Nurturing Your Digestive Health: An Eastern Approach to Strengthening Your Immune System

Digestive problems, including bloating, are on the rise. Social media is filled with notifications about them, and medications to soothe the system are constantly advertised. But why are we experiencing more bloating, upset stomachs, and digestive issues?

We are consuming more food than we should, and we’re also eating at a faster pace due to the demands of our modern life. When was the last time you took a moment to chew your food slowly, ate without distractions, or focused solely on your meal without multitasking?

Most of us eat while planning our day or our next move. We might chat with family members or friends, discussing current events or issues. How often have you seen someone sitting under a tree, quietly sipping a cup of tea or coffee? Or take a lunch break to sit in nature, eating without checking the phone?

Our stomach is like a friend: we’re with it but not truly present. We don’t listen to her needs. We either overeat or neglect to nourish her properly. We feed her, thinking that’s enough for her health, but she requires our attention and care. When she shows signs of discomfort, we ignore her. Instead of listening, we reach for medications or over-the-counter quick fixes to keep her quiet. She stays by our side, patiently waiting for the next meal while we rush through life, giving her little time to feel appreciated. We continue to pour our stress and emotions onto her, and she silently holds onto our burdens. Over time, her capacity to handle it all shrinks, and she struggles more.

As a loyal companion, she never abandons us, but she will continue showing signs of unease, discomfort, and even pain. If we don’t address these signals, she might not function as well as she once did.

We don’t just feed her with food. We feed her with everything we take in from the outside world. The current climate, political issues, and even personal struggles can all have an impact on her. While she is digesting the food we consume, she is also dealing with the mental strain we put her under. She absorbs both physical and emotional stress.

When stress is short-term, she can recover and return to her natural state. However, if stress becomes chronic and we can’t release it, she will suffer alongside us. As a result, her physical symptoms may worsen, and her mental state could deteriorate. Over time, if we ignore these signs, illness may develop.

Remember, illness doesn’t occur overnight. Serious diagnoses often come after silent or vocal signs have been ignored for a long time.

Now that she is weak, we must take time to pay attention to her. Why didn’t we listen to her earlier? Why didn’t we avoid overeating? Why do we consume so much processed food and alcohol? Why don’t we eat simply at least 75% of the time? Why do we have so many cold drinks?

These questions may arise when we receive a diagnosis. But the most important question is: Why not start today? By embracing simple Eastern philosophies like Ayurveda, Chinese medicine, and the teachings of figures like Avicenna, we can bring peace and balance to our digestive system.

If you’re ready to care for your friend (your stomach), here are some Ayurvedic tips:

Avoid drinking ice-cold water before meals: Cold drinks can shut down your digestive fire, known as Agni. This makes it harder for your body to digest food properly. Think of it like pouring cold water on a hot grill before cooking—your food won’t cook properly!
Eat in a peaceful environment: Avoid distractions like TV or your phone. Emotions can interfere with digestion, so give your body the peaceful space it needs to process food.
Eat wholesome, natural, and cooked foods: Focus on foods that nourish and support your digestion.
Drink plenty of water, preferably warm or hot: Warm water helps detox the body and supports the digestive process.
Take your time to eat: Savor the taste of your food. When you focus on eating mindfully, your stomach feels more satisfied, and you’re less likely to overeat.