04/10/2025
Good digestion is the key to better health, and Ayurveda offers powerful yet simple ways to keep your Agni (digestive fire) strong.
Here are some habits—some well-known, some unexpected—to help you improve digestion naturally:
Tongue scraping every morning – Removes toxins (Ama) from the tongue and signals the digestive system to wake up.
Start your day with warm lemon water – This wakes up digestion and gently stimulates Agni. (not recommended for those with LPR)
Eat your biggest meal at lunchtime – Your digestion is strongest when the sun is at its peak, so this is the best time for heavier foods.
Avoid drinking cold water with meals – Ice-cold drinks weaken Agni and slow digestion. Opt for warm or room-temperature water instead.
Chew your food thoroughly – Digestion starts in the mouth. The better you chew, the less work your stomach has to do.
Eat in a calm environment – Avoid distractions like screens or stressful conversations while eating. A relaxed mind supports a strong digestive fire.
Sip ginger tea before meals – Fresh ginger tea can stoke your digestive fire and prepare your stomach for food.
Follow a regular eating schedule – Eating at the same times each day trains your body to digest more efficiently.
Avoid overeating – Stop eating when you’re about 80% full to give your stomach space to properly break down food.
Walk for 5-10 minutes after meals – A gentle stroll aids digestion and prevents sluggishness.
Practice deep breathing & stress management – Stress weakens Agni, so techniques like deep breathing, yoga, or meditation can help keep digestion strong.
Avoid mixing raw and cooked foods in the same meal – Ayurveda teaches that different digestive processes are needed for raw vs. cooked foods, which can lead to sluggish digestion when combined.
Eat with your hands (when possible!) – Ayurvedic wisdom suggests that eating with your hands connects you more deeply to your food, signals digestion to begin, and helps you eat more mindfully.
Which of these are you excited to try? Let me know in the comments!