Our ancient wisdom, expressed through Ayurveda, emphasizes strict dietary discipline as the first line of treatment, as we can suffer from diseases if our digestive fire is poor and food is not digested properly. Masu. Our gut health is paramount to a healthy immune system. So, there’s no better time than International Women’s Day 2024 to seek out Ayurvedic insights into women’s gut health and well-being.
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Uma V, Associate Research Fellow and Physician at AVP Research Foundation, said: Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of protecting and promoting women’s health during these life events. These events can have a significant impact on gut health and can frequently cause problems such as gas, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, loss of appetite, acidity, and indigestion. ”
She added: “These digestive issues not only cause physical discomfort, they can also have a negative impact on your mental health, leading to anxiety, mood swings and depression. However, women can take active steps to care for their bodies and promote gut health during critical times in their lives. One important way to support gut health is is to adopt a balanced and nutritious diet, including freshly prepared, light and easily digestible warm foods. Adding spices such as cumin, ginger, garlic, fennel, cardamom, carom seeds and asafoetida can improve digestion. Including healthy fats in your diet, such as coconut oil, sesame oil, and ghee, can help support digestive function.
Dr. Uma V says, “In addition to dietary changes, incorporating daily habits that include regular exercise, meal times, and sleep can also help support hormonal balance and digestive regulation.” I gave advice. It is also important to avoid consuming packaged, junk, and reheated foods. Regular physical exercise is also known to have many benefits for the body and mind by improving the flow of energy within the body. Helps strengthen muscles and promote blood circulation. As a result, the body feels more energetic and vital, eliminates toxins from the body, and improves digestion and overall gut health. By prioritizing gut health, women can take control of their physical and emotional health, leading to happier, healthier lives. ”
Dr. Karthiyaini Mahadevan, director of health and well-being at Columbia Pacific Community, similarly drew on her expertise to discuss the principles of Ayurvedic nutrition, explaining:
- Ayurveda advocates a Dinacharya routine that helps remove waste products from digested food.
- During the change of seasons, our body undergoes certain physiological changes, which can be countered by following a special dietary discipline called Ritucharya. This includes him going on a diet for 15 days at the end of this season and 15 days at the beginning of the next season, known as Ritu Sandhi. The intestinal flora is supported, food is easily digested and unnecessary build-up is removed.
- Ayurveda emphasizes the intake of seasonal crops, vegetables, and fruits.
Elaborating on why a woman’s gut health is important, she explains, “A woman’s physiology changes dynamically at every stage of life. Internal physiology changes significantly. We provide dietary needs to support women at this stage, depending on their mind and body type. At this stage, it is important to balance Apana Vayu and support gut health. Around reproductive age, the drop in doshas creates an imbalance. The anchoring/grounding quality of Vata must be maintained. At this stage of life, the doshas are balanced for effective flow and change. During perimenopause and postmenopause, fluid retention and hot flashes are common. These are caused by an imbalance between Kapha and Pitta, which can be addressed with a proper diet.”
Dr. Karthiyayini Mahadevan suggested the following tips:
1. Eat seasonal vegetables and fruits.
2. Eat organically grown vegetables and grains.
3. Support your gut with probiotics that are part of your cultural diet.
4. Add enough fiber, especially plant fiber, to your diet.
5. Eat at the right time when the agni in your digestive system is working efficiently.
6. Adding spices like ginger, cumin, coriander, and cinnamon will support and energize your digestive fire.
7. Consuming ginger, lemon and a pinch of rock salt before meals will promote active digestion.
8. Chewing fennel after meals also helps in the digestion of food.
9. Breakfast is the most important meal. You should also have a hearty lunch and light dinner before 7pm.
She concluded: “Studies have shown that women respond differently to stimuli depending on the health of their gut. The gut flora extracts certain substances from digested food that act as neurotransmitters. Maintaining good gut health is essential to overall health.”
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