Natural Methods To Boost Your Digestive Health

When your digestive system is healthy, your whole body benefits. Because when our digestive system is healthy, we have more stamina, ease, & harmony in our lives. However, many people suffer from minor annoyances like constipation & dyspepsia to more severe conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). 

Did you know how to improve digestion system? In this article, let's talk about the process of digestion with the digestion problem solution & how to improve digestion naturally at home.

The Process Of Digestion

What is the role of saliva in digestion of food? The initial steps of the digestive process of food for digestion & saliva role in the digestive system involve:

  1. Saliva Production: When you mastic, glands in your mouth & pharynx produce saliva. Saliva aids digestion by moistening the mouth, helping food breakdown, & protecting the teeth & gums. There are three pairs of significant salivary glands- parotid, submandibular, sublingual, & smaller clusters of salivary glands in the upper digestive tract & esophagus.
  2. Enzymes in Saliva: Saliva contains enzymes that aid food digestion. The enzyme amylase helps metabolize starches (complex carbohydrates) by converting them to sugars. Another enzyme that aids in fat digestion is known as lingual lipase.
  3. Dry Mouth: Xerostomia, or dry mouth, occurs when saliva production is low. It can complicate digesting & ingesting. Stress, dehydration, certain medications, & underlying conditions such as diabetes or Sjogren syndrome can all contribute to dry mouth. Dry mouth sensations may be alleviated by drinking lots of water & taking sips while eating.
  4. Tasting Food: As saliva decomposes food, the taste receptors on the tongue & roof of the mouth detect the flavors. These gustatory cells transmit flavor signals to the brain, allowing us to perceive the five basic tastes: bitter, bitter, sweet, & savory. Other senses, such as smell & touch (sensation), also contribute to the overall sensory experience of food.
  5. Role of Teeth: Teeth break food into smaller pieces to simplify swallowing & digestion. The front teeth, called incisors, help cut & gnaw food, while the back teeth, called molars, grind & chew it. Good oral hygiene, including a balanced diet & frequent dentist visits, keeps teeth healthy.
  6. Swallowing & the Esophagus: Once you have chewed & swallowed your food, it goes into the esophagus, a tube connecting the throat to the stomach. Peristalsis, or the muscular contractions along the esophagus, propels food toward the stomach. This procedure permits food for digestion to pass through the digestive system for further digestion & absorption of nutrients.

Ayurveda View on the Digestive System 

According to Ayurveda, digestion is the basis of health & well-being. Ayurvedic texts emphasize the significance of correct metabolism for maintaining balance & preventing disease. 

Agnimandya (or digestion) is the basis of good health in Ayurveda, whereas Agnimandya (or poor digestion) is considered to be the source of many health problems.

Weak agni (digestive fire), an unhealthy diet, bad lifestyle choices, stress, & imbalances in the doshas (Vata, Pitta, & Kapha) are all potential causes of poor digestion. When metabolism is impaired, toxins (ama) begin to accumulate in the body. Ama is considered a sticky, undigested waste product that restricts the body's proper functioning & disrupts the natural balance of the doshas.

How To Improve Digestion

Some basic Ayurvedic & modern principles & practices for promoting healthy digestion naturally at home, such as:

Dietary Habits For Digestion Problem 

Food for gut health

  • Eating Based on Your Dosha:

Ayurveda emphasizes the uniqueness of each individual's dosha (Vata, Pitta, Kapha). There are specific dietary recommendations (good digestion food) for each dosha that promote optimal digestion. For example, Vata types thrive on warm, nourishing, & sustaining foods, Pitta types thrive on calming & comforting foods, & Kapha types thrive on light & warming foods.

  • Mindful Eating:

Ayurveda emphasizes the significance of eating mindfully for digestion improvement. This involves eating in a calm & relaxed environment, thoroughly digesting food, & savoring every mouthful. Mindful eating stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, thereby promoting optimal digestion.

  • Avoiding Food Incompatibilities:

Following the proper food pairings can aid in preventing digestive issues & maximizing nutrient absorption. The significance of appropriate dietary pairing for optimal digestion improvement must be considered. Different forms of food have varying digestion periods & require a variety of digestive enzymes. Combining incompatible foods can cause discomfort & the formation of toxins. For example, avoid combining fruits with dairy, proteins & milk with sour or acidic food.

  • Herbal Aid: 

Serval herbs & spices stimulate agni, facilitate digestion, & alleviate digestive discomfort. For example:

