs; alleviates sadness and feelings of frustration.
Management Of Ama
According to Ayurveda, the management of “ama” first begins with identifying the cause. Often the treatment of “ama” is simply adjusting to a proper diet and lifestyle suitable to one’s needs. For example, “ama pachana” - which is the ‘burning off’ of ama and can often be done by the use of certain spices and herbs - with supervision of a qualified Ayurvedic Professional.
Spice Selections To Improve Digestion
Ready-to-use spice mixtures satisfy the six ayurvedic tastes considered essential for balance.
"Prevention Is Better Than Cure."
Although simple, these principles if followed routinely are often enough to help improve digestion and overall health. It’s often the simple things that are most effective and oddly enough - most overlooked. That said, let’s quickly take a look at the basics.
Avoid the following common causes of “ama”
– 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
Trikatu – The Digestive Herbal Formula
Another great consideration is Trikatu - 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.
The Ultimate Detox - Panchakarma
The word “Panchakarma” comes from the classical Ayurvedic texts and literally means ‘five actions’. These five actions of panchakarma are a broad class of therapy used to help remove impurities [“ama”] from the body.
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.
The Ayurvedic Guide For The New Year - New Year’s Resolutions
The Ayurvedic Guide For The New Year
With the New Year slowly nearing and with the holiday season already upon us, many of us are reevaluating some of our own personal life choices. The New Year has always provided a perfect opportunity to look back at the past and more importantly, to look forward to the coming year. According to ancient teachings of Ayurveda, every aspect of our life contributes to our overall health and well-being. In essence, Ayurveda considers good health as being a state of balance. By obtaining this unique state of balance and well-being we can resolve nearly all the common New Year’s Resolutions.
Top New Year’s Resolutions
1. Eat Healthy
2. Lose Weight
3. Stress Less
4. Improve Relationships
New Year Message From Sadhguru - Come Alive
1. Eat Healthy
How you eat is as important as what you eat. Likewise, we have all heard the saying, “you are what you eat”. Though true, it would be more accurate to say, “you are what you digest, absorb, and assimilate”. According to Ayurveda, the key to understanding health and vitality is centered around how to optimize the function our digestive fire called “Agni”.
The Digestive Fire - “Agni”
It’s interesting that most digestive disorders begin with poor food combining. According to Ayurveda, poor food combinations may disturb the normal functioning of the digestive fire [“Agni”]. Therefore, Ayurveda considers eating according to one’s unique body type [i.e. dosha], according to the season, and following basic principles to optimize the function of the digestive flame, “Agni”.
Basic Principles For Optimal Digestion
Although simple, these principles if followed routinely, are often enough to help improve your digestion and overall health. Often it’s the simple things that are most effective and oddly enough - most 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 is at its peak
- Relax and enjoy your meals in a calm soothing environment
Herbal Supplements
Herbal di-gest supports improved digestion and balanced appetite; helps with gas, bloating, and discomfort. Similarly, Organic Digest Tone also supports the digestive system and elimination; assists body in absorbing nutrients; high-quality antioxidant; wide range of benefits.
Ginger is an extremely effective digestive herb. Drinking ginger tea or even consuming ginger pickle before a meal is a beneficial way to help kindle digestion. Before a meal take ½ tsp of chopped ginger with a pinch of salt and a few drops of lime juice. Finally, another effective digestive herb is Trikatu. This herb is equal parts of ginger, black pepper and pippali. Taking ½ tsp of this herb with a pinch of garlic powder and a pinch of rock salt before meals aids digestion.
2. Lose Weight
According to Ayurveda, excess weight is often due to increase kapha which may cause decreased metabolism and weaken agni. Weak agni leads to the condition whereby even very small amounts of food tend to cause weight gain. What happens in this case is that weak agni allows "ama" (impurities) to be created, which accumulates in fat tissue. The Ayurvedic solution is to balance agni, increase the metabolic rate and eliminate the ama. Exercise helps to burn ama and increases circulation and metabolism. Walking briskly 30 minutes a day, or other activities such as dancing, swimming, biking, hiking or weight training, are all recommended.
Following a diet that stimulates digestion and reduces Kapha by favoring astringent, bitter and pungent tastes and reducing salty, sweet and sour foods will also help balance agni. The spices found in Organic Kapha Churna Spice Mix can help to balance Kapha and weak agni. Be Trim Tea is an herbal infusion that supports a normal, balanced appetite. The Ayurvedic herbs and spices include Gymnema Sylvestre, Fennel Seed, Cinnamon and Cardamom, which help balance fat and sugar metabolism and curb snack cravings.
Quick Tip:
One teaspoon of honey with one cup of warm water taken first thing in the morning on an empty stomach helps to scrape excess adipose tissue.
