What is gut health?
Gut health refers to the health and function of the organs in our gastrointestinal tract. It includes the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine. All these organs work together as organic unity to break down our food into necessary elements.
Why worry about gut health?
For our body to function smoothly, we need the nutrients from the food that we consume to reach a cellular level. It’s possible only when there’s a strong immune system against viruses, fungi, and a variety of infections. The overall health of the gut impacts our mental health as well. So it’s important that we take care of our gut health.
How do I know if my gut health is good?
The symptoms of gut health issues are indigestion, constipation, bloating, etc. it can be as severe as jaundice or even serious gastrointestinal infections.
How to prevent gut health issues?
Using probiotics like yogurt, and fermented food can help with gut issues. Medicines like garlic, onions, and asparagus should be included in our food preparation. If possible avoid allopathic medicines if not necessary. Small changes in lifestyle can work wonders like sufficient sleep, exercise, and rest. Here’s where Yoga can make a world of difference.
Tips to keep your gut health in check:
1. Practice Yoga regularly a minimum of 3 times a week.
2. Practice shuddhi kriyas like Agnisar, Uddiyana, Nauli, kunjal, and Shankha Prakshalan intermittently.
3. Practice pranayamas and meditation to keep stress away.
4. Have a mixture of intense and restorative classes in your practice schedule.
5. Eat vegetarian food and avoid smoking and alcohol consumption as much as possible
6. Practice Yoga Nidra/ mindful relaxation to have a sound sleep
7. Reduce screen time.
Ten Practices that can help improve your gut health:
1. Sun salutations
2. Urdhva hast-asana
3. Adho mukha svanasana
4. Marichyasana twist
5. Parivrtta Janu Sirsasana
6. Gumukhasana
7. Bhujangasana
8. Dhanurasana
9. Agnisar
10. Kapalbhati
Conclusion:
Regular practice of Yoga can help you take care of your gut health. Abdominal practices like Agnisaar, Uddiyana, and Nouli can change the experience of Gut health substantially.