  1. Ajwain seeds (Trachyspermum ammi) aid in gas & stomach pain. They are often used in cooking & can be chewed or brewed into tea.
  2. Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) is often used as a tea or culinary spice. It aids digestion & can alleviate symptoms such as bloating & flatulence.
  3. Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) has anti-inflammatory properties & can alleviate gastritis, GERD, & acid reflux symptoms. It can be used as a culinary spice or tea for digestion improvement.
  4. Cumin seeds (Cuminum cyminum) are widely used in Ayurvedic food for their digestive properties. They assist in stimulating the production of digestive enzymes, enhancing nutrient absorption, & decreasing congestion.
  5. Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) has carminative properties & can help relieve bloating & gas. They are frequently consumed after meals or brewed into tea for their digestive properties.
  6. Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is well-known for its digestive properties & its ability to stimulate digestion, reduce inflammation, & alleviate symptoms such as congestion & diarrhea.
  7. Harad, also known as hartaki (Terminalia chebula), is an Ayurvedic herb included in triphla churana & has been linked to various health benefits. This herb is renowned for its ability to enhance immunity, promote healthy digestion, & relieve constipation.
  8. Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) has anti-inflammatory properties & can reduce inflammation in the digestive tract. It is essential to use licorice with caution & under the supervision of a medical professional because it may interact with certain medications.
  9. Peppermint (Mentha piperita) has calming properties & can help soothe the muscles of the digestive tract, thereby minimizing spasms & promoting simpler digestion.
  10. Trikatu is a blend of three herbs: ginger, black pepper, & long pepper. It is well-known for its digestive & metabolism-enhancing properties & can aid in the digestion & absorption of nutrients.
  11. Triphala is a traditional Ayurvedic herb blend made from three fruits: Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica), & Haritaki (Terminalia chebula). It is often used to facilitate digestion & control bowel motions because of its purifying & detoxifying properties.

Although these herbs & spices have been used for centuries to aid digestion in Ayurveda, it is important to check with your doctor or an Ayurvedic practitioner before adding them to your diet, especially if you have another medical condition or are taking medication.

  • Food for Digestion:

Some good digestion food nutrients can facilitate digestion. These include fiber-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, & whole grains, which aid in the movement of stool through the digestive system. Probiotic foods such as yogurt & fermented foods can aid digestion by promoting a healthy intestinal microbiome. Regular consumption of these foods can result in significant digestive improvement.

  • Juices for Digestion:

Certain juices can aid in digestion improvement. Juices for digestion, for example, pineapple juice, contain the enzyme bromelain, which aids in the breakdown of proteins. Aloe vera juice can similarly comfort the digestive tract & alleviate constipation. Regular consumption of these beverages can enhance digestion.

  • Avoid Trigger Foods:

Certain foods such as processed foods, seasonings, sautéed foods, acidic foods (such as vinegar & citrus fruits), sweeteners (such as fructose), alcoholic beverages, & caffeine can cause digestive system irritation & discomfort. Reducing the consumption of these foods can improve digestion & alleviate symptoms.

Solve your Digestion Problem with Lifestyle Practices:

Lifestyle practices for gut health

  • Pranayama (Breathing Exercises) & Yoga For Digestion: 

Pranayama & Yoga is an effective means of enhancing digestion. Certain pranayama, such as Suryabhedan Pranayama Bhastrika Pranayama with Kumbhak (practice involving breath retention), for 10 minutes.

Certain yoga poses, including the seated forward, bend & wind-relieving pose, can stimulate & improve the function of the digestive organs. Regular yoga practice can significantly benefit digestive health.

  • Regular Detoxification:

Ayurveda suggests periodic detoxification to eliminate accumulated impurities (ama). This can be accomplished through practices such as Panchakarma, which includes therapies such as oil massage, herbal steam, & cleaning procedures to eliminate impurities from the body & revitalize the system.

  • Regular Physical Activity:

Regular physical activity improves not only overall health but also digestion. Physical activity assists in stimulating the muscles of the digestive tract, thereby facilitating the transportation of food through the system. This can alleviate common digestive problems such as gas & constipation.

  • A State Of Rest:

Digestion may be positively affected by using relaxation methods and lowering stress levels. When we are under stress, our body initiates a "fight or flight" response, which can cause digestion to slow down. Engaging in activities promoting peace of mind, such as deep breathing or meditation, can activate the "rest & digest" response, allowing for optimal digestion.

  • Keeping a Diet Log:

Keeping a food journal can help prevent digestive issues. You can identify potential trigger foods by keeping track of your meals, munchies, & beverages, as well as any subsequent digestive issues. Eliminating these items & watching for changes by consuming good digestion food will help you make better meal choices.

  • Other Home Remedies for Poor Digestion:

There is several home remedies digestion problem solution that can help improve digestion. Some examples include starting the day with a glass of warm water & a slice of lemon, sipping ginger tea, & taking herbs like harad & approved herbal supplements. Gentle belly massages may also move trapped gas through the digestive system.

Here's Your Answer For Healthy Digestion: Namhya Haritaki Or Harad

Harad powder

Feel the positive effects of Harad, an Ayurvedic herb that is a key ingredient in triphla churana. Namhya Harad Powder is an herbal remedy designed to improve digestion, strengthen the immune system, & ease constipation. Its high vitamin C concentration also helps maintain healthy skin & hair. 

With Namhya Harad Powder, say goodbye to indigestion & constipation by following your doctor's instructions, or take half a teaspoon of Harad powder after dinner with a glass of water.

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Author

Ridhima Arora

Ridhima Arora is an Indian entrepreneur, author, trained yoga instructor, and practicing nutritionist. She is the founder of Namhya Foods.Besides being the founder of Namhya foods, Ridhima also gives nutrition coaching in seminars to kids, NGOs, and corporates. She also works as a freelancer at Global Changemakers.