8 Incredible Herbs to Improve Your Digestive Health
“A healthy outside starts from a healthy inside” -by Robert Urich.
What do we mean by this quote? It is something to ponder about and it points directly to our inside(internal health). Many experts believe that the secret to a good life actually lies in our gut. The more good our gut health the better our overall health will be. How healthy is our gut?, How healthy are our digestive systems? The answer to all these questions is a good digestive system. Digestion plays a crucial role in our body’s good overall health and well-being.
So What is Digestion?
Digestion is not just about breaking down food and providing our body with the required nutrients. Digestion is the process by which our food is broken down into a form that can be absorbed into the blood system and carried to cells throughout the body to provide necessary nutrients, nourishment and energy.
Importance of proper digestion for a healthy body
The digested nutrients are absorbed through the intestinal walls and carried off in the bloodstream to other parts of the body for storage or further chemical changes. The waste product of the process includes old cells and undigested bits of food that get pushed into the colon, and eventually expelled through the bowel. All other health functions can be undermined if you do not digest, absorb and eliminate your food. If you neglect your digestive health, your body could run into problems absorbing those essential nutrients and getting the nourishment needed.
Common digestion problems
Some of the common digestion problems that we face due to the poor digestive system are diarrhoea, stomach ache, heartburns, acid reflux, gastric issues and constipation. If you ignore some of these it can lead to major digestive disorders like acid reflux and if not attended on time it can lead to Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease or GERD. Stomach flu or gastroenteritis, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), constipation, Hemorrhoids, gallstones are some of the other digestive disorders and digestion issues that can be uncomfortable, but fortunately, they usually don’t cause concern. Sometimes, though, these symptoms may signal a more serious health condition so we should be aware of them.
How Ayurveda can help combat Digestion problems
As per Ayurveda “healthy digestive system is the foundation of lasting wellness”. In Ayurveda, the digestive fire is called Agni. The quality of digestion is based on the health of the digestive fire(Agni). The process of proper digestion, with a strong Agni, plays a central role in our physical, emotional and overall wellbeing. As Ayurveda recognizes, “we are not what we eat, but we are what we digest.” By making choices that strengthen our digestive ability, we form the foundation for good health, vitality and overall wellness. When digestive fire(Agni) is too weak or too strong, a form of the intermediate waste product begins to accumulate and cause blockages. In fact, maintaining a balanced digestive fire(Agni) may just be the secret to achieving optimal health and longevity. Ayurveda offers a variety of options including yoga, meditation, breathing exercises, and herbal remedies to further enhance our digestive health.
Common Tips for Improving Digestion
We all face some digestive issues occasionally like an upset tummy, constipation, diarrhoea, nausea, heartburn, acidity reflux but if it occurs frequently then that’s a signal that something is just not right with your digestive system. So to improve our digestion, we have to be alert and watch what we eat. A healthy eating pattern that is balanced with all the required nutrients is what can help in keeping our digestive system healthy and fine.
1. Eat a high-fibre diet
According to Maria Adams, MS, MPH, RDN, owner of Halsa Nutrition and adjunct professor of nutrition at Endicott College in Beverly, Massachusetts, consuming a high-fibre diet that’s rich in whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and legumes can improve your digestive health. “A high-fibre diet helps to keep food moving through your digestive tract, making you less likely to get constipated.” It is also believed that adding the fibre element in our diet can help us prevent various digestive conditions like Irritable bowel syndrome, haemorrhoids. It also helps us in our weight loss regime.
2. Watch your fat intake
As we all know fatty food takes longer to digest and hence slows down the digestion process which again is one of the causes for constipation. In the same way, our body needs the required amount of healthy fats as well so it’s very important for us to watch what we are eating. One suggestion is to pair fatty foods with some high fibre food which in turn helps in the digestion process.
3. Stay hydrated
We already know this and we should follow this religiously. Drinking plenty of water is good for the digestive system. It helps the breaking down of the fibre in the colon making the waste pass through easily and smoothly.