Emotional Overeating
Eating when you are not hungry, or looking for something sweet to pacify an unpleasant mood, are signs of lack of a state of balance. Ayurvedic herbals can help. Stress Free Emotions and Stress Free Mind are two Ayurvedic products that help with both emotional and physical stresses. Worry Free tablets support a calm, relaxed mind and deeper sleep. Blissful Joy tablets help uplift the emotions.
The herbs in Rejuvenation for Men and Rejuvenation for Ladies can be taken by men and women respectively. Both of these formulas contain Shilajit. According to the US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health (NCBI), “Shilajit has been used as a rejuvenator and an adaptogen for thousands of years, in one form or another, as part of traditional systems of medicine in a number of countries. Many therapeutic properties have been ascribed to it, a number of which have been verified by modern scientific evaluation.”
3. Stress Less
The ancient science of Ayurveda explains three universal qualities; sattva [clarity], rajas [dynamism], and tamas [inertia]. Our mind is an expression of all three qualities, however, our overall tendencies often reflect the predominance of one of these three qualities. Likewise, according to ayurveda, a “sattvic” [pure] lifestyle is the best way to develop strength, clarity of the mind, good health and longevity. Sattvic qualities of the mind are considered to bring about clarity of the mind, understanding, and compassion. Sattvic foods are those foods which nourish the body and calm the mind. When both the body and mind are balanced only then can one truly appreciate joy and happiness without feeling stressed.
“Meditation is mind without agitation.”
– Narasimhan
Meditation & Yoga
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.
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
Herbal Supplements ...
1. Worry Free - calms the mind and emotions; supports clarity of mind and deeper sleep; natural support for everyday stress and tension.
2. Stress Free Emotions - helps provide a natural resistance to emotional stress and fatigue; promotes emotional balance, positive feelings, and feelings of fulfillment.
3. Blissful Joy - helps to uplift the emotions; helps balance emotional ups and downs; alleviates sadness and feelings of frustration.
“Love is oily, soft, and gentle.” – Dr. Vasant Lad
Stress Management 101
Charaka – the ancient scholar of Ayurveda states that if you really want to bring happiness and joy to a client, don’t try to discuss their problems but do an oil massage and all the problems will simply dissolve.
“Give yourself a full-body oil massage on a daily basis. It is nourishing; pacifies the doshas; relieves fatigue; provides stamina, pleasure and perfect sleep; enhances the complexion and the luster of skin; promotes longevity; and nourishes all parts of the body.”
– Ancient Wisdom Of Ayurveda
Organic Sesame Oil - Enhance immunity and experience a sense of well-being. Pure golden Sesame Oil is organic, extra-light, chemical-free and cold-pressed, allowing its chemical composition to penetrate the deeper layers of the skin.
4. Improve Relationships
Any type of relationship, whether it is between family members, friends, or even people we work with, it takes a lot of work to maintain and build upon. Therefore, three simple tips to help improve your relationships for the new year.
Know yourself. By becoming more aware of our own needs, wants, preferences, and limits, we risk using relationships as a source of our own validation; i.e. co-dependency. Often, as we develop greater inner awareness our outer relationships will naturally begin to flourish. Therefore, water the roots with inner awareness in order to enjoy the fruits of healthy and meaningful relationships.
Know others. Similarly, as we develop greater inner awareness [i.e. with meditation] we will naturally and spontaneously begin to be more observant to all things around us. This subtle act of observation will likely include observing the needs, wants, preferences, and limits of others; hence appreciation.
Love One Another. Living and letting others live implies letting others live as they choose insofar as that doesn't infringe upon the rights and dignity of others around them. Likewise, love and compassion implies giving of one’s love for others wholly without conditions; unconditional.
Nourishing Body, Mind, & Soul ...
Finally, many people find that by taking Amrit Kalash on a year-round basis, they don't fall prey to colds and flu any more. The formula is the cream of ayurvedic rasayanas, the special elixirs for health and longevity. It protects the body by strengthening immunity, removing toxins and producing more ojas, the substance in the body associated with immunity and bliss.
Amrit Kalash - Traditional ayurvedic formula of 13 herbs that supports the health of mind, brain, and nerves; increases vitality and inner strength; powerful antioxidant — research shows it to be up to 1,000 times more effective than vitamins C and E
Full-spectrum antioxidant: targets mind & nervous system
- 1000x more effective in eliminating free radicals (the root cause of aging) than vitamins C or E1
- powerful food for the brain
- significantly boosts immunity & vitality
- best taken with Amrit Nectar
- vata, pitta, kapha balancing (vpk®)
Happy New You!!
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.