1.

Inquire: How is my digestion out of balance & what is the cause?

When I feel my digestion is out of balance, I first look at what may cause this imbalance. Here are a few questions and things to consider that can guide you:

• How is my digestion off: Am I constipated or rather dealing with stool that is too loose or thin? Observe! Literally look at your stool in the loo. Never done that? Well, there’s always a first time!
• Am I stressed or is there anything unusual going on in my life? Is there something bothering or worrying me?
• Our mind and body are closely linked to our digestion. We all know the saying “This is upsetting my stomach” when we receive bad news or experience stress – and it’s true: According to Ayurveda we shouldn’t eat when, for example, we’re stressed or angry, because in situations like these we are not able to properly digest our food.
• What have I eaten in the past 48 – 72 hours that might cause my digestion to be off? Have I eaten a lot of one particular food that may have caused the imbalance? Have I eaten something unusual that I might not tolerate well?

2.

Track and report: Write down what you notice and observe.

A food journal is always a good idea. It helps you:

• track what you have eaten and how you react to certain foods
• remember imbalances in digestion, bloating, itching, headaches, … all things that can be in relation to what you’ve eaten over the past 72 hours
• see how you feel after eating certain foods. If you feel good & lastingly energized: follow that lead! If you feel sluggish, bloated, or your energy crashes a little while after eating: Have a closer look any maybe steer away from these foods.
• track cravings like the need for sugar or salty snacks, for caffeine, for cheese, alcohol, or whatever it may be for you
• get a better understanding of your body and how you relate to food
• see patterns of eating (or not eating): eating when you’re frustrated, bored or stressed, for example

5.

Doshic dynamics: Be well with Ayurveda

Have a look into Ayurveda for long-term solutions. This ancient science can help you understand your body better, what type of “digestor” you are and which foods are good for you based on your individual constitution. We all have an individual so called ‘doshic’ constitution and based on that we digest faster or slower. Knowing your doshic type can help you determine how often you should be eating, how many hours should be inbetween meals, and when to have your biggest meal of the day, etc.

Also: Ayurveda is strictly against snacking, so if you’re dealing with an digestive imbalance, maybe try and stick to proper meals and see if it improves your situation.

The aim of Ayurveda is to keep us in balance, so we’re healthy on all levels. It is imbalances like digestive issues that can accumulate and lead to disease, and that’s why it should be our core interest to look into these symptoms and treat the root causes.

Feel free to reach out if you have questions.

Have a healthy 2021!

Yours,

Kat