4. Choose lean meat over red meat
Protein plays a very important part in our healthy meal. We get it from whole grains, fruits and veggies and lean meat. Protein is an essential part of a healthful diet, but fatty cuts of meat can lead to digestive discomfort. When you eat meat, select lean cuts, such as pork loin and skinless poultry and limit portion size, filling more of your plate with fibre-rich whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
5. Add probiotics and prebiotics in your diet
Source:homebase.org
If we ever dive into our stomach and have a sneak peek inside, we would be surprised to see that the lining of our gut, like every surface of our body, is covered with microscopic creatures, mostly bacteria. These organisms create a micro-ecosystem called the microbiome. And though we don’t really notice it’s there, these organisms play a vital role in our health and can even affect our mood and behaviour. So to keep our microbiome healthy and balanced we need to feed it with healthy bacteria and where do we get this from:
- Probiotics: These are also known as the good bacteria or live culture found in our gut and also found in yoghurt, yeast or fermented milk.
- Prebiotics: They are healthy plant bacteria found in some fresh fruits and vegetables like yam, banana, onion, asparagus and oats.
Know more about Probiotics here in the complete guide.
Together they are called the Dynamic Duo and aids in balancing a healthier you. According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, probiotics, prebiotics can help your digestion. Prebiotics act as food for probiotics, helping them support healthy bacteria in the gut.
6. Eat on Time
Your body clock, metabolism and digestion interact in complex ways – meaning it’s not just what you eat, but when you eat, that matters. One healthy habit to have a good digestive system is to maintain a routine or schedule to have your meals be it breakfast, lunch, snacks or supper. So late-night bingeing, sweet indulgence especially after dinner and overeating can be avoided.
7. Say no to all bad lifestyles
If you desire a healthy gut it’s very important to get rid of all those elements that affect it. So simply say no to smoking, alcohol, addiction with caffeine beverages like coffee as they can be a cause for an unhealthy gut which can lead to heartburns, acid reflux and stomach ulcers. Too much of everything is harmful. So avoid it or have it in limitation.
8. Stay healthy
Give time to yourself, meditation and keep yourself fit. Try to manage your stress as this causes anxiety which in turn affects the digestive system.
9. Regular Exercise
Regular exercising plays a vital role in the digestion process. Brisk walking, Cycling, breathing exercises and other simple exercises can help us maintain a good and healthy digestive system. Also practising yoga is highly beneficial for our digestion process and gut health. Try to make a strict schedule for practising exercise and yoga at least 5 days a week for 30 to 45 minutes.
Herbs for Better Digestion
Herbs and gut health have been connected since ancient times. Ayurveda believes that a healthy gut leads to an overall healthy body, mind, and soul. Of course, it’s very important to find out the root problem, to achieve true healing. Some of the herbs that have been tried and tested and used as a relief from stomach disorders are:
Amla
Amla being rich in fibre works best for digestive issues. It is an effective cure for constipation as well. Dried amla powder is a good old home remedy generally taken for hyperacidity and ulcers.
Also Read: Health Benefits of Having Amla (Indian Gooseberry)
Haritaki
This King Of Medicines is a miraculous ayurvedic fruit that is extensively used for a wide range of traditional remedies for improving gut health and treating other gastrointestinal disorders like heartburn, diarrhoea, peptic ulcer, indigestion, constipation, bloating and stomach cramps or pain.
Ginger
Ginger root is very effective to soothe tummy aches or any digestive issues like indigestion, bloating, gas, loss of appetite or acidity. Ginger has positive effects on the enzymes trypsin and pancreatic lipase, which are believed to be extremely important for the digestion process.
Fennel
Fennel seeds the fennel bulb, both aids in digestion as it helps soothe swelling or irritation in the intestine. It helps relieve gas, stomach cramps and bloating quickly since it acts as an antispasmodic agent in the colon. Sipping fennel tea gives quick relief for tummy pain. You can simply chew fennel seeds as well as a mouth freshener or to aid in digestion after your meals
Turmeric
Turmeric is rich in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds and is recognized as an alternative therapy for gastrointestinal problems.
