No one likes to feel bloated – it’s uncomfortable and can sometimes be painful. A bloated gut is linked to the food we are eating. So take a deeper look into how food affects you internally. It is very enlightening for those who suffer from bloating. In
Ayurveda, the digestive fire is called Agni and is one of the core factors to Ayurveda. People say we are as old as our Agni. And when we extinguish our internal fire, we die. Maintaining a healthy Agni is vital for a healthy life and you can do this by simply eating the right foods.
People talk about good and bad gut bacteria a lot.Knowing which foods support the good or bad bacteria is a bit confusing and overwhelming. Every piece of food that we consume is an offering to our Agni. So what we choose to eat can either be a sacred intention or can be made mindlessly.
Support your Agni by...
... Eating foods that are light, simple and easily digestible. Fibre is a crucial part of a healthy diet and fibre feeds the good bacteria in our gut. Find fibre in fruit and vegetables. Eating a plant based diet will soothe and enhance your digestive fire.
... Adding digestive spices into your cooking. Turmeric for example is highly anti-inflammatory which will support a healthy liver and avoid bloating. Similarly, using black pepper in cooking will stimulate blood flow to the stomach and therefore increasing Agni.
... taking Triphala supplements daily. This Ayurvedic supplement contains a number of anti-inflammatory properties that promote longevity and disease prevention. Triphala is also a natural laxative so enhances the digestive system and promotes regular bowel movements.
... allowing your Agni enough time to digest the previous meal. Ayurveda teaches that fasting is important to prevent overloading our digestive system with food. We should eat when our body naturally becomes hungry rather than grazing throughout the day through boredom or stress.
A Strong Agni is a Strong You
When your Agni is strong, you will feel energized and have mental clarity. Paired with a healthy and strong appetite, regular elimination of the bowels will also occur. When Agni is balanced, the body will have a strong immune system and general all round good health. Our sleep patterns will also be stable which will also help promote a love for life and optimistic attitude.
Is your Agni balanced?
