Svasthya, to be established in one self or own natural state is the optimal health according to Ayurveda. In order to achieve this, one has to have a balance of structural and physiological factors, metabolic and excretory processes, body tissues, senses and mind.
In Ayurveda, it is said that Ahara (Nutrition) is one of the three pillars of life. The classical texts of Ayurveda dedicate elaborate sections on food.
Health and Nutrition Tips that are actually Evidence Based are:
- Limit Sugary Drinks: People generally drink sugary drinks to quench their thirst but on the contrary, sugary drinks increase the thirst.
- Once the sugar particles enter the blood, water moves out of the cells and into the blood to restore balance.
- Moreover, over consumption of sugars can cause many health disorders such as diabetes, obesity, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease etc.
- The pH of carbonated sugary drinks is 3-4 which are acidic. Increased consumption of sugary acidic beverages will invite various hazards to health.
- Avoid processed foods:
- According to Ayurveda, there is a subtle link between disease manifestation and the six psychological states of mind.
- Processed foods increase the tamas state of mind which can be related to a lethargic disposition.
- Moreover, processed foods contain more than the recommended amounts of sugar, salt and fat. These foods are higher in calories which can results in disorders such as diabetes, obesity etc.
- Eat nuts and seeds: According to Ayurveda, nuts and seeds are considered as super foods.
- Eat nuts and seeds: According to Ayurveda, nuts and seeds are considered as super foods. Get Enough Sleep:
- Intake of all types of nuts and seeds in moderation are considered as healthy as they provide lubrication to the body, skin, joints and hair.
- These also acts as good fuel for gastrointestinal fire.
- Soaking nuts and seeds before consuming makes them easier to digest as the nutrients will be easily and fully absorbed by the body.
- Get Enough Sleep:
- Ayurveda considers sleep to be one of the three pillars of life.
- Sufficient sleep is essential for good health because without it, both body and mind can suffer.
- For better and deep sleep, avoid stimulating activities before one hour going to bed such as watching action movies, computer work, heated discussions etc.
- Instead engage in soothing things such as applying oil to the soles of feet, listening light music, doing meditation, deep relaxation exercises etc.
- According to Ayurveda, the best sleep schedule to maintain is to go to bed by 10 pm as this is the time that is most conducive to sleep.
- Stay Hydrated:
- Staying hydrated is very important to prevent many disorders.
- According to Ayurveda, it helps in balancing Pitta dosha, promotes digestion, supports Kapha and also counteracts the dryness of Vata dosha.
- Water should be drink while sitting not while standing because it gradually goes to the stomach and helps in replenishing every organ with nutrients.
- It is recommended to drink lukewarm water or room temperature water throughout the day.
- Avoid drinking cold and iced water as it would sluggish the digestive fire.
- Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables:
- Eating fruits and vegetables is considered as one of the most important part of diet in Ayurveda.
- Always eat seasonal fruits and vegetables.
- It is not recommended to eat fruits for dessert as they start to ferment in the stomach due to slower digestion of food in the stomach.
- All fruits except citrus fruits can be eaten in the morning.
- Eat adequate protein:
- A high-protein diet is advised for the Vata dosha dominant people but with proper spices in order to digest it properly since their digestion is weak.
- Beans, Daal, Lentils etc. are the good sources of proteins. The protein in legumes is a very different protein from that which is found in meat products, fish, eggs etc.
- Mung beans are excellent for balancing all the three doshas. It is easier to digest than most other beans.
- Don’t smoke:
- When a person smokes, Kapha gets accumulated in nose, throat and chest leading to various kinds of diseases.
- Smoking is a harmful habit not just for the one who smokes but for everyone around him.
- It can lead to various problems in the long run such as breathing problems, chronic respiratory conditions, infections, diabetes, cancer, heart disorders, blood circulation problems, hearing loss, vision loss etc.
- So, it is advised to quit smoking. Ayurveda can help such persons to quit by Dhumpana. Dhumpana is an herbal smoke mentioned in Ayurvedic texts that cleanses the toxins accumulated in the system.
- Drink only in moderation:
- There are various side effects of drinking alcohol in excess. These are: depleted physical interest, lack of control over mind, irrational decision making, liver failure etc.
- It leads to severe imbalance of Vata, Pitta and Kapha doshas.
- When Vata dosha is affected, it leads to difficulty in breathing, tremors, headache, bloating, abdominal pain, lack of sleep etc.
- When Pitta dosha is affected, it leads to excessive thirst, liver disorders, diarrhoea etc.
- When it affects Kapha dosha, it leads to lack of interest in food, nausea, feeling sleepy and feeling tired all the time.
- It also affects brain, liver, heart and blood vessels, stomach, intestines etc.
- Minimize your sugar intake: Excess of everything is bad for the health.
- In Ayurveda, it is recommended to eat natural food. Eat natural sugar as present in natural fruits and foods.
- This sweet poison contributes to a host of negative health effects.
- High intake of refined sugar for a prolonged period of time may induce inflammation which can impair memory and also lowers cognitive performance.
- Hence, kicking refined sugar out of the diet may improve cognitive skills.
- Practice Pranayam: Pranayam is the science of vital energy which is the source of all life in all living beings in this universe.
- It consists of a series of breathing exercises and teaches us the proper way to breathe. We have been accustomed to breathing from our chests, using fraction of our lungs only. But with Pranayam, we can increase the capacity of our lungs, bringing more oxygen supply to the body to function well.
- It should be practiced under expert guidance as without proper guidance, it may have dangerous effects.
- Avoid intake of artificial trans fats: With modern manufacturing methods, there are some unnatural forms of fats known as hydrogenated fats and trans fats.
- Trans fats increase the risk of cardio vascular diseases.
- Trans fats raise the LDL cholesterol. These also lower HDL cholesterol which is required by the body.
- Low HDL levels can cause cholesterol to build up in the arteries.
- These should be avoided completely. These include processed foods, baked goods such as biscuits and cakes.
- Use plenty of herbs and spices: In Ayurveda, the use of plenty of herbs and spices is recommended due to their immense health benefits.
- Certain herbs improve immunity, other herbs act as cleansers, certain spices have anti-inflammatory effects.
- Spices such as cumin, peppermint, fennel are used as antacids and turmeric acts as anti-biotic, anti-inflammatory, anti-histaminic.
- Some herbs have anti-septic properties as well.
- Certain aromatic herbs like coriander, cardamom are renowned for their appetizing qualities.
- Other herbs such as cinnamon, saffron, nutmeg act as astringent.
- Get rid of excess belly fat: According to Ayruveda, belly fat is the result of an increase Kapha dosha.
- If a person’s lifestyle is devoid of exercise, consumes unhealthy diet then it could lead to increase in belly fat.
- Eating fatty foods, desserts or sweets can increase Kapha in the body leading to excess belly fat.
- So, to enjoy healthy life, belly fat should be reduced with the help of certain exercises and by making changes in diet and lifestyle.
- There are certain herbs mentioned in Ayurveda that increase metabolism and helpful in cutting belly fat.
- Meditate: Last but not the least, Meditation should be part and parcel of life.
- It is the best medicine for mental health and happiness.
- Regular Meditation is helpful in stilling the mind and thought process. It is a process to harmonize the body, mind and consciousness.
- It can counteract the stress and relaxes the body much deeper than sleeping.
So, choose these habits in your lifestyle and lead a healthy and happy life!
Disclaimer:-
This article is not a substitute to the standard Medical Diagnosis or personalized Ayurvedic Treatment! It is intended only for Information!
For experts consultation, please write us at care@blessayurveda.com.
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