One of the key principles of maintaining a healthy lifestyle using an Ayurvedic way of life – is strengthening your Agni. Agni can be weakened by many aspects of modern life – which is why we have to look after it!
Good digestion is the key to good health, and it’s so important to improve your digestion and improve your habits and eating routines – to encourage and suit your digestive system. Use these digestive tips to strengthen your Agni, and also support your digestion.
But first of all, what is Agni?
Agni is also referred to as the concept of fire. Agni is something that’s crucial for our health, and our overall wellbeing. It’s something that must remain in balance, for our health to remain in balance too. Agni is really closely related to digestion (think of it as the ‘fire’ of your stomach) and your Agni levels are really closely linked to how hard your digestive system is working.
How do we balance Agni?
One of the main principles of Ayurveda is keeping our Agni strong and healthy, but also to help ourselves restore Agni is it becomes weak of un-balanced.
There are a few main areas that can help with Agni, and ensuring we keep it strong and healthy.
What to do to strengthen Agni:
- Have consistent eating habits, and try to eat at the same times each day.
- Make sure your diet is easy to digest, and suits your digestive system.
- Try to drink hot or warm water at some point each day.
- Adjust you eating habits to suit you dosha.
- Exercise as often as you can (gentle or challenging!)
What NOT to do:
- Don’t overload your stomach or purposely overeat.
- Avoid getting stressed and avoid stressful situations.
- Avoid being too sedentary throughout the day.
- Don’t eat out of boredom (try only to eat when you’re hungry).
How can diet affect Agni?
Agni can be effected quite a lot by the food you eat and the herbs and spices you use (or don’t use!). For people wanting to actively strengthen their Agni, it’s recommended that you use plenty of spices in your cooking and recipes! It’s also recommended that fasting once a week can help with strengthening Agni too.
Something to remember: Agni is naturally stronger in the middle of the day (around noon) and during the winter months – so during these times you can eat heavier food, without disturbing your Agni levels. Agni is less active in the morning and the evening, so these are times to eat lighter food (that are easier to digest) to help preserve your Agni levels.
Here are some tips for making sure your diet is Agni strengthening:
- Be gently active before meals (such as walking, or yoga)
- Eat and drink plenty of the following; milk, ghee, almonds, ginger, fruit
- Try taking a gentle walk after dinner
- Don’t overload the stomach