Ads

Introduction:
Digestion is the most important function of the body.

If digestion is proper the body's immune system is strong and hence there are no ailments.

In case of improper digestion the body may eventually suffer from problems like malnutrition and toxins.

Intestines are very much like brain. There are around half the number of neuro transmitters in the intestines. Some thinking experts call intestines half brain.

Digestion and the gut is complex
It is as complex as like the brain.

Digestion factors

There are various factors that lead to good digestion. Some of them are:

• Balanced bile production: bile and acids that are produced in the stomach, break the food that we eat. They are the most important part of the digestion process. It helps to break the food down so that the body can consume it. When we eat food the body produces acids in the stomach. We feel hungry because of this acid. It is hence important that we must not fast for long times as this may cause ulcers of the stomach.
• Eating food on time a set routine of eating food is important, as the body tries to manage the production of bile and acids according to the routine. If the body is producing the acid at certain time and you don't eat food at that time a disbalance would occur. Similarly if you eat food at a time when
• Eating a little less than your capacity: Always eat a little less than your capacity. By doing this body will be easily able to break down the food for consumption. This will also normalize the flow of bile and acids. If you over eat, the body will start producing more bile and that will result into more hunger and a habit of over eating. This is the primary reason of abnormal weight.
• Eating small meals frequently rather than one big meal at a time The benefit of eating 6 small meals through out the day is not hidden anymore. Nutritionists, body builders and doctors suggest it to people who are weak. But it is good for healthy and strong people to follow this practice as it will help in maintaining their health and digestive tract.
• Not having enough salt in your food Salt is the most important ingredient in the food. Salt and sugar help in digestion as they stimulate the saliva glands to produce saliva. Saliva helps in proper digestion.
• If the food is not tasty, it may impact digestion According to Ayurveda food that is not cooked properly or which is cooked by sinful/angry/sad people is not beneficial. One must eat food that is cooked properly by a chaste human. Food must be chewed properly in the mouth as it helps in proper breakdown of the food and saliva in the mouth.
• A food that is balanced with nutrients and tasty (rasas) is easier to digest. Always eat a balanced diet. Food that contain saturated fats and protein is heavy.

Heavy and light foods

Heavy foods
Foods that take time to digest are heavy foods. One must not eat too much of heavy foods. Meat, eggs, oils usually come under this category.

People who do hard work and physical labor can eat more heavy food as compared to people living a sedentary lifestyle.

Light foods
Light foods are the foods that are digested easily.
They should be eaten in optimum quantities. It is always better to stop before you feel full. You must also drink little water before eating and during you eat.

Sleep and digestion

• You must not sleep during the day if you are over weight.
• You must take a nap after you eat the food but it should not be more than 15 minutes.
• Do not engage into physical activity for at least 1 hour after eating food.
• It is best exercise before you eat food.
• Sleeping early helps in digestion. People who wake up late in the nights have imbalanced bile and stomach acid production.
• Eat your dinner at least 3 hours before you sleep.
• Do not eat heavy meals before you go to bed.

Drinking water before or after eating food

It is a common saying in India:

A man who drinks water after eating food is Rogi (patient). A man who drinks water during eating food is bhogi (who enjoys the food) . The man who drinks water before eating food is Yogi.

It is the yogi who enjoys good health!

Why should you not drink water after eating food

Water reduce the digestive fire or the acids and oils in the stomach. The food is not properly broken down because of this and lead to indigestion. Indigested food is source of toxins or the ama. Ama leads to diseases of the mind and the body.

Alternative Natural cure

• Sucking jaggery after eating your meals helps in the digestion process. It is one good remedy for acidity.
• Include fibre rich foods in the diet. Green vegetables is one of the best source of vitamins and have lot of fiber. They are really good for health and can aid digestion.
• Do not drink cold water or ice cream eating too cold or chilled stuff is never good for health as it decreases the digestive fire. Avoid them.
• Triphala is a good herbal remedy for constipation. Take very little amounts according to our triphala guide.

References and External links

Digestion basics

bottom include

include site notifications

Welcome to treatmentGuru a wiki for sharing natural treatment and simple home remedies for common ailments. You can find information about root causes and symptoms of diseases and find cure with herbs and yoga.

Comments