Ayurvedic tips for digestive health

I thought I would share some Ayurvedic tips for digestive health from one of my favourite books, The Path of Practice, by Maya Tiwari.

"As a general rule:

• The main meal should be eaten at lunchtime or as an early dinner (four to five P.M.). The quantity of food ingested should be no more than two anjali (two hands cupped together).
• The other two meals should be small, about one anjali.
• Fruits should be eaten alone, about one hour before or after a meal, because fruits tend to ferment in the digestive tract.
• Fruits should not be eaten with milk or other dairy products, because the acidity in the fruit curdles the milk in the stomach.

• Sweet and sour tastes are a disharmonious combination. One counteracts the other and irritates digestion, so that the digestive fire becomes sluggish.
• Avoid complex food combinations, especially when dairy is involved, such as tacos or lasagna; also any combination of bread, cheese and fruits.
• Drink 1/2 cup of warm water before each meal to activate agni, the digestive fire. Avoid drinking water or other fluids with the meal. The liquid douses the digestive fire and makes the process sluggish. Taking water or fluids directly after the meal has the same counterproductive effects and promotes lethargy and weight gain.
• Chew the meal thoroughly and joyfully to aid proper assimilation of nutrients and digestion, so that the vital tissues are well nourished, the body's hunger is fed, and emotional cravings are satisfied.
• Practice eating your meals in a spirit of harmony and gratitude to conserve the bodily juices for the massive task of digestion. When we attend to digestion, we attend to our health. Remember: All disease occurs as a result of poor digestion and assimilation in the body."

Some words of wisdom, as we prepare for the changes in seasons both in the northern and southern hemispheres.

Blessings to you.