Image source: pexels.com/edited Who doesn't want to remain fit and young? I guess nobody! So, is that possible ?....YES! Slowing down the process of aging is possible. Our bodies have an incredible ability to repair and heal themselves, but for this to happen, we need to provide them with the proper nutrition and a healthy lifestyle. However, don't expect miracles overnight. It's crucial to understand that there are no quick fixes, and achieving your ultimate goal requires patience and consistency. Therefore, here are 10 practical tips that you can follow to help you achieve your desired outcome. By following these tips, you can lead a healthier and happier life and slow down the aging process naturally. 1.) SOUND SLEEP Image source: pexels.com Getting a good night's sleep is essential for maintaining a healthy and happy lifestyle. Sleep plays a crucial role in our health, as it helps our bodies recover and repair from the daily wear and tear. Studies have shown tha
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Our society is becoming increasingly aware of the importance of living a healthy lifestyle, which includes eating healthy food. However, it is important to note that eating healthy and digesting it are two separate things.
Digestive problems are becoming more common across all ages, and there can be many reasons for this. One of the most common reasons is an incorrect diet and lifestyle.
Ayurveda, an incident Indian medical system, suggests that our health problems are usually a result of poor eating habits and unhealthy lifestyles. Ayurveda provides a set of basic guidelines that, when followed, can significantly improve digestion and related issues.
By implementing these guidelines, we can lead a healthier life, free from many diseases that arise due to poor digestion.
DIET RULES
Our digestive system plays a vital role in maintaining our overall health and well-being. Poor digestion can lead to several health problems. Therefore, it is crucial to follow certain dietary guidelines recommended by Ayurveda to improve digestive health and related issues.
1) EAT ON TIME
One of the most important aspects of maintaining a healthy lifestyle is following a proper eating schedule. It is essential to eat meals at regular intervals throughout the day. This means setting fixed meal times and sticking to them. Additionally, it is recommended to maintain a gap of at least 2-3 hours between two meals, including snacks. Our digestive system requires ample time to break down food, and if we keep snacking throughout the day, it causes a strain on the system and may lead to digestive issues.
Another crucial aspect is having the last meal of the day (dinner) at least 3 hours before bedtime. This ensures that the body has enough time to digest the food before going to sleep. Ideally, dinner should be around Sunset.
Digestion is a complex process that requires a lot of energy from the body. Therefore, it is essential to provide enough time for the body to complete the process efficiently. By maintaining a regular eating schedule and ensuring proper digestion, we can maintain a healthy and balanced lifestyle.
2) EAT ACCORDING TO THE HEALTH AND BODY'S NATURE
Ayurveda recognizes that each person has a unique body composition or 'Prakriti' that determines their physical and mental characteristics. These 'Prakriti' are classified into three primary 'doshas' - vata, pitta, and kapha - that represent different elements and energies in the body.
- Vata is associated with the elements of air and space and represents movement, creativity, and flexibility.
- Pitta is linked to the elements of fire and water and represents digestion, metabolism, and transformation.
- Kapha is associated with the elements of earth and water and represents stability, nourishment, and immune system strength.
The 'doshas' are not static and can fluctuate based on various factors such as diet, lifestyle, and environment. According to Ayurveda, imbalances in these 'doshas' can lead to physical and mental health problems. Therefore, it's important to understand our body's constitution and maintain a balance of the 'doshas' through proper diet, exercise, and lifestyle choices.
For instance, a person with a dominant vata 'dosha' may benefit from warm, moist, and grounding foods like cooked grains, root vegetables, and healthy fats. On the other hand, a person with a dominant pitta 'dosha' may benefit from cooling, soothing, and hydrating foods like juicy fruits, leafy greens, and coconut water. A person with a dominant kapha 'dosha' may benefit from light, spicy, and stimulating foods like raw vegetables, ginger, and chili peppers.
By paying attention to our body's nature and needs, we can make informed choices about what to eat and how to live. This can help us maintain optimal health, prevent diseases, and live a balanced and fulfilling life.
3) AVOID OVERCOOKING
As per the principles of Ayurveda, it is recommended that food should be cooked in a way that preserves its nutritive value. Overcooking can cause the food to lose its essential nutrients and minerals, which can be detrimental to your health.
On the other hand, undercooked food may not be easily digestible and can cause indigestion. Therefore, it is advised to cook food to a level where it can be easily digested by the body without losing its nutritional value. Following this practice can help you maintain a healthy and balanced diet.
4) AVOID OVEREATING
According to Ayurveda, consuming an excessive amount of food or overindulging in a particular type of food can be harmful to one's health. Overeating can cause unnecessary stress on the digestive system, leading to its weakening. This is especially harmful to those who already suffer from indigestion and continue to overeat for the sake of taste.
5) AVOID TAKING INCOMPATIBLE FOOD ITEMS
As per Ayurveda, certain food combinations are considered incompatible and should not be consumed together. These combinations are known as "Viruddh Ahaar".
For instance, milk should not be consumed with fish salty substances so substances peas, and many such items. It is advised to avoid these incompatible food combinations to maintain a healthy diet. According to Ayurveda, certain foods are not compatible to mix with each other. They are called 'Viruddh Ahaar' or incompatible food combinations.
Incompatible food combinations can also lead to the formation of toxins in the body, leading to various health issues therefore, it is important to avoid incompatible food combinations to maintain good health and well-being.
Suggested Reading: Foods that Should not be Consumed or Paired with Yogurt
6) AVOID TALKING AND LAUGHING AT THE TIME OF EATING
This important rule emphasizes the importance of avoiding talking and laughing while consuming food. The reasoning behind this rule is two-fold,
Firstly, food particles can make their way into your trachea or windpipe, which can be quite uncomfortable and sometimes even dangerous.
Secondly, if we are distracted by conversation or laughter while eating, we may not be able to fully savor and appreciate the flavors and textures of the food.
Therefore, it is crucial to focus on the act of eating itself, without any distractions.
7) AVOID EATING WHEN TENSED/UPSET
As per the next guideline, it is highly recommended to avoid consuming food when you are experiencing feelings of tension, anger, or distress. This is because such emotions negatively impact the digestive system and slow down the process of breaking down food.
To ensure proper digestion, it is advisable to have your meals when you are in a relaxed and cheerful state of mind. Additionally, the overall ambiance of the place where you eat should be positive and upbeat.
8) CHEW WELL, TO DIGEST WELL
As we all know, the process of digestion is a complex and delicate one, and it all begins in our mouth. The act of chewing our food thoroughly is a crucial step in breaking down the food into smaller pieces that can be easily digested and absorbed by our bodies.
According to Ayurveda, how we eat is just as important as what we eat. Ayurvedic practitioners recommend that we chew each bite of food at least 32 times to ensure optimal digestion and assimilation of nutrients.
By taking the time to thoroughly chew our food, we allow our digestive system to work more efficiently and effectively. This, in turn, can lead to better overall health and well-being.
9) EAT THE RIGHT KIND OF FOOD IN DIFFERENT SEASONS
Nature has designed vegetables and fruits that are suitable for each season. Our bodies respond differently in different seasons, and it is crucial to pay attention to the foods we consume during each season.
It is recommended to opt for fresh, seasonal vegetables and fruits rather than those that are not in season and have been stored in cold storage for an extended period. These out-of-season produce tend to lose most of their nutritional value during the storage process. Ayurveda places great emphasis on consuming the right type of food during the appropriate season to maintain optimal health and well-being.
10) CONSUME SATTAVIC FOOD
According to Ayurveda, an ancient system of medicine, following a sattvic diet is highly beneficial for overall health and well-being. This type of diet is composed of foods that are fresh, organic, and unprocessed.
Sattvic foods are believed to be easily digestible and close to their natural form, allowing the body to absorb their nutrients more efficiently. By consuming a sattvic diet, you can not only boost your immunity but also enhance your mental clarity and achieve a sense of inner purity.
11) SUFFICIENT INTAKE OF LIQUID BESIDES WATER
As we are all aware, water is an indispensable element for maintaining a healthy body. It is crucial to drink at least eight to ten glasses of water every day to ensure proper bodily function and hydration. While water is an excellent source of hydration, other fluids such as juices, soups, milk, coconut water, buttermilk, shakes, etc., are also important for the body's overall health and well-being. These fluids contain essential vitamins and minerals that are necessary for proper body function and help to maintain a healthy immune system, strong bones, and healthy skin.
Drinking a variety of fluids, in addition to water, can provide the body with essential nutrients to maintain proper function and prevent health issues.
12) EAT A LITTLE LESS THAN YOUR APPETITE
One of the essential rules of Ayurveda is to eat in a manner that supports good digestion and metabolism. According to Ayurvedic principles, the stomach should be filled with food to only half its capacity, while a quarter of it should be filled with liquid. This helps to ensure that the digestive enzymes work efficiently to break down the food, and the nutrients are absorbed by the body effectively. The remaining quarter part of the stomach should be left empty for gases to move around, which prevents bloating, discomfort, and other digestive issues.
Overeating is strictly discouraged in Ayurveda, as it can lead to indigestion, gas, and acidity. Consuming food more than the body can digest strains the digestive system, leading to an imbalance in the doshas (energies) and toxins in the body. Therefore, Ayurveda advises eating less than our appetite to avoid these issues.
USEFUL TIPS!
- Avoid junk, spicy, and fried foods if suffering from indigestion and related problems. These types of foods can aggravate the problem.
- Avoid sugary drinks.
- Avoid foods made from refined flour.
- Avoid bakery food items.
- Consume cooked food within 3 hours of preparation to avoid staleness.
- Avoid consuming cooked and uncooked food together.
Stay Healthy, Stay Fit!
Disclaimer: This content, including advice, provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your doctor for more information.