Ayurvedic Remedy For Digestive Disorders

Charaka Samhita, an early text on Ayurveda, says “The body is the outcome of food. Even so, disease is the outcome of food. The distinction between ease and disease arises on account of wholesome nutrition or the lack of it respectively.”

Ayurveda recognizes poor digestion as the main cause of several diseases like bloating and gas. An impaired digestion doesn’t allow the appropriate absorption of nutrients in the body and thus hinder nourishment.

Ayurveda therefore emphasizes on both, the quality of food intake and the right functioning of digestive system. Here are the four types of digestion as recognized by Ayurveda. 

Four Types of Digestion

1. Irregular Digestion- Irregular Digestion is common in Vata types and is characterized by variable hunger, bloating, indigestion, intestinal cramps, constipation, dry stools, gurgling and gas. 

Remedy: Spices with carminative, warming and relaxing action can be beneficial for people suffering from irregular digestion. A special Ayurvedic preparation Asafoetida Plus, a blend of asafoetida, fennel, cumin, nigella seed, ginger, black pepper consumed half an hour before the meals, is a good remedy. 

2. Intense Digestion- Intense Digestion is common in Pitta types and has symptoms such as intense huger, parched mouth, dry throat, loose stool and a burning sensation in intestines. 
 

Remedy: Herbs that neutralize acidity in stomach may be good for people with intense digestion. A blend of Amla and Peppermint is a suggesitve remedy. 

3. Weak Digestion- Weak Digestion is common in Kapha types and is characterized by weak hunger, slow digestion, heaviness after meals, slow-moving bowels, bulky stool and sensation of cold. 
 

Remedy: Stimulating spices are good for people with weak digestion. Trikatu, a blend of ginger, black pepper and long pepper is a fine remedy.

4. Balanced Digestion- Balance Digestion, as the name suggests, is characterized by balanced hunger and digestion. Triphala, the considered a good digestive regulator in Ayurveda to maintain balanced digestion.

Common Ayurvedic tips for Digestive Problems

• Meal should be started with chutney of ginger, lime and a pinch of rock salt, where appropriate.
• Eat freshly cooked, warm food.
• Processed, cold-refrigerated and stale should be avoided.
• Food should be properly chewed in the mouth.
• Sip warm water with each meal.
• Say no to ice water for healthy digestion.
• Eat in a peaceful environment. 
• Eat sitting down and not standing up. 
• Use wholesome foods and yoga, meditation for perfect digestion.