Unfavorable eating habits in everyday life

Dietary habits can easily creep in during everyday stress and influence our digestion. In order to maintain health and zest for life, it is important to maintain the digestive fire (Agni). Therefore, it is worthwhile to know the factors that can contribute to the formation of Ama (toxins, waste products and undigested residues in the body).

Ayurveda health theory recommends that you follow certain dietary rules that strengthen or at least do not affect Agni before, during and after meals. For example, cold drinks that are consumed before or during a meal can reduce or “dampen” the digestive power.

Other habits that can influence Agni and weaken digestion include:

• When the food is too heavy or too rich in relation to the digestive power
• the consumption of hydrogenated fats and other foods that are difficult to digest
• Eating too often — ideally there is a break of around five hours between meals
• regularly skipping meals or prolonged periods of fasting without proper preparation
• the consumption of heavily processed, frozen, cold or old foods
• regular consumption of strong stimulants such as coffee, tea or alcohol
• a sumptuous main meal in the evening or a protein-rich diet later in the day
• a high proportion of raw food in the evening
• Distraction while eating, such as reading, watching TV, or conflict
• suppressing feelings that are “not digested”
• a diet and lifestyle that does not suit your own constitution

The widespread habit of eating between main meals can also affect digestion, as it interrupts the digestion process and can leave undigested food behind as Ama. At the same time, this prevents a real feeling of hunger from developing. From an Ayurvedic perspective, hunger signals that the previous meal has been completely digested. Only then is Agni strong enough again to absorb and process new food.

A conscious approach is recommended when choosing foods. Many additives in finished products are unknown to our biochemistry and are difficult to process. Some of them are stored in the body and can have a stressful effect there in the long term. Various complaints such as food intolerances, allergies, skin problems, rheumatism or gout are discussed in this context, among others.

When shopping, try to buy fresh food from certified organic farming. Conventional farming not only pollutes soils, the environment and groundwater, but can also have an impact on the quality of food. Artificial fertiliser promotes yields, but not necessarily the density of nutrients. Residues of plant protection products can also be contained in conventional products.

In principle, it is advisable, without dogmatism but with awareness, to reduce the most common unfavorable eating habits in order to support an easier, healthier and more joyful life. The same applies: The exception confirms the rule — and enjoyment remains an important part of life. Ayurveda also states: The quantity alone makes the poison.

The team at Ayurveda Shunyata Villa in Sri Lanka wishes you lots of fun.