Maintaining a healthy digestive system and a robust metabolism is a daunting task, especially with today’s lifestyle and environment. Everything is filled with chemicals harming our bodies, from the food we eat to the air we breathe. With all the fast food, and processed food items, achieving and sustaining digestive health naturally is impossible.

Ayurveda emphasizes balance and harmony within the body and offers a variety of time-tested practices and remedies to enhance digestion and metabolism. We can integrate Ayurvedic practices into our daily lives and experience improved energy levels, better nutrient absorption, and overall wellness. 

Let’s explore five excellent Ayurvedic ways to boost digestive health and metabolic function and top Ayurvedic supplements that help achieve a balanced and vibrant life.

What is Metabolism?

Metabolism is the complex biochemical processes that occur within the body that are vital for our body to work. In layman’s terms, it is the process of converting food and drink into energy and building blocks for growth and repair. Two types of Metabolism are 

Catabolism: The breakdown of carbohydrates, protein, fats, etc to provide energy to the body.

Anabolism: The part of metabolism in which our body or cells get repaired. 

A well-functioning metabolism is essential for the conversion of food into energy to run everyday body functions, breaking down food into essential proteins and lipids for cellular growth and elimination of waste from the body.  Every chemical process in our body, including digestion is part of Metabolism.

What is Digestion?

Digestion is the process in which the body breaks down food into smaller components, such as nutrients and energy, that can be absorbed and utilized by the body. This process involves both mechanical and chemical actions that occur in our body step-by-step. The three main stages of digestion:

Mechanical and Chemical Digestion: the food breaks down in the stomach by muscular contractions, and gastric juices, containing hydrochloric acid and the enzyme pepsin. This way the food is broken down into a semi-liquid state with mechanical and chemical digestion. 

Absorption: the small intestine is the part of our anatomy where the majority of digestion and absorption occurs. Digestive enzymes from the pancreas and bile from the liver aid in breaking down carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. The lining of the small intestine absorbs nutrients into the bloodstream.

Elimination– Any remaining indigestible food matter moves into the large intestine. Water and electrolytes are absorbed, and the remaining material is excreted.

Interrelation of Metabolism and Digestion in Ayurveda

In Ayurveda, metabolism and digestion are interrelated and governed by Agni (digestive fire). Agni is considered as a vital element of health and well-being, playing a crucial role in the digestion, absorption, assimilation, and transformation of food into energy and nutrients. 

When Agni is balanced, it ensures proper digestion, leading to the formation of healthy tissues and the elimination of toxins. Imbalanced Agni results in the accumulation of Ama, or toxic undigested matter, which can lead to various diseases.

As per Ayurveda, Digestive fire or Agni is divided into 3 types, each associated with a different aspect of digestion and metabolism. 

• Jatharagni, or the primary digestive fire, resides in the stomach and intestines. It helps in breaking down food into absorbable nutrients. 
• Bhutagni and Dhatwagni represent the metabolic fires that act on the elemental and tissue levels, transforming nutrients into the body’s elements and tissues. 

The efficiency of metabolism in the human body is a direct extension of the state of our digestive system. If the Agni in our digestive system is balanced and functioning efficiently, our metabolism remains excellent and ensures optimal health and vitality.

5 Ways to Improve Digestion and Metabolism According to Ayurveda

1. Eat According to Your Dosha: Ayurveda always emphasizes balancing the three body doshas and eating accordingly. 
   • Vata body types should eat more warm, moist, and grounding foods like cooked grains, root vegetables, and soups.
   • Pitta body types benefit from cooling, hydrating foods such as salads, fruits, and dairy products.
   • Kapha body types should eat light, dry, and warm foods like steamed vegetables, legumes, and spices. 
2. Incorporate Digestive Spices: Spices play a vital role in nutrition and digestion and help stimulate the digestive fires. Common spices that help with better metabolism and digestion as per Ayurveda are Ginger, Cumin, coriander, fennel seeds, Turmeric, cinnamon, etc. They have many excellent properties that aid in detoxifying the body and improve digestion.
3. Practice Mindful Eating: Ayurveda recommends being fully present during meals to improve digestion. Eat in a calm environment, free from distractions like television or smartphones. Chew your food thoroughly to ensure proper breakdown and assimilation of nutrients, maintain a routine, and avoid overeating or eating too late at night.
4. Stay Hydrated with Warm Water: Drinking warm water throughout the day helps to maintain Agni and flush out toxins. Start your day with a glass of warm water or room temperature water to kickstart your metabolism. Avoid ice-cold drinks, especially during meals, as they can dampen digestive fire.
5. Establish a Daily Routine (Dinacharya): Be consistent in daily activities, engage in physical exercise, Practice yoga and pranayama (breathing exercises) to enhance circulation and support digestion. 

By incorporating these Ayurvedic practices into your daily routine, you can significantly improve your digestion, and metabolism and improve overall health and well-being.

Top Ayurvedic supplements that aid Digestion and Metabolism

Here are some of the most effective Ayurvedic medicines that have helped in improving the digestive system.

Kerala Ayurveda Indukantha Ghritham Capsule: This ayurvedic capsule is useful in treating various health issues associated with the digestive system. It also acts as an antipyretic, anti-ulcerogenic, and immunomodulator and helps reduce the bloating and flatulence effects on the body.

Dhootapapeshwar Praval Panchamrut With Mouktik: This ayurvedic medicine is beneficial for individuals with digestion issues. It helps strengthen digestion and reduces heartburn, excessive thirst, and belching issues.

Kerala Ayurveda Alsactil Tablet: This herbal formulation helps with hyperacidity, ulcer related issues and cures common signs of an unhealthy digestive system including frequent bloating, regurgitation, or indigestion issues. 

Maharishi Amlant Tablet: It is one of the most effective ayurvedic medicines for treating digestive issues. This tablet helps in balancing the stomach acid naturally and balances digestive fires for a healthy digestive system.  

Planet Ayurveda Heart Burn Capsules- It helps overcome conditions of indigestion, acidity, sourness, and burning sensation in the stomach. It helps to provide relief from the fullness of the abdomen, accumulation of gas, chronic pain in the stomach, constipation, diarrhea, and other gastric ailments.

Conclusion

As per Ayurveda, digestion and metabolism are strongly interconnected and our choices directly impact the other. By nurturing and balancing Agni through dietary choices, lifestyle practices, and top Ayurvedic supplements, you can achieve optimal digestion and metabolic function. Apply these Ayurvedic principles for enhanced health, vitality, and longevity.

Ayurveda Megastore is the top online store to buy the top Ayurveda supplements to improve digestion and metabolism. Visit www.ayurvedamegastroe.com to learn more about Ayurveda, and its benefits and to buy the best Ayurveda products online.