A Guide to Surviving the Holidays: 3 Ayurvedic Tips for a Healthy Digestion

We’ve all been there. Tempted by the abundance of delicious treats during the holidays, we end up overindulging in foods, libations, and sweets.

So not surprisingly, suddenly indigestion, heartburn, bloating, and acid reflux roll into town like a Grinch stealing away the joy of the holiday season.

Two out of three people experience stress in the G.I. tract between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, according to the National Heartburn Alliance (yes, there actually is such an organization!)

Don’t be one of them!

Fortunately, there are ways to have your cake and eat it too—so to speak. Here are some Ayurvedic tips to stoke your digestive fire and keep your digestion healthy during the holidays.

Three Ayurvedic Digestive Tips to Kindle Agni

In Ayurveda, the digestive fire is referred “Agni.” Healthy digestion is linked to the state of your Agni. Eat too much, and you kill the digestive fire, much like putting too much firewood on a fire. On the other hand, if you learn how to kindle your digestive power, you can enjoy the holiday extras without having to suffer a bout of indigestion.

Here are three easy, effective, and enjoyable remedies that incorporate Ayurveda and yoga.

1. Best Yoga Posture for Healthy Digestion. If you are to do one pose to support healthy digestion, pick Ardha Matsyendrasana/Half Lord of the Fishes. If your Agni is low, twist toward your upper leg and move deep into the twist, always starting the twist in the low back. If your Agni is scorching hot, twist in the opposite direction and exhale through your mouth to promote cooling.

2. Ayurvedic Ginger Relish. A magic combo for kindling Agni! Chop ¼ tsp. fresh ginger. Drizzle juice of a lime wedge and sprinkle a pinch of Himalayan pink salt over the lime. Eat 30 minutes before meals.

3.  Triphala. This is the quintessential Ayurvedic formula to support optimal digestion and elimination. Triphala is also said to cleanse the liver of toxins. Consisting of three fruits (Tri-phala), it’s a powerful source of Vitamin C. My favorite Triphala product is Triphala+ also known as Digest Tone, which is sourced from all organic ingredients.

Try these Ayurvedic home remedies and give yourself the gift of healthy digestion. It comes with a lifetime guarantee of good health and cheer.

Kellen Brugman, is the founder of “Ayurveda, Yoga, & You.” She shares the beauty and benefits of Ayurveda, yoga, and writing so people can experience greater ease, vitality, peace, and creativity in their lives. Based in Santa Barbara, Kellen is an Ayurvedic Lifestyle Counselor, yoga teacher, and writer, and received her certifications from the Ayurvedic Institute and White Lotus Foundation. Her motto: “Daily self-care is the most important element of healthcare. Weaving together Ayurveda, yoga, and writing create an amazing roadmap that provides a lifetime of health, vitality, and optimal creative potential.” Kellen also writes for lululemon, Conscious Lifestyle Magazine, Maharishi Ayurveda, Maria Shriver, as well as her own blog. www.kellenbrugman.com