Poor digestion allows metabolic waste to build up, and this toxic build-up from ajeerna, or poor digestion, leads to sickness. 

Healthy appetite, digestion, and elimination are the first signs of a healthy gut. We are supposed to consume three meals a day, and the desire to eat often indicates that the gut is unhealthy. Excessive appetite or a lack of appetite to the point where we don’t feel hungry until the next meal many hours later is an indication of an unhealthy gut. A healthy gut can be identified by a small hunger reminder around the next meal. A healthy gut is one that eliminates on a regular basis and has one to three eliminations in a 24-hour period.

Having consistent energy throughout the day indicates that our gut is healthy, and that we are metabolizing and absorbing nutrients as they are consumed.

You can maintain a healthy gut.

Take care not to eat too many meals. Ayurveda considers six stages of digestion, each of which can take up to six hours to complete. When the digestive process leaves the stomach, you may feel hungry in two hours, but this is not true hunger.

To work efficiently, the waves of peristalsis that move toxins through the gastrointestinal tract every 90 minutes require a 4-5-hour break from eating. It’s best to leave a 4–5-hour gap between meals. This mechanism can be disrupted by eating small meals every two hours.

Drinking cold beverages, especially with meals, should be avoided. Water is present in all beverages, and it puts out the fire of good digestion. Cold water constricts the blood vessels in the gut, and anything that constricts indicates a lack of enough blood supply and, as a result, poor function.

When you’re in a good mood, sit to eat. It’s difficult to eat your meal after an argument or a high-stress meeting. The best way to optimize gut function is to take some time to pause, calm down, take a few deep breaths, and eat without distraction.

Consume nutritious foods that aren’t excessively watery. The gut may become weakened as a result of the watery meals. A healthy gut is supported by eating balanced meals that are cooked, warm, and wholesome.

Cook with the right fats. Ghee is a healthy fat with a wide range of benefits. Optimal digestion results in a lower accumulation of metabolic toxins and, as a result, a lower risk of disease.

Make these simple practices a part of your daily routine today, and watch as any symptoms fade and eventually disappear.