In holistic wellness, Ayurveda is a profound ally in nurturing women’s gut health. Rooted in ancient wisdom, Ayurvedic principles focus on harmonising doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—to promote natural healing. This holistic approach offers personalised dietary recommendations, herbal remedies, and lifestyle adjustments tailored to enhance digestive well-being.
Common Gut Health Issues
Issues such as reflux (GERD), stomach ulcers, chronic constipation, diarrhoea (including irritable bowel syndrome), haemorrhoids, celiac disease, and inflammatory bowel conditions can disrupt gut health. Factors like stress and poor diet exacerbate imbalances between beneficial and harmful bacteria.
Understanding Gut Health
The gut comprises the entire digestive tract, from the mouth, esophagus, stomach, pancreas, liver, gallbladder, small intestine, large intestine (colon), and rectum.
It hosts a vast ecosystem of around 100 trillion bacteria, influencing overall health. These bacteria are so influential in your overall health that they are often called the “forgotten organ.”
Many of the bacteria in the gut are “friendly,” supporting overall health. Some gut bacteria are “bad” because they can cause illness and increase your risk for certain health problems, including depression. Gut health refers to the balance of these bacteria and the overall function of the digestive system.
Ayurvedic Remedies for Gut Health
Triphala
A blend of three fruits—amla (Indian gooseberry), Bibhitaki, and Haritaki—Triphala aids digestion and alleviates bloating, constipation, and abdominal discomfort. It supports gut epithelial lining healing, enhances barrier function, and boosts nutrient absorption.
Licorice root
Liquorice root is often used to help with irritation by providing a protective cover over the membrane lining and decreasing inflammation. It also helps eliminate a bad gut bacteria called H. pylori, which can cause peptic ulcers.
Slippery elm
Slippery elm is used to heal the mucous membranes in the gut. Slippery elm has been shown to improve bowel movements in patients with irritable bowel syndrome, alleviate heartburn, and provide an antioxidant effect in inflammatory bowel conditions.
Chamomile
Chamomile has traditionally been prescribed for the treatment of both acute and chronic gastric distress, such as inflammation and cramps in the digestive organs. Along with chamomile’s antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, these actions may explain its overall soothing effect on digestion.
Peppermint
The use of peppermint essential oil as a digestive aid probably dates back to ancient Greece. Peppermint’s essential oil aids digestion, reducing gas and bloating while also cooling the digestive tract.
Fennel
Fennel, which has origins in traditional Ayurvedic medicine, helps prevent and relieve gassiness and diminishes bloating, heartburn, and constipation. It is also believed to promote the secretion of digestive enzymes and improve a weak appetite. Fennel is generally recognised as safe, though it may rarely cause an allergic reaction.
Ginger root
Ginger root has been used and studied extensively over time for a wide range of biological activities. Some of the diverse properties attributed to ginger include anti-ulcer, digestive, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-nausea (anti-emetic), and anti-motion sickness.
Lifestyle Practices for Gut Health
In addition to herbal remedies, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is crucial:
Exercise
Stress Management
Healthy Diet
Adequate Sleep
Ayurveda’s holistic approach to gut health integrates ancient wisdom with modern understanding, offering effective solutions to maintain and restore digestive balance. By embracing Ayurvedic principles and incorporating these herbal remedies and lifestyle practices, women can nurture optimal gut health, enhancing overall vitality and well-being.
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