Tips for Optimal Digestion...

In Ayurveda, one of the oldest surviving holistic health systems in the world, there is the belief that a well-functioning digestive system is the foundation of sound health.  Digestion is associated with the fire element and referred to as agni, or digestive fire.  The fire element in the digestive system is seen in enzymes and acids which break down foods and transforms them into a form the body can use.  These nutrients are then absorbed and assimilated into the body.

It is believed that agni (digestive fire) behaves differently throughout the day.  It’s stronger at midday when the sun is high, diminished during sunrise and sunset, and nearly absent at dark.  Therefore, it is best to eat the majority of your food during the day when agni is strongest and lighten up meals at other times.  Prime time for your agni is between 10am and 2pm.  This is the best time to have your biggest meal.  Like the term “supper” suggests, the other meals are merely supplemental.

Allowing agni to rest is important, too.  When food is taken too soon after a meal (within 1 to 3 hours) or too late in the evening, digestion of your previous meal is disrupted.  This can result in a residue of incompletely digested food that becomes fodder for toxic build up.  The whole system benefits from a long intermission overnight, allowing the digestive cycle to come to full circle with elimination in the morning.    To support this natural timing the best aid is a cup of warm water first thing upon waking.

CCF (coriander, cumin and fennel) tea – a balancing brew…

Take equal parts coriander, cumin and fennel seeds and toast them in a dry pan over medium-low heat.  Add the cumin seeds last to avoid burning them.  Remove from heat when aromatic and slightly brown.  Add 1 tsp of CCF seeds to one cup cold water and bring to a simmer.  Remove from heat and steep for 5-10 min or longer and allow to cool.  Strain and if desired, stir in raw sugar (I use coconut sugar) or honey (I use raw honey) after cooling.  Enjoy as a morning tea or with meals. 

The 12-Hour Fast…

To get digestion back on track, go without food between dinner and breakfast the next day.  A 12 hour rest period is ideal; for example after a 7pm dinner have breakfast at 7am.  If hungry, a cup of herbal tea can fill the belly and calm the mind.