build your digestive fire

In Ayurveda good digestion is viewed not in the foods you are eating (even though they are important), but more in your ability to digest them.  When you are able to digest your foods easily, then this is a sign you have a strong digestive fire (Agni).  You may be eating the best organic foods available, but still be feeling miserable.  This maybe due to not having enough fuel to burn the food you are eating.

When your digestive fire is low, this turns into Ama (undigested food particles that harm your gut).  Many of todays diseases start with these pesky undigested food particles.  In order to nip these toxins in the bud, an Ayurvedic practitioner investigates the foods you are ingesting to understand what might be causing these toxins.   Ama and digestive fire have a direct connection.  The lower your digestive fire (Agni), the more toxins (Ama) you will have.

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Causes of low digestive power:

-Poor diet:  overeating, improper food combinations, fried foods, sugar (table sugars, starches)
vegetable oils (Canola, Corn, Soybean, etc..), Gluten and Gliadins (damage gut lining), High oxalate and phytic acid consumption

Detrimental lifestyle:  lack of exercise, irregular eating habits, sedentary lifestyle, addictions (food, drugs)
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Tips to improve your digestive power:

-Make sure to soak and ferment your grains and beans to make them more digestable.

-Dont eat heavy meals past 6 pm, which is Kapha time (digestive power slows down)

-Avoid liquids with your meals

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-Avoid excess fibre, as this makes your digestive processes heavier

-Use appropriate spices to increase your Hydrochloric Acid

-Drink warm to hot water during the day or ginger tea to stimulate your digestive fire.

-Practice breath of fire breathing exercises to improve your digestive fire

-Exercise, exercise, exercise

-Use Ayurvedic medicines like Chitrak, Trikatu, or Triphala ​

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