Research over the last few decades has painted a clear picture: you are only as healthy as your intestinal flora! The sophisticated interplay of different microorganisms in your digestive system protects you from illness and contributes significantly to your well-being. Reason enough to give your gut the attention it deserves through a healthy, Ayurvedic lifestyle.
At around eight meters long, the intestine is the organ - next to the skin - that has the largest surface area in contact with the outside world. Every type of food or drink is processed here for further use in the body. Which substances are absorbed and which are excreted is decided by the "brain" of your intestine: the microbiome.
Your gut and the microbiome
The microbiome is the totality of all microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses and fungi that work together in your gut. Together they control the digestion of food, strengthen your immune system and protect you from pathogens. Ayurvedic practitioners were aware of the importance of a healthy microbiome a long time ago: in the Charaka Samhita, one of the oldest Ayurvedic scriptures, they describe how the blazing digestive fire Agni burns toxins (ama). Ama can be the result of a weak microbiome, allowing toxins, food debris and environmental toxins to enter your body. This favors the development of a variety of diseases, such as
- Obesity and cardiovascular disease
- Inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome
- Allergies, autoimmune diseases and depression
Ayurvedic teachings recommend a variety of measures to strengthen the microbiome:
Tips for your gut health
- Nutritious food: "You are what you eat" is not just an empty phrase when it comes to your gut health! One of the basic principles of Ayurveda is a balanced diet with fresh, seasonal and unprocessed foods that are rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals.
- Pre-, pro- and postbiotics: These food components support the balance and diversity of microorganisms in the gut. Prebiotics are non-digestible fibers that serve as food for beneficial bacteria in the gut, for example inulin, which is found in foods such as chicory, artichokes, garlic, onions and bananas. Probiotics are 'good' bacteria that help to improve the balance of your gut flora and fight harmful bacteria. Probiotics are usually taken as a dietary supplement, but are also found in fermented foods such as yogurt, sauerkraut or kimchi. Finally, postbiotics are metabolic products of probiotic microorganisms that have a health-promoting effect.
- Cleansing and detoxification: Regular bowel cleansing is one of the cornerstones of Ayurvedic teachings. According to the ancient scriptures, Ayurvedic practitioners are convinced that half of all diseases can be cured by so-called "bastis", i.e. cleansing measures. At least once a year, the intestines should be cleansed with a European Ayurveda® Panchakarma, detox or balance treatment. Depending on your constitutional type, the light fasting recommended during the treatment can also help to strengthen the gut microbiome.
Holistically healthy
In addition, Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of a healthy lifestyle and daily routines to maintain balance in the body. Regular exercise, adequate sleep and stress management are crucial for strong gut health. Mental and physical stress, as well as diet, can disrupt the balance of the microbiome and impair digestive function. To stay balanced in your daily life, you can support your digestion with Ayurvedic herbs and supplements that are specially formulated to support gut health.
In our European Ayurveda® online store you will find, for example
- Trikatu, which relieves indigestion and flatulence, promotes the production of digestive juices and stimulates the metabolism.
- Agni Plus which stimulates the digestive juices and strengthens your digestive fire (Agni).
- Asant, which can alleviate gastrointestinal disorders and flatulence.
By listening to your body's needs and signals and supporting it with nutritious foods, probiotic cultures and a healthy lifestyle, you can promote the balance of your microbiome and achieve optimal gut health.
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