Ayurvedic Daily Routine Guide for a Healthy Gut

The Role of Agni (Digestive Fire) in Ayurveda

It is crucial to have a clear idea about the Ayurvedic concept of 'Agni', the digestive fire, or metabolic energy. And this is how you will understand how to keep your gut happy and healthy. 

Do you face repeated gut health issues? If yes, then it may be primarily due to your impaired Agni.

Agni is responsible for transforming and assimilating your food into energy, tissues, and waste products, thus maintaining optimum gut health.

So, to keep your Agni burning for a healthy gut, you must follow some daily Ayurvedic practices.

Read on to learn how to maintain an optimal digestive fire daily.

Establishing an Ayurvedic Daily Routine for Your Gut

Throughout your younger age, you may have received advice on the importance of following a proper daily regimen. It helps to create healthy habits and discipline in your life. Similarly, Ayurveda emphasizes following specific rules and habits daily to have a healthy and happy life. The primary aim of Ayurveda is to establish a healthy way of living. It helps create a healthy body and mind and a cheerful day-to-day life.

Day Regimen

Let's explore some of the day regimens mentioned in Ayurveda that support gut health.

Waking Up Early 

Rising during the early hours before sunrise is considered auspicious. It aligns with the body's biological clock. Waking up early in the morning supports overall well-being. It promotes mental clarity and a balanced dosha state. Your gut follows a rhythm that follows the circadian rhythm.

A research paper published in a neurobiology journal quoted the importance of circadian rhythm in gut health. 

"Microbiota rhythms are regulated by diet and feeding time, which can alter microbial community structure and metabolic activity and significantly impact host immune and metabolic function."

Oral Hygiene 

You must take care of your oral hygiene even if you do not have a date night today!

Cleaning the teeth and tongue with herbal formulations is recommended by Ayurveda experts. Using Neem or Triphala can help remove toxins and bacteria from the mouth. Good oral hygiene prevents oral health issues and supports overall digestive health.

Scraping the Tongue 

Scraping the tongue removes accumulated toxins, bacteria, and debris on the tongue. It promotes oral hygiene and supports digestive health.

Oil Pulling 

Swishing oil in the mouth can help to eliminate toxins. Also, it helps improve oral health and stimulate the digestive system.

Dr Naveen, the Chief Medical Officer at Nirva Health, says, "When you do Gandusha and Kavala (oil pulling) regularly, it stimulates your digestive tract. When you stimulate your mouth, it has a positive effect on vata dosha in your gut. It also helps control metabolic problems and improve overall digestion."

It is interesting to know that the healthy fats in the oil lead to less acid production in the stomach, which helps to improve your digestion and maintain better gut health.

Nasal Cleansing 

It is administering herbal oils or medicated powders to the nasal passages. It helps clear the sinuses, improves respiratory health, and supports digestive functions. Evidence from several studies has found a relationship between the nasal mucosa and gut health.

Moreover, stimulating the nasal nerves affects brain function, thus impacting the gut microbiota composition. The nose is considered the doorway to the brain in Ayurvedic treatment principles.

So, keeping your nose clean is best, but don't poke it out. 

Drinking Water in the Morning (Achamana)

Hydration is crucial for your health and overall well-being. Drinking warm water in the morning helps to eliminate toxins from the body. Water enhances the body's natural detoxification processes, indirectly benefiting the digestive system.

Always remember to drink warm water to keep your digestive health working well.

Self-Massage

Massage releases tension in the abdominal and intestinal muscles relieves constipation, assists with waste elimination, and stimulates liver and kidney activity.

Practise regular self-massage with warm oils such as sesame or coconut oil at least twice a week. It helps balance Vata dosha, improve circulation, and promote overall well-being.

Physical Exercise

Engaging in regular, moderate exercises supports metabolism and digestion. It helps prevent the accumulation of toxins in the digestive system.

Exercise can promote healthy bacteria in the gut, which may help reduce inflammation and support immune function. 

Proper Meal Times and Mindful Eating

It would help if you had your meals at regular intervals and in a calm, mindful way. Doing so supports healthy digestion and absorption of nutrients. Also, avoid overeating and consume meals that are suitable for your constitution. Eating time resonates with the natural rhythms of your body.

Fasting or Upavasa

Periodic fasting helps reset the digestive system. It helps eliminate toxins and improve overall gut health. Fasting or intermittent fasting is so common nowadays that you do not need a whole paragraph explaining its importance. 

Shorter fasts of around 16–24 hours can still yield positive changes in the gut microbiome, offering digestive benefits without needing an extended fast.

Achapaana (Fat Intake Orally)

Achapana is the intake of medicated or non-medicated fats in the required quantity for a limited time on an empty stomach early in the morning. It's also a fantastic ayurvedic medicine for gut health. It's more like pouring ghee on fire; it makes it burn more vibrantly. 

Consult an Ayurvedic physician to know how much you should consume and how often. Taking excess will put off your digestive fire.

Night Regimen

In addition to the above, let's explore some particular regimens you can add to your ayurvedic night routine, improving your gut health.

Self Massage

As the day regimen mentions, self-massage has numerous health benefits that improve your gut health.

Performing a self-massage before your bedtime is advised. It helps improve your circulation and calm your nervous system. A relaxed nervous system enhances digestion since stress and tension can negatively impact digestion.

Meditation and Pranayama

It helps reduce stress, calm the mind and prepare the body for restful sleep. Chronic stress can cause imbalances in the digestive system. Practices like meditation help alleviate stress, indirectly benefiting gut health.

Light Evening Meal

Ayurveda recommends eating a light evening meal that is easily digestible. Heavy meals close to bedtime can induce a workload on the digestive system. Light meals two hours before bedtime ensure more efficient digestion and nutrient absorption.

Early to Bed

Ayurveda advises to sleep early. It can be before 10:00 PM in the modern world and lifestyle. Doing so supports the body's natural processes during the night. It promotes better digestion and allows your body to focus on repair and restoration during sleep. 

To Conclude

Now, you will understand the concept of digestion in Ayurveda by understanding 'Agni'. Also, we discussed the different daily regimens, including day and night routines. Following these regimens can significantly improve your gut health and overall well-being.

Also, these tips are easy to follow and incorporate into your daily routine. They may seem simple, but their effects are priceless. If you wish for a balanced and healthy digestive system, consider integrating these practices into your life.