Bloating is a common digestive problem that can interfere with your everyday life. It is frequently accompanied by discomfort and a sense of fullness. Bloating is viewed as an indication of a digestive system imbalance in the traditional holistic medical system of Ayurveda. According to Ayurvedic principles, keeping healthy digestion is crucial for overall health and well-being.
Common causes of bloating and gas:
- High Vata
- Eating gaseous vegetables raw
- Stress and Anxiety
- Carbonated drinks
- Constipation
- Swallowing air
- Lactose and fructose intolerance
- Eating too quickly and heavily
- Certain medication
Ayurvedic suggestions to get relief from bloating and improve the digestive system.
Eat Mindfully: According to Ayurveda, focused eating is necessary for healthy digestion. Focus on your meal instead of watching TV or using the computer while you eat. Chew your meal completely so that your saliva may mingle with it and help with digestion.
Opt for Digestive-Boosting Foods: Incorporate digestive spices and herbs into your meals. Bloating can be reduced by using these spices in your cuisine or drinking them as herbal teas. The spices include ginger, cumin, fennel, and coriander.
Stay Hydrated: Good digestion requires proper hydration. Warm water should be consumed throughout the day because cold liquids can dull your digestive fire. You can also add herbs like fennel or coriander seeds to your water for additional digestive advantages,
Practice Regular Meal Timing: Create a regular eating pattern that synchronizes with your body’s internal cycles. According to Ayurveda, you should eat your heaviest meal at lunchtime when digestion is at its best and a lighter dinner in the evening to allow your digestive system to wind down.
Avoid Overeating: Overloading your stomach can result in bloating and indigestion. For effective digestion, Ayurveda advises that you should fill your stomach with one-third liquids, and one-third solid food, and leave one-third empty.
Incorporate Triphala: Triphala is a popular Ayurvedic herb known for its digestive benefits. It is made up of three fruits: Bibhitaki, Haritaki, and Amla. Before going to bed, try taking some Triphala powder or pills to control bloating and regulate bowel motions.
Healthy Gut Flora: Ayurveda gives a lot of importance to healthy gut microbiota and gut flora. To encourage the development of gut bacteria, which aids in digestion, eat fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, and homemade pickles.
Yoga and Pranayama: Practicing yoga’s asanas (postures) and pranayama (breathing techniques) can aid in reducing bloating and enhancing digestion. Gas and bloating can be relieved by certain poses like Apanasana (Knee-to-Chest Pose) and Pavanamuktasana (Wind-Relieving Pose).
Abhyanga (Self-Massage): Abhyanga is an Ayurvedic self-massage that involves applying warm oil on your body before taking a shower. Massaging in your naval region clockwise can reduce bloating and boost digestion.
Stress Management: To encourage a peaceful and balanced digestive tract, incorporate stress-reduction strategies into your daily routine, such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, or mindfulness exercises.
Ayurvedic Herbal Remedies: Herbal medicines are available in several forms to reduce bloating and enhance digestion. Digestive-aiding herbs include ajwain (carom seeds), hing (asafoetida), and trikatu (a combination of ginger, black pepper, and long pepper).
Ayurvedic medicines for Bloating and indigestion: Here is a list of a few popular prescribed medicines for bloating. The list is only indicative and self-medication is not advised. Before taking any medication consult an experienced practitioner to attain better results.
- Ashtachurnam: Helps in proper digestion, relieves flatulence and abdominal bloating.
- Hinguvachadi Gulika Churnam: Treats indigestion, bloating and abdominal pain
- Flatula O Syrup: Relieves excessive belching due to gas accretion and prevents gas formation.
Customize Your Diet: As per Ayurveda, each person has a distinct constitution (dosha). To ensure good digestion, it’s crucial to eat according to your dosha. You can identify your dosha and develop a customized nutrition plan by consulting with an Ayurvedic practitioner.
In Ayurveda, having a healthy digestive system is essential to stay healthy. You can successfully reduce bloating, enhance digestion, and improve general well-being by applying these Ayurvedic methods to your daily life. To experience long-lasting benefits for your digestive health, keep in mind that Ayurveda promotes a holistic approach. As a result, be persistent and enduring when putting these techniques into practice.