How To Manage Gut Health Through Ayurveda

Gut Health

The gut (gastrointestinal tract) is the long tube that starts at the mouth and ends at the anus. The main function of the gut is to take in food, digest it, absorb nutrients, and expel the remaining waste through the back passage or anus. Gut health is one of the most prominent topics in this modern era due to our busy life. Nowadays we are forced to change our diet and lifestyle modifications compared with the old generation. Now, we like to live in the fast-food era. This trend leads to a lot of health problems in our daily life. Proper gut health is very important for the proper functioning of the digestive system. It not only improves our digestive system but also helps to maintain mental health. So we must give more concentration on hut health for the proper management of the entire body.

According to Ayurveda, Digestion and gut health are interrelated. Good gut health helps the functioning of the digestive system smoothly and easily. As per the Ayurvedic point of view, for better digestion and to balance your gut health, it is important to balance your 'Agni'. Agni or digestive fire is responsible for all digestive and metabolic processes taking place in the human body. So, if you want to improve your digestive health, take care of your Agni.

Gut health describes the function and balance of bacteria in the many parts of the gastrointestinal tract. All food is ultimately broken down in the gut to a simple form that can enter the bloodstream and be delivered as nutrients throughout our bodies. This is only possible with a healthy digestive system. A healthy gut contains healthy bacteria and immune cells that ward off infectious agents like bacteria, viruses, and fungi. A healthy gut also communicates with the brain through nerves and hormones, which helps maintain general health and well-being. That is why the gut is considered the second brain.

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Signs Of Poor Gut Health

Most people are experiencing digestive problems in their life. This leads to a lot of gut health problems. They are as follow:

• Constipation.
• Heartburn.
• Nausea or Vomiting.
• Weight Loss without a Good Reason.
• Blood in the Stool.
• Black Stool (A Sign of Bleeding in the Gut).
• Fever.
• Severe Stomach aches.
• Trouble swallowing food.
• Pain in the throat or chest when food is swallowed.

Ayurvedic Methods To Clean Gut

According to Ayurveda ama, or toxic accumulation is the main reason for the creation of diseases. When our digestive fire is strong, we are able to effectively break down the food we eat, absorb nutrients, and eliminate toxins. If Agni is weak, it can lead to a buildup of ama. So to remove toxins from our body it is important to detoxify our body. The Ayurvedic Detoxification to clean our gut health is:

• Virechana

  Toxins and vitiated doshas are eliminated through the rectum during Virechana detoxification therapy. Powders, pastes, or heated medicinal plants are used to cleanse the body.

• Vamana

  It is a procedure in which Doshas (waste products or toxins) are expelled out of the body through the oral route. This vomiting or purging is done through herbal medicinal treatment.

• Basti

  It is the massage, as well as enemas using warm oils. Basti is beneficial for overall detoxification and cleansing and helps with gastrointestinal diseases; chronic constipation; common cold, etc.

• Rakta moksha

  It is detoxification of the blood, also known as bloodletting.

The Ayurvedic methods to clean the gut are Virechana, Vamana, Basti, and Rakta moksha.

Types Of Food For Gut Health

Diet and gut health are very closely linked. To maintain a healthy diet it is important to avoid processed foods, high-fat foods, and foods high in refined sugars because these foods destroy good bacteria and promote the growth of damaging bacteria. Some of the food items that promote the growth of beneficial bacteria, contributing to your overall health are:

• High-fiber foods

  High-fiber foods such as legumes, beans, peas, oats, bananas, berries, asparagus, and leeks have shown a positive impact on gut health.

• Garlic and onion

  These two food items contain some anti-cancer and immune system-enhancing properties that help the primary functions of the gut. .

• Fermented foods

  Fermented foods such as kimchi, sauerkraut, yogurt, tempeh, miso, and kefir are dietary sources of probiotics. These help the formation of the gut microbiome.

• Collagen-boosting foods

  Collagen-rich foods such as bone broth and salmon may be beneficial to overall health and gut health. Also include foods like mushrooms, good dairy, or certain meats.

To maintain a healthy gut it is important to follow a good diet. The food items that are helpful for the proper functioning of gut health are High-fiber foods, Garlic and onion, Fermented foods, Collagen-boosting foods, etc.

Ayurvedic Tips To Improve Gut Health

Here are a few suggestions to follow, according to Ayurveda:

• Include spices like turmeric, cumin, fennel seeds, coriander, and hing (asafetida) in your diet.
• Drink ginger or cumin tea once a day.
• Avoid ice-cold drinks or food.
• Don't drink ice water as it slows Agni and digestion.
• Don't snack, if not hungry.
• Eat at a regular time. .
• Eat warm meals.
• Eat in a calm and comfortable place. Sit down when you eat and avoid the use of a phone, laptop, and watching TV while eating.
• Don’t eat fast. Don’t just swallow your food; chew the food properly because chewing is an essential step of digestion.
• Increase your intake of green vegetables and avoid spicy and oily foods.
• Sleep for 7-8 hours at night.
• Do not indulge in emotional eating.
• Stay physically active by doing regular exercises.
• Drink plenty of water daily.

Ayurvedic Herbs For Healthy Gut

The Ayurvedic Herbs that are very beneficial for a healthy gut are:

• Triphala

  Triphala is the best herb for leaky gut. Triphala is an herbal blend of three plants: amla (Indian gooseberry), Bibhitaki, and Haritaki. Triphala contains mild laxatives, important nutrients, and antioxidants. It can remove gastrointestinal problems such as bloating, constipation, and abdominal pain. Triphala is also useful to heal the epithelial lining in the gut, to keep the gut from becoming leaky, and to improve absorption of nutrients.

• Licorice root

  Licorice root is used to help with irritation by providing a protective cover over the membrane lining, and to help decrease inflammation. Licorice root contains plant compounds that can alleviate stomach discomfort. .

• Slippery elm

  Slippery elm is used for healing the mucous membranes in the gut. It has been shown to improve bowel movements in patients with irritable bowel syndrome, treat heartburn, and provide an antioxidant effect in inflammatory bowel conditions. .

• Ginger

  Ginger helps to speed up emptying of the stomach, which can be beneficial for people with indigestion and related stomach discomfort. It helps to calm digestion and treats nausea.

• Turmeric

  Turmeric has carminative properties, and it can relieve bloating, act as a liver-supporting, antimicrobial, and act as an anti-inflammatory.

• Fennel

  Fennel helps to relieve bloating and also helps to stimulate the liver. It improves appetite, increases milk production, and eases colic. .

• Cinnamon

  Cinnamon is a warming stimulant to appetite and circulation. It has Antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-fungal properties. It helps to reduce blood sugar and ulcer-causing Helicobacter pylori.

• Garlic

  As per Ayurveda, Garlic can burn the digestive fire. Consuming Garlic in moderate quantities may promote healthy digestion.

• Peppermint

  Peppermint is refreshing as well as antispasmodic, cooling, and antimicrobial. It's useful in coughs and colds, supports liver function, and helps stop itching when used topically.

• Bay Leaf

  Bay leaves have powerful effects on the gastrointestinal system, helping to decrease the toxicity of our bodies and even soothing irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

• Cloves

  Cloves help to balance gut bacteria and are very effective in antimicrobial actions.

The Effective Ayurvedic herbs that promote a healthy gut are Triphala, Licorice root, Slippery elm, ginger, turmeric, fennel, cardamom, peppermint, garlic, bay leaf, and cloves.

Conclusion

All the information related to gut health is based on various Ayurvedic resources. Always prefer the advice of an Ayurvedic doctor before using herbs and herbal medicines to maintain gut health.