Black pepper
Black pepper stimulates digestion and helps in the breakdown of protein. When combined together, turmeric and black pepper can offer you multiple health benefits. Both spices can promote gut health. Consumption of this mixture in small quantities can give you better gut health and improved digestion.
Peppermint
Peppermint (Mentha × piperita) is a refreshing aromatic herb that belongs to mint family. Peppermint is an excellent natural remedy for digestive problems like gas, bloating and indigestion. The peppermint leaves contain menthol, menthone and limonene which helps combat digestive issues. The menthol content is responsible for the cooling effect and minty scent. Peppermint oil is believed to help fight irritable bowel syndrome naturally.
Carrom Seeds
Carrom Seeds (Trachyspermum Ammi) also well known as ajwain is an age-old ayurvedic remedy used to fight digestive issues. Though pungent and bitter in taste these tiny seeds works wonder for digestion. The active enzymes present in carrom seeds help boost the digestion process and gives relief from gas trouble. Carrom seed is also believed to help lower blood pressure, prevent cold & cough and reduce bad cholesterol.
Aryan Herbals Products
Aryan Herbals have always believed in keeping healthy traditions alive. To help you we have a wide range of natural pure and healthy herbal juices, herbal powders, essential oils and other Ayurvedic products that are believed to be highly beneficial for overall health and wellness. Some of the products that can be helpful in improving your digestion process and overall digestive health are listed below:
Aryan Amla Powder helps stimulate the digestive juices and help in the digestive process. Aryan Amla powder is a totally natural and herbal product made out of Class 1 Amla (Indian Gooseberry) is believed to help promote the digestion process. It is also an effective immunity booster. All our herbal powder and juices contain no artificial flavours, colours or preservatives.
Aryan Amla Candy is a blend of enticing taste and nutrition, which not only tastes good but also is an excellent immunity booster. The sweet and salty taste is a fun-filled treat after a heavy meal, which stimulates the digestive juices and helps in the digestive process.
Aryan Triphala Plus (+) Booster Juice is a unique combination of 8 wonderful herbs like Amla, Haritaki & Vibhitaki which support a healthy liver, colon bile, manage weight & cholesterol levels and digestive system of the body. It is believed to help achieve a balanced digestive system and promote overall health and well being.
Aryan Triphala (Three Fruits) Powder is an Ayurvedic herbal Rasayana formula consisting of equal parts of three myrobalans, taken without seed: Amalaki (Emblica Officinalis), Bibhitaki (Terminalia Bellirica), and Haritaki (Terminalia Chebula). It helps boost digestive health, manage weight, reduce inflammation, strengthens the immune system and promotes overall health and wellness.
Aryan Peppermint (Pudina) Oil is believed to be extremely helpful in digestive issues like gas trouble, bloating, irritable bowel syndrome, indigestion. Peppermint oil also helps kill germs & relieve pain.
Aryan Ginger (Adrak) Oil is 100% pure and natural ginger oil made using the cold-press method to obtain the natural ginger oil. Aryan ginger oil is believed to be highly beneficial for digestive health. It helps in reducing gas trouble and improving overall digestive health. It is antibiotic in nature and can be used to treat the common cold and coughs and combat stress, anxiety, sadness and fatigue.
Aryan Carom Seeds (Ajwain) Oil is believed to be a great home remedy for improving digestion. It is an age-old ayurvedic remedy to get relief from gas trouble. Not only it is helpful for digestive health but it also helps lower blood pressure, prevent coughing and improve airflow.
Aryan Black Pepper (Kali Mirch) Oil helps improve circulation, reduce stress and anxiety, reverse free radicals damage and is highly beneficial for a healthy digestion system.
Aryan turmeric oil is loaded with antioxidants. It is beneficial for a healthy digestive system. It is an amazing skin rejuvenator. and is believed to help against hair problems like dandruff problems.
Final thoughts
Ayurveda is not merely a science it’s a lifestyle. Ayurveda regards healthy digestion and elimination as the key to promoting health. The quality of digestion is based on the health of the digestive fire. And so let’s explore our digestive fire and keep it super healthy.
Also read: Herbs That are Natural Blood Purifiers
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