Digestive Health Series: No.1 What is digestive health?

What is Digestive Health? is the first in our mini blog series where we will look at digestive health from an Ayurvedic perspective.

So first up, What is digestive health?

Digestive health is essentially connected to how we process food. This is an intricate process in the body from when we consume and taste the food, all the way down to how it breaks down in the digestive system to provide the good stuff (nutrients etc.!) needed for the body to function. The nutrients are then transported around the body and assimilated by the cells, tissues and organs within the body. The digestive system also helps to break down, transport and eliminate waste products.

The overall health of our digestion, is how effective each part of the digestive process is functioning.

What is the Ayurvedic perspective on digestive health?

In the Western world we tend to focus on digestive health as connected to how we process food, as mentioned above. From an Ayurvedic perspective, it is this, but digestion it is also seen from a wider viewpoint, how we digest life.

How lovely is that!

How we digest and process life, through the use of all of our senses (what we see, taste, feel, hear, smell), how we consume and process information, our experiences, and ultimately how we create wisdom.

Strong digestive health from an Ayurvedic perspective can show up as feeling well, regular elimination without feeling of blockages or lack of control in the body, feeling vital, light, excited for life!

What can I do right now to improve my digestive health?

Below are some easy tips on how to improve your overall digestive health:

When and how to eat:

Eat your biggest meal of the day at lunchtime when your digestive fire (or Agni) is at it’s highest.

Eat slowly with no distractions! I know it’s super hard sometimes in our fast paced lives, but even eating without screen distraction can help you focus on being present with your meal and listening to your body’s needs.

Sit for at least 10 minutes after your meal to allow the digestive process time.

Lifestyle:

Daily movement. Even a short walk after your 10 minutes rest post meal, will help aid the digestive process.

Daily Meditation. Allowing 10 minutes a day to meditate helps bring the body back towards it’s unique balance, including the digestive system.

Stay tuned for more mini blogs in the digestive health series!

If you are feeling there are concerns with your digestive health, contacting an Ayurvedic Practitioner (such as myself!) can help address these and provide bespoke treatment plans for you.

Email Cat at info@soulblossom.uk for more details.