You are what you digest!

The digestive power (Agni) in Ayurvedic medicine

In Ayurvedic medicine, the intestine is at the heart of health. It is considered the trigger for all diseases and is referred to as our second brain. It has its own nervous system that is directly connected to the central nervous system. This close connection makes the intestine sensitive. Physical stress such as excessive exercise, physically demanding work, psychological stress such as stress, but also chronic diseases, medication and, above all, an unhealthy diet damage our intestinal health. The intestine is our central immune organ. Eighty percent of all defense processes take place there. It is also responsible for the absorption of important nutrients from our diet. But it can only fulfill this task if it is strong and healthy.

In Ayurveda, intestinal problems are treated with an individual, type-appropriate diet. Medicinal plants are also used to strengthen physical and mental health.

The cause of many diseases lies in the intestine

From an Ayurvedic perspective, an inappropriate diet and behavior, stress or other stressful factors lead to an imbalance in the body. This has a negative effect on our digestive power and influences all of our body processes, immune strength, metabolism, skin health, hormone system, energy balance, psyche and much more. Food cannot be broken down completely, nutrient absorption is reduced. Half-digested food (Ama) remains in the intestines. Waste and toxins stick there. These metabolic residues (Ama) then start disease processes that gradually progress until they manifest themselves in chronic diseases such as diabetes, asthma, autoimmune diseases, osteoporosis, arthrosis, dementia, cardiovascular diseases or cancer.

How is your digestive power?

Can you answer "yes" to all of the points below? If so, I congratulate you on having a powerful, healthy digestive system.

• I have a bowel movement once or twice a day.

• My stool is formed and leaves little to no marks on the toilet.

• My stool has little to no smell.

• My bowel movement is completed in a few minutes.

• I do not suffer from symptoms such as flatulence, heartburn, increased belching, loss of appetite, bloating, diarrhea or constipation.

Plants and spices that strengthen your digestive power:

• Amalaki
  The Indian gooseberry is one of the most effective fruits in Ayurveda. As a rasayana , it has a rejuvenating effect. Amalaki has a positive effect on all body tissues, such as blood, bones, the liver and the heart. Amalaki promotes circulation and digestion. The fruit has an extremely high vitamin C content, which strengthens our immune system.

• Shatavari
  Indian asparagus is one of the most important rejuvenating agents in Ayurvedic medicine. It nourishes and regenerates all seven body tissues. Shatavari brings excess Pitta back into balance and restores the acid-base balance. The plant balances dry and inflamed mucous membranes of the lungs, stomach, kidneys and genital system. It has a Vata and Pitta reducing effect. If used excessively, it increases Kapha.

• Yasthimadhu
  According to Ayurvedic medicine, licorice root supports healthy blood sugar levels and improves gastric juices by balancing stomach acid. The ingredients in the root thin mucus, allowing it to be expelled. This is why Yasthimadhu is often used for asthma, colds and hoarseness.

• Trikatu
  The Ayurvedic spice mixture of Pippali (long pepper), Marica (black pepper) and Shunthi (ginger) is a special mixture that strengthens and invigorates digestion according to Ayurveda. It strengthens Agni, removes Ama (undigested metabolic residues) and clears our transport channels. Trikatu has a Vata and Kapha reducing effect.