Digestion Friendly Herbs
WHAT IS DIGESTION ?
Digestion is an important process of our body in which food is broken down into small molecules that later provide energy to the body. It is responsible for providing nourishment which plays a key role in the smooth functioning of the body. Proper digestion is essential as it is the main process that initiates the energy supply to the body.
There are many organs involved in the process of digestion. Each of these organs has a specific role to play. Here is a list of organs involved in this process-
1. Mouth
2. Tongue
3. Teeth
4. Oesophagus
5. Sphincter
6. Stomach
7. Liver
8. Pancreas
9. Small Intestine
10.Large Intestine
11.Rectum
12.Anus
13.Nervous system
WORKING OF DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
As discussed above, digestive system has many organs associated with it. It is made up of a long tube of organs which is known as the gastrointestinal tract. The gastrointestinal tract comprises the organs mentioned above.Digestion seems to be starting after reaching the stomach, but it is not the case. Digestion starts as soon as the food reaches the mouth. It begins with the mouth & then tongue carries on with the pushing of food into the throat. After that, the food reaches the oesophagus & then sphincter lets the food move into the stomach. It is then mixed in the stomach along with digestive juices. This composition is called chime which leaves the stomach & reaches the small intestine. The food is then mixed with other essential juices secreted by liver, pancreas & gallbladder. After going through peristalsis, the waste is excreted into the large intestine while the digested nutrients & water is absorbed by the walls of the small intestine. The large intestine absorbs water & transforms the waste liquid into stools. Then stools are passed into the rectum. Rectum stores the waste until it is pushed out through the anus during bowel movements. Thus, the working involves the efforts of many organs altogether.
Why is good digestion important?
The process of digestion keeps the body going. Our body needs various nutrients which we get through food. The digestion process collects the nutrients from the food. This process results in the generation of energy and involves series of actions associated with various organs. If any organ stops functioning properly, the entire system can come to halt. It would be a serious hindrance in the process of energy creation which will ultimately make the body less powerful, less strong & more prone to illnesses.Foods for the good health of the digestive system
Digestion is a complex process in which many organs are involved. To keep up the health of all these organs, it is essential to eat healthy food. Some foods should be included in the daily diet whereas some needs to be completely avoided for the well-being of the digestive system.» Fresh fruits
» Green Leafy Vegetables
» Whole grains
» Curd or probiotic foods
» Alcohol
» Fatty & deep fried foods
» Aerated & sugary drinks
» Too much of tea & coffee
Digestion boosting Herbs
Ayurveda reveals the goodness of herbs for the human body. It brings in picture herbs which can improve the process of digestion. There are many herbs that can help in digestion but few of them possess really impressive qualities which are mentioned here-
1. Turmeric- Bile juice is an essential secretion that helps in breaking down of food particles in a better way. Turmeric helps in stimulating bile juice and easy breakdown of food. This golden spice truly eases digestion & relieves gas. It is also quite helpful in curing inflammatory bowel diseases & diarrhoea. Not only this, turmeric is capable of treating all the organs involved in the digestion process, thus making the process better & more powerful.
2. Guava- Guava works wonderfully well on the digestion due to its rich fibre content. It can also provide treatment for constipation & improve appetite. The guava seeds act as natural laxative & help in improving the digestive health. This fruit can also provide comfort in diseases like diarrhoea & dysentery.
3. Aloe Vera- This great herb has anti-inflammatory & laxative qualities. It is greatly helpful in the digestion process. Also, it has the potential to cure constipation & helps in bowel movements. The problem of leaky gut can also be managed with this miraculous herb. It can be taken in the form of juice or pulp.
4. Gooseberry- Gooseberry improves food absorption & balancing the acid quantity in the stomach, which greatly helps in the digestion process. The fibre content helps in better bowel movements & its juice helps in the digestion & absorption of food. It also cleanses the stomach & flushes out toxins from the body. This fruit is rich in vitamin c along with many other vitamins and minerals which are important nutrients for the body.
How to make good use of these herbs?
Herbs taken in the raw state are immensely useful for the body. We should include herbs in our diet through salads, soups, powders, etc. The herbs mentioned above have great digestive & healing properties. These can be taken on a regular basis as nutritional supplements in the form of tablets, capsules, juices, syrups & oils.With the fast-paced sedentary lifestyle, people are more likely to use pain-killers & other drugs frequently on the body. There are many side-effects caused by the use of these drugs & medicines. A proper combination of ayurvedic herbs can give relief from such side-effects. Not only this, these herbs can also improve the nutrients quantity in our body which is responsible for good digestion, better immunity & healthier body.
After knowing the importance & value of good digestion, activities helping in good digestion should be included in our daily routine. More exercise, less unhealthy food, less unhealthy drinks & more nutritional herbs should be made an important part of the daily health regime. Including a good nutritional supplement is highly suggested. Improve your digestion & health by following these tips. Stay healthy, keep smiling!