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Ayurveda Digestion​​

The following are specific guidelines from Ayurveda/Ayurvedic medicine re diet according to what's known as the doshas. If you are not familiar with the doshas or this system, first read Mark's article on the Ayurvedic doshas & Knowing your Individual Body-Type

  • Always sit to eat, in a settled atmosphere and with a settled mind. Do not work, read or watch television while you are eating.

  • Eat to about 3/4 of your capacity. Do not leave the table very hungry or very full.

  • Allow 3-6 hours between meals. Avoid having another meal before the previous meal has been digested.

  • One can sip a small amount of warm water during meals, according to thirst. It is best to avoid large amounts of liquids before and within 1-2 hours after meals.

  • Favour food that is warm and well cooked, but not overcooked, and avoid large amounts of raw food and uncooked oats, etc.

  • Milk should not be taken with meals having mixed tastes such as vegetables or meat. Milk can be taken with toast, cereals or sweet-tasting foods.

  • Include all six tastes in the daily food intake-constitutional factors and particular physiological needs may have to be considered.

  • It is good to respect and follow your spontaneous desires. This is the physiology's means of expressing what it needs in order to achieve balance at any given moment. However, non life-supporting desires may arise due to some habitual pattern of physiological imbalance.

  • Lunch should be the main meal of the day. Both breakfast and dinner should be lighter in quality. If possible, eat at about the same times each day.

  • In the evening, avoid meat, sweets, and dairy products except milk. Ideally, dinner should be at least 3 hours before going to bed. If you feel hungry at bed-time, then a glass of warm milk, or a recommended ayurvedic tea, can be taken.

  • Chew your food well, and take a few minutes to sit quietly after eating.

  • Avoid iced or cold drinks and cold food, because they interfere with digestion.

Proper food preparation

  • Food prepared by a happy, settled cook in a pleasant environment will have the best influence.

  • Use fresh, good-quality produce-organic is preferable. Food should always be delicious and pleasing to the senses.

  • Avoid using tinned or frozen food, or food which is left-over or reheated.

  • Honey should not be heated in any way such as by cooking, baking, or by adding it to hot beverages. Take care to buy cold-extracted honey.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact a Maharishi Vedic Health Educator.

Mark Bunn

Mark Bunn – is a leading natural health researcher specialising in Ayurvedic medicine, author of the three-time best-selling ‘Ancient Wisdom for Modern Health‘ and one of Australasia's most popular health and performance speakers.  Mark is also CEO of David Lynch Foundation Australia.