In Ayurveda, Agni, refers to the digestive or metabolic fire in our body. This digestive fire is responsible for regulating body temperature, supporting the digestive process, absorbing and assimilating nutrients in the stomach, and converting food into energy. Hence, we can say that the characteristic of Agni determines your specific digestive capacity.

Digestive agni, called jatharagni, is centered in the stomach and is the most important of the 40 types of agni in the body. It governs digestion, absorption, and assimilation of food and other molecules into more subtle substances that allow our body to function. When agni is burning steadily, digestion is comfortable, your cells get nourishment, and prevents damaging toxins (called ama) from building up in your body.

Agni is the force of intelligence within the body. While it directly impacts various functions, it can also be the root of body imbalances and diseases. An unhealthy diet, poor lifestyle, and unresolved emotions may impair Agni, which in turn, disrupts the functions of the body.

Digestive Agni and Tridoshas

Agni is present in each of the three doshas. People with a prominent Pitta dosha generally have a high digestive fire. They do not tend to gain weight even if they eat a lot. On the other hand, Kapha people usually have a slower digestive fire. Their metabolism is slow and hence, they are more likely to gain weight. Lastly, the digestive fire of Vata people is quite variable and depends on their activity level and emotional state.

Signs of Good Digestive Agni

You can tell that your digestive fire is thriving when;-

• You feel no discomfort after ingesting your meal.
• Your stomach does not feel full for an unusual length of time after eating.
• The food passes so easily through your digestive tract that you are not even aware of the digestive process.
• Elimination happens at the same time every day and is consistently well-formed yet soft.
• After the completion of digestion, a pleasant anticipation for the next meal is present.

Effects of Low Digestive Fire

All forms of imbalanced agni create undigested residues (ama) that form toxins.

• Kapha can manifest as mucus, coughs, asthma, diabetes and obesity.
• Pitta can manifest as skin problems, heart problems and inflammation.
• Vata can manifest as bone problems, nervous conditions and degenerative conditions.

5 Spices To Boost Your Digestive Fire

Cumin

More commonly known as jeera in India, these seeds are often used as a home remedy to bring relief from digestive problems like gas and bloating. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce stomach pain and discomfort.

Turmeric

Almost every Indian dish is cooked with a little sprinkling of haldi (turmeric) in it. It’s not just to do with lending colour to the dish, but also adding healing properties. Turmeric is an antioxidant, anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-carcinogenic, anti-mutagenic and anti-inflammatory spice.

Ginger

The warming spice has excellent digestive properties, pain-relieving chemicals and immunity boosting power that protects from cough and cold. It is therefore commonly used in winters in curries, stir-fries and even tea.

Fenugreek

Also known as methi seeds, it is rich in fiber and antioxidants, acts as a natural digestive, helps in flushing out harmful toxins from the body, and its lubricating properties help soothe the stomach and intestines.

Cardamom

Due to its strong aroma, it helps in activating the secretion of enzymes effective for digestion especially if consumed after heavy meals. It aids in curing stomach problems like indigestion, gas and constipation. Cardamom contains chemicals that are known to increase the movement of food through the intestine.

More Tips For Healthy Digestion

1. Eat a moderate meal for breakfast and save the largest one for lunch. For dinner, eat something light, like soup and salad.
2. Avoid eating heavy food items during the summer season.
3. If you have a good appetite, consider eating something sweet, like a couple of dates, before digging into your meal. This will curb your cravings. Also, save bitter-tasting food items for the end.
4. Make sure your diet offers all six tastes (sweet, sour, salty, pungent, astringent, and bitter) to fulfill your nutritional needs and keep your Agni well-regulated.
5. Take food and drink at room temperature or slightly above. Never eat or drink cold items.
6. Sit down and relax to eat. Do not eat while angry or frustrated. Eat in a peaceful environment.

Conclusion

In Ayurveda, healthy digestion is the foundation of lasting wellness. Your digestive fire, known as agni in Sanskrit, is responsible for transforming the food and beverages that you take in to your body into the sustenance that supports your thriving existence.

Teas like cooling mint (sweet), green tea (astringent) or dandelion tea (bitter) are great to help the detox process. Try the tips above and let us know in the comments if they helped you!