In order to improve our health Ayurveda says the first step is to ensure our digestive fire is strong known as Agni. The best way to determine if our digestion is strong is by tuning in with our appetite. Strong appetite equates to a strong digestion. When our appetite is strong then our digestive system has the best possible chance to properly break down our food and make those nutrients available to all our bodily tissues. If our appetite is weak and we do not feel hungry for our meals then no matter how good quality our food is, organic, locally grown etc that food will not be broken down properly, will not become available to our bodily cells and most will pass right through us as waste.
A great way to ensure our appetite stays strong and therefore our digestion stays strong is by being present with our food at meal time. Keep your attention on your food, avoid those distractions which take your energy away from digestion such as phones, tv, books. Sit down to eat, chew well, keep conversation light.
A good general rule for eating is to fill the stomach ½ with food ¼ with liquid and leave the last ¼ empty. A good sign we have digested well is if we have energy after the meal and don’t feel tired, fatigued or feel the need to lie down.
With these simple rules we can ensure our body receives as much of the good nutrients from our food as possible. This is essential to good health.
Toxins are simply undigested food particles. When our appetite and digestion is strong then we have the best chance not to create toxins. The most common way toxins are created in us is when we eat on the run, eat without feeling hungry, eat before the previous meal has been digested, while feeling upset or angry. In addition if we choose heavier foods such as cheeses, deep fried, refined foods, processed foods, beef, pork, potato chips or tomato sauce to name a few then we are increasing our chances of producing toxins in our body. If we find it hard to get out of bed in the morning, have bad breath or body odour, fatigue, fogginess or feeling heavy then it is likely we have toxins in our system. The easiest way for us to remove toxins is to strengthen our digestive fire by eating at regular meal times, eating easy to digest foods that are warm and freshly cooked such as grains, legumes and vegetables. When our digestion and appetite is strong and supported then the body has the energy and reserves to do what it does naturally and remove these toxins day by day.
Our vitality or immune strength is known as Ojas in Ayurveda. When we have lots of Ojas we feel cheerful, loving, compassionate, have strong immunity, good memory, eyes full of luster, glowing skin, shining hair, courage, stamina.
The most common ways we lose Ojas are an unstable mind (mind not in the present moment enough), worry, anxiety, anger, trauma, grief, regular alcohol, drugs, excessive exercise, overuse of senses (for example to much social media), unwholesome food.
It is common nowadays when we think about increasing our immunity we feel the need to rush around from one health store to the next looking for herbs, supplements or superfoods that will keep us well. In fact, if we can learn to slow down and focus on stabilizing our mind and thoughts through things such as yoga or mindfulness practices that this can have a much more significant, positive and long term effect on our immunity and vitality.
The first key to building our Ojas is that all our bodily tissues need to be nourished and functioning well. This is achieved through our strong digestion as we have discussed.
Secondly in order to build our Ojas we need sweetness in our life. In the form of friends and loved ones, hugs, community, gratitude, generosity and kindness, meditation, getting enough sleep, incense, candle light, light hearted movies, chanting, singing, sweet music, stories by the fire, slowing down and giving yourself permission to rest.
The other important source of sweetness we need in our life is through food. Wonderful foods which increase Ojas are, dates, raisins, sultanas, ghee, honey, soaked peeled almonds to name a few. Eaten in moderation of course to ensure our digestion remains strong.
By tuning in with our appetite each day, choosing foods which are wholesome, seasonal and local if possible. And by filling our lives with sweetness in the form of family, community and activities which bring us joy each day we will go a very long way to improving our health, reducing toxins and increasing our vitality and immunity. And as a wonderful side effect we naturally bring out our cheerfulness and kindness. Which is so needed today.
I have included for you today my favourite chai recipe. I have one of these almost everyday and it is awesome if I do say so myself! Best to have it in the afternoon I reckon along with a homemade cookie. That’s my preference anyway. Also great for the cooler months. This Ayurvedic recipe has the wonderful effect of nourishing the body and increasing Ojas whilst at the same time helping to remove toxins.
Ayurvedic Chai (serves 2)
Ingredients
2 cups water
1 ¼ cups non-homogenised cow’s milk (or almond milk)
1 tsp grated fresh ginger
3 green cardamom pods (broken open)
1 black cardamom pod (optional)(broken open)
½ cinnamon stick (broken open)
1 tsp fennel seeds
¼ tsp ajwain seeds (or black pepper)
2 cloves
1 tsp tea leaves
2 tsp rapadura (or coconut sugar, or jaggery)
Method
Add water to the saucepan and bring water to the boil.
Add all spices except the tea.
Simmer for 5 - 10 minutes depending on desired strength of taste.
Add rapadura and stir until dissolved.
Add milk and tea leaves together.
Return to the boil momentarily.
Turn off heat, strain into 2 mugs and serve hot.