digest Archives - Doctor Rekha

Once a staple Ayurvedic food, Khichdi (so-called ‘kitchari’ on the internet) has become the trendy new superfood for detoxification, weight loss, and digestive healing. But like many health fads, it has some truths and myths. There are many health benefits of Khichdi, but many of our beliefs regarding Khichdi have been exaggerated and misunderstood. So, what does it offer, and what are some of the myths we can bust along the way? Let’s explore! What is Khichdi (‘kitchari’) ? Khichdi is a dish made of lentils, rice, spices, vegetables, and ghee. It is a comforting, easily digestible dish that makes it a great dinner option. Everyone calls it the ideal detox food, but there is more to Khichdi than that. Khichdi or ‘Kitchari’ – What’s in a Name ? Let’s start with the name because it’s a bit of a mix-up! Traditionally, the term in ancient Ayurvedic texts is Krsara. In Hindi, it’s known as Khichdi, a comforting, nourishing dish loved throughout India. But then came Kitchari—a name popularised online, though it’s not quite the traditional name. Where did it come from? We don’t know. After finishing six years of college, I started reading about Ayurveda online for the first time. I was surprised to see the word ‘Kitchari’ everywhere as a name synonymous with Ayurveda. Going through my textbooks all again, I realised how much online content and Western Ayurvedic books diverged from traditional sources. They all mention ‘Kitchari’ but the information is often inaccurate. Myth #1 : Basmati Rice is the Best Choice for Khichdi By far the highest myth regarding Khichdi (‘kitchari’) is that Basmati rice is the perfect rice for Khichdi. People seek basmati rice for its pleasant fragrance and long grains. But Ayurveda considers it the most inferior quality of rice. People consider basmati to be light and dry, lacking the grounding and nourishing qualities needed for proper digestion and balance. Ayurveda prefers sona masoori rice for its grounding and nourishing properties. Sona Masoori is medