5 Tips for Stronger Digestion
In Ayurveda, good digestion is considered the foundation of health. The strength of your agni (digestive fire) determines how well you absorb nutrients, eliminate waste, and maintain vitality. Weak digestion can lead to bloating, sluggishness, and the accumulation of ama (toxins), which is responsible for most imbalances.
Here are 5 simple, time-tested Ayurvedic tips to strengthen digestion naturally:
1. Start your day with warm water
Begin your morning with a cup of warm water, you can also add a few slices of fresh ginger or a pinch of dry ginger powder. This gently awakens your digestive fire, clears out residual toxins, and prepares your system for the day.
2. Eat your main meal at midday
Your digestive fire peaks between 12–2 PM, just like the sun. This is the best time to eat your heaviest or most complex meal. Eating lightly at breakfast and dinner supports deeper rest and better metabolism.
3. Cook from scratch and incorporate digestive spices
Cooking from scratch is one of the best things you can do for your health. The act of cooking activates our senses and begins the digestive process. When we eat takeaways, leftovers, or pre-packaged food, our digestive system isn’t prepared in the same way. Try to incorporate digestive spices such as cumin, ginger, and fennel into meals wherever possible.
4. Avoid overeating and multi-tasking
Ayurveda recommends eating until you're about 75% full. Imagine your stomach like a cooking pot – if it’s too full, nothing cooks properly. There needs to be a bit of space for the food to churn, mix with digestive enzymes, and move freely – this will enhance absorption and elimination. Eating in a calm setting without distractions helps your body focus energy on digestion and prevents the accumulation of ama. Try a few slow breaths before eating to shift into "rest and digest" mode.
5. Sip on CCF tea
Herbal teas like CCF (cumin, coriander, fennel) aid digestion, reduce gas, and keep the digestive tract clear. Avoid cold drinks, which extinguish your inner fire.
CCF tea for digestion: Mix equal parts cumin seeds, fennel seeds and coriander seeds and place in a jar. When you want the remedy take 1 tsp seeped in boiling water. Infuse then strain the seeds and sip.
Ayurvedic buttermilk ‘takra’ is also a great option for improving digestion - watch my video demonstration here.
For personalised support, consider booking a 1:1 Ayurveda Health Consultation.
