Digestive problems like indigestion, acid reflux and bloating have become very common these days. While having an occasional episode of digestive issue is harmless, taking medications every day is not. It does not only make you feel terrible but it also affects your health in so many ways. 7/10 people these days struggle with some sort of digestive issue. If you’re one of those and popping an antacid or digestive pill every other day, then this blog is for you.
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Ayurveda emphasis on the importance of a strong digestive system for overall health and preventing disease. While taking an antacid of a digestive pill gives relief and is an easy solution, they have several long-term side effects. Switching to Ayurveda and treating the root cause of these problems is a better choice which you might not realize today.
DIGESTION & AYURVEDA
Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine is the holistic system of healing. It focuses on treating the underlying cause of the illness instead of treating the symptoms alone.
As per Ayurveda, the digestive system is governed by Agni (fire or digestive power), which is essentially the root of all metabolic functions. A balanced Agni is crucial for proper digestion, assimilation and elimination of food. The main digestive issues are Indigestion, Acid Reflux and Bloating.
UNDERSTANDING INDIGESTION, ACID REFLUX AND BLOATING
INDIGESTION (AJEERNA)
Indigestion is often neglected as an issue that is very common these days. This is mainly a condition where the stomach has difficulty in digesting the food consumed leaving to discomfort, nausea and a heavy feeling post meal. Continuous indigestion can also lead to heart burns, fatty liver or to stomach ulcers.
The main causes of Indigestion include over-eating, smoking, eating oily and spicy foods, drinking alcohol, stress, fatigue or consuming excessive caffeine.
ACID REFLUX (GERD- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) or AMLAPITTA
Acid Reflux is a condition where the stomach acid flows back into the esophagus. These acids are chemicals developed by the stomach to easily break down the food and when they can’t be released from the body properly, they damage the walls of the stomach.
Main causes of acid reflux include eating oily and spicy food, obesity, eating heavy meals before bed, anxiety, smoking, or other conditions like weak lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a stomach ulcer or hiatus hernia.
BLOATING
Bloating is a sensation of tightness in the abdomen. It occurs when the fluids, gas or particles accumulate in a section of the stomach or when the when the digestive system works slowly.
This usually happens because of eating excessive salty food, consuming fizzy drinks, swallowing air while eating, stress, or poor gut health.
AYURVEDIC REMEDY OF ACID REFLUX, INDIGESTION AND BLOATING AS PER THE AYURVEDA
Ayurveda offers solutions that tested over time and help relive these symptoms by fixing the root cause of the problem. This will only reduce these embarrassing and uncomfortable situations but also help strengthen the digestive system, balance the gut bacteria and detoxify the digestive system.
Trikatu Powder
This is made by three spices available in your kitchen.
- Sonth (Dry Ginger Powder)
- Kali Mirch (Black pepper Powder)
- Pippali (Long Pepper Powder)
- Mix equal proportions of Sonth, Kali Mirch and Pippali powder and your Trikatu powder is ready.
- Store this in an airtight or glass jar.
- Take one spoon of this Trikatu powder and mix it in warm water.
- Consume this water before having any meal.
HOW THIS HELPS?
Trikatu Powder is one of most effective powder to manage digestive problems. It enhances the gut movement, helping the food easily get out of the body and prevents bloating. It also reduces the excessive mucus present in the stomach, helping in breaking up the food more efficiently and speeding up the digestion process.
Pippali enhances the nutrient absorption from the food.
Sonth and Kali Mirch reduce the gas formation.
Black pepper also helps get rid of the bad or harmful bacteria present I the stomach.
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Saunf and Dhaage Wali Mishri
You only need these two ingredients easily available in your kitchen
- SAUNF (Fennel Seeds)
- Dhaage wali Mishri (String Candy)
- Take one tablespoon of Saunf (Fennel Seeds) and a small piece of Dhaage wali Mishri (String Candy) after meal.
- Chew this mixture slowly and avoid having water for the next few minutes.
HOW THIS HELPS?
Saunf is alkaline in nature and helps neutralize the excess acid produced by the stomach. It contains a natural compound anethole which relaxes the stomach muscles and reduces the formation of gas.
Mishri on the other hand helps cool down the stomach lining reducing the burning sensation and acid reflux.
Saunf and Mishri both helps in better consumption of food by increasing the production of digestive juices and naturally boosts immunity.
THINGS TO REMEMBER
- Walk for at least 5 mins post every meal. This
- Avoid eating oily, spicy and processed food on a regular basis.
- Establish a proper eating schedule. Do not skip meals and take a balanced diet.
- Always have dinner 3 hours before bedtime. This helps in better consumption of food and gives body time to process it before going to bed.
- Include light exercises or yoga in your daily routine.
- Drink plenty of water (1-2 liters) to flush off the toxins from the body.
- Chew your food thoroughly.
