Ayurvedic food is a holistic approach to health. It includes a variety of foods that are specially chosen for their healing properties. The food that can be eaten according to Ayurvedic principles is classified as “sattvic” or “tamasic”, depending on the effect it has on the body. Ayurvedic foods for good digestion are a great way to keep your stomach and gut healthy. When you have a healthy digestive system, you can enjoy better health and even undergo weight loss.

So, if you are looking to improve your stomach health, don’t worry we’ve got you. Here are some of the best foods for gut health and digestion according to Ayurveda-

1. Ginger

Ginger is considered to be one of the best foods for digestive health as it cures nausea and gastrointestinal upset, has anti-cancer properties, lessens pain, and restricts pro-inflammatory compounds. 

A simple gut-friendly way of consuming ginger is by grating and mixing it into hot water. Add lemon and some raw honey for taste.

2. Turmeric

Turmeric is considered to be an anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory spice. Curcumin, present in turmeric helps protect your gastrointestinal lining and provides relief from many digestive and gastric disorders like colorectal cancer and inflammatory bowel disease.

Add this spice to your teas, dairy-free seed or nut milk, and other dairy-free elixirs.

3. Fermented Foods

Fermented foods are known to be the best foods for stomach health as they are probiotic-rich, and introduce gut-friendly bacteria in your body, which in turn helps strengthen the intestinal lining. Additionally, fermented foods also help boost immunity.

Some fermented foods you can try are – Dairy-Free Yogurt, Kombucha, Miso, Sauerkraut, Water Kefir, etc. 

4. Chia Seeds

When soaked in water chia seeds get a ‘goopy’ texture which is extremely soothing for your digestive tract. Chia seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and magnesium, which provide relief from constipation, encourage the growth of good bacteria and relax intestinal muscles.

Make yourself a nice chia pudding and add it to your everyday oatmeal or dairy-free smoothies to amp them up.

5. Bone/Vegetable Broth

One of the best foods for digestion, broths are easy to digest, comforting, hydrating, and immunity-boosting. They also contain amino acids for repair and healing and promote a healthy flow of gastric juices.

Bone broth can easily be supplemented with nutrition by adding vegetables, spices, herbs, culinary adaptogens, mushrooms, and sea vegetables.

6. Sweet Potatoes

This delicious root vegetable is a storehouse of vitamin A, a nutrient essential for healing and maintaining the intestinal border, as well as providing a healthy immune system. Sweet potatoes contain anthocyanins, an antioxidant that plays a crucial role in preventing colon cancer. They also trigger healthy digestive enzymes.

Sweet potatoes can be consumed in many forms like stew, soup, gluten-free baked goods, mashed, or one-pot meals.

7. Pineapple

Bromelain, a compound found in pineapple, aids digestion and reduces acid reflux. It lessens pain and inflammation while addressing problems caused by diarrhea, and other pathogens. 

You can enjoy pineapple on its own by blending it into a smoothie or making a smoothie bowl. Enjoy!

8. Mint

This Ayurvedic godsend is believed to be one of the best foods for digestion. Mint helps in reducing pain, spasms, bloating, and gas. It also addresses a variety of other gastrointestinal disorders like IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), abdominal pain, etc. 

Mint can be used fresh or dried. Pair it with cacao powder in your everyday hot chocolate recipe to add a healthy and aromatic kick to it. You can also simply steep the mint leaves in hot water for consumption. 

Digestive issues can surely be challenging but when equipped with the right kind of food, it gets much easier. To know more, explore our sattvic and tridoshic meals here at Mekosha Ayurveda Spasuites Retreat. Experiment with different kinds of Ayurvedic cuisines served at our communal table and observe the effects it has on your body. We also offer a course on becoming an Ayurvedic chef so that you can take all these delicious and healthy foods back home.

Stay healthy and bon appetit!