Ayurveda Diet & Digestion

DIET & DIGESTION

The Ayurvedic regime of proper living is designed for maintenance of health, long active life, providing relief from diseases. To attain the above said benefits three pillars are described in text-
1.Diet
2.Sleep

3.Celibacy (Brahmcharya). 

If these are observed properly and body is supported well with three pillars it continues well endowed with strength, complexion and development and abstain individual from harmful diseases.

Diet plays an important role in life of all living beings. All living beings require good complexion, clarity in sense organs, good voice, longevity, creativity, happiness, contentment, nourishment, strength and intellect all of which depend on food.

DIET – Daily eating with intelligence acts as TREATMENT

Food taken in proper quantity certainly helps the individual in bringing strength, complexion, happiness and longevity without disturbing the equilibrium of Dhatus and Doshas of the body

Improper quantity of food is of two types-
1.Deficiet(Hina Matra)
2.Excessive (Adika Matra)

Food deficient (Hina Matra) in quantity will produce following symptoms-
a) Loss of strength, complexion
b) Impairment of longevity, virility and Ojas
c) Affliction of body, mind, intellect and senses
d) Causation of various diseases affecting  Doshas and Dhatus.

Excessive quantity (Adhik Matra) will aggravate all the three Doshas( that vitiate other Dhatus and Malas). Some of the symptoms that occur due to aggravated Doshas are as-
Vata – Colic pain, constipation, malaise, dryness of skin, giddiness, irregular Agni, pain       and stiffness in muscles and joints etc.
Pitta – fever, diarrhea, burning sensation, thirst, giddiness and delirium.
Kapha – vomiting, anorexia, indigestion, heaviness of the body etc.

Ideal Matra of Food

Whatever quantity of food taken gets digested in time without disturbing the normalcy should be regarded as measure of proper quantity.

Four categories of bodily fire

1.     Sama Agni (Balanced digestive Fire)

          The individual having equilibrium in three Doshas have Sama Agni and provides benefits of a long life,free from diseases.

2.     Visham Agni (Irregular Digestive Fire)

          Seat of fire having being subdued by Vata, fire becomes Irregular

3.     Tikshan Agni (Intense Digestive Fire)

          Seat of Agni is dominated by Pitta.

4.     Manda Agni(Mild,dwelling fire)

          Seat of fire is subdued by Kapha

Ayurvedic Diet

According to Ayurveda, diet along with sleep and lifestyle, is a fundamental pillar of good health and longevity. Diet is an important therapeutic modality of Maharishi Ayurveda. According to individual’s needs (based on imbalances of Doshas and Dhatus) diet is recommended. 

Guidelines for proper intake of food

To strengthen digestion some proper guidelines should be followed while having meals.

1.     Favor fresh food. Don’t eat leftovers.

2.     Eat only when hungry, and after previous meal is digested.

3.     Maintain regular meal times

4.     Food should be warm, well cooked, in proper quantity.

5.     Don’t divide your attentions by reading, working, or watching TV while you are eating. Savor your meals.

6.  Avoid cold or iced drinks as they decrease the digestive fire.
7.  Eat only until you are three quarters full (one portion of the space for solid food, one for liquids and one for Doshas).
8.  Take your time, chew slowly.
9.  Regular intake of boiled milk with ginger or cinnamon.
10. Wholesome diet promotes health, brings happiness and balances bodily humor. Incompatible diet like milk with salty meal, use of milk with citrus fruits    should not be taken.