TO STIMULATE DIGESTION:
ADD Fresh Ginger to your diet: Slice a thin piece of fresh ginger, chop, add a touch of lemon juice and salt. Eat ½ hour before lunch and dinner (as you cook) or just before the meal. This grounds the Wind.
Add Ghee to your diet: Ghee is clarified butter. Think about the butter you would dip lobster in. The less favorable part of the butter goes to the bottom, the lighter, better tasting butter goes to the top. You can buy Ghee already made in the Indian section of your grocery store. Store it at room temperature even after you open it. Only use Ghee to cook. Drizzle a little on your toast and over your veggies to aid digestion. Every Element favors Ghee!
Add Spices to your diet: Every Element favors the following spices to increase their digestive fire: Black Pepper, Cardamom, Cayenne, Cinnamon, Clove, Horseradish and Mustard. Cook with these regularly.
Add Pure Foods to your diet: The term for a pure food in Sanskrit is “Sattvic”. The following foods are “Sattvic” and should be incorporated into your diet: Milk, Ghee, Fruits and fruit juices, rice, sesame, almonds and the Sweet Taste. Common sources for the Sweet Taste are grains, dairy, breads, pasta, starchy vegetables, fruits, nuts, oils, sugar, honey and animal products.
Be Consistent with your food: It is very good for your body to consume the same types of foods. Your body has memory and learns how to digest foods the most appropriately. Include all the colors and tastes, but do not feel that you need to vary your diet daily. Eating the same foods is good. Your body is actually confused when you eat Italian for lunch and Japanese for dinner. It slows digestion.
Add Routine to your diet: Eat at regular times each day. Eat only 2 fistfuls of food. Leave your stomach 1/4 empty for room to digest.
The Elemental Cleanse is a sure fire (pun intended) way to get your fire ignited.
*The sole purpose of these articles is to provide information about the tradition of ayurveda, yoga, and meditation. This information is not intended for use in the diagnosis, treatment, cure or prevention of any disease. If you have any serious acute or chronic health concern, please consult a trained health professional who can fully assess your needs and address them effectively. Check with your doctor before taking herbs or using essential oils when pregnant or nursing.