Delighting in Food
The Vedic Sciences, over 5,000 years old, have revealed a great number of practices which will help one live a rich, fulfilled and joyful life. One such science, Ayurveda, considers the individual makeup of each person. We learn from this ancient science that each unique makeup requires a unique diet to obtain highest health and deepest satisfaction through food. Intake of food is not a statistical science that proves that every person requires the same thing.
Years of practice have proven the effectiveness of the Ayurvedic approach to diet. Food is, indeed, the greatest medicine. And, according to Ayurveda, when food is taken at the right time, in the right environment, and particularly according to our unique dosha, it has the power to not only prevent, but heal, disease. The way foods are cooked, spices included, and the amount of liquid taken with food only further impact foods' effect on the body.
When we look deeper into the science of Ayurvedic nutrition, we consider the qualities that each food possesses, the qualities at work in the body (where no two people are exactly the same and which is often changing within each individual), and the manner in which a person takes their food. The sanskrit word rasa gives deep meaning to the word taste, translating to “delight or essence”. Not only does it affect how much we enjoy our food and how it works to benefit or hinder the health of the body, taste also has a mental effect on the body. Proper foods have the ability to provide contentment, awaken the mind, calm the nerves, clear emotions, reduce disturbance in the mind, and remove lethargy.
Different tastes, each containing different qualities, stimulate prana in the body and, in turn, stimulates agni in different ways. Agni is the Ayurvedic explanation for hydrochloric acid and the chemical reaction that it has on the foods entering the digestive system. Over and over again, modern science reveals the truth that Ayurveda has known for thousands of years; disease begins with improper digestion. Improper digestion, or foods and eating habits that promote symptoms such as bloating, heaviness, indigestion, nausea, and/or gas, creates ama. Ama is simply translated to toxins and creates poor digestion and unhealthy elimination patterns.
Healthy digestion = Freedom from Disease.
How, then, does improper food affect the body in such destructive ways? As an example, let's consider how simple carbohydrates work versus complex carbohydrates. Simple carbs, found in processed foods, refined sugar, packaged breads, candy, etc., enter the bloodstream immediately. This immediate entry shocks the system into over production of insulin, the blood sugar drops, and the cerebrum (part of the brain responsible for thought, social and emotional behavior, and learning) shuts down. The body must preserve any leftover energy to meet basic needs; safety, defense, food seeking, and so forth. On a different note, complex carbohydrates, found in vegetables, beans, legumes and many fruits, enter the system at a much slower rate, allowing the body to process carefully and drive nutrients to appropriate cells of the body, providing long term energy + vitamins, fiber and minerals that serve the body. Hence, healthy, whole foods create healthy, whole bodies.
It is important to remember that it’s not the “once in a while” behavior that has a lasting impact on the body but the ongoing habits. A glass of wine, a delicious dessert, or even a greasy slice of pizza doesn’t, in and of itself, destroy the digestion. But consistent habits that create difficult digestion or elimination patterns do have a long term impact on the overall health of the digestive system. When not digested properly, undigested food turns to ama, or toxins, that drive deep into the tissues of the body and create dis-ease. And further, when symptoms persist, dis-ease is driven further into the tissues of the body and, the deeper they go, the more difficult they are to treat and usually, the more serious the long term consequences.
In a nutshell, recurring digestive symptoms eventually manifest in disease. If you are in the habit of popping an antacid or supplement to support the digestion of your food to avoid or counter things like gas, heartburn or bloating, it might be time to rethink the foods you eat, the way you take your food, or both.
Ayurveda provides simple recommendations to improve not only digestion, but the satisfaction related to food. In my practice, so far, every single client I’ve worked with has had some attachment to (or against) food that is not only consuming a great deal of their time and energy, but that is leading to discomfort around food. In the coming weeks on my social media platforms, I will be sharing some of the Guidelines for Healthy Eating, which give the body support in properly digesting food. I will also share some of the simple guidelines around deciding which foods are right for your body. Check out Om Maitri Ayurveda on Instagram, Facebook, or on my website to learn more. And, as always, I am available for a free 15 minute consultation if you would like to explore how Ayurveda can serve you on a more personal level.
What People are Saying about Ayurvedic Nutrition and Om Maitri Ayurveda:
“I had been feeling bloated and fatigued for a few months. (Since working with an Ayurvedic Practitioner) I’ve been adding spices to my food and eating foods that are best for my dosha, or individual body type. Food has been tasting so good, and has felt so satisfying. Britney has been incredible to work with. It’s like a doctor-therapist relationship and what I’ve always wished I had in Western medicine.”
Ramira, Utah
