Ayurveda holds that most health afflictions have their roots embedded in faulty or incomplete digestion. In my practice, people come for a consultation seeking ways to improve their health through lifestyle changes. In many cases, imbalances are not immediately evident and a complete Ayurvedic assessment usually reveals weakness of digestive power and/or poor elimination.

How can you improve digestion?

Many people don’t realize that even when they eat healthy foods, their body may not properly assimilate the nutrients they ingest. Digestion can be easily improved by increasing agni, or digestive metabolic fire. One simple recipe to boost agni consists of drinking a small shot of ginger juice mixed with lime juice, rock salt and black pepper 10 minutes before your main meal.

How can you improve elimination?

Waste material and toxins accumulate in the colon. Proper elimination is probably the most important step in the digestive process. While keeping a consistent exercise routine, drinking plenty of water and including a healthy portion of fruits and vegetables in your diet are the basic steps for regular elimination, there are certain Ayurvedic herbs that aid in this process.

One of these purifying herbal blends is Triphala, which means,”three fruits”. Formulated in India thousands of years ago, it remains extremely popular today. It gently cleanses and detoxifies the body, strengthens and nourishes the bones, nervous system, and reproductive organs. It contains:

• Amalaki, considered one of the best rejuvenating herbs and a strong natural antioxidant containing 20 times more vitamin C than orange juice.

• Haritaki, the strongest laxative powers of the three fruits contained in Triphala.

• Bibhitaki with both laxative and astringent properties. It eliminates excess mucous in the body and is also used to treat a variety of lung conditions, including bronchitis and asthma.

First things first! We are not only what we eat but what we digest. The key to good health and longevity rests in balancing our body, mind and spirit through the use of available resources that help to maintain the strength of your digestive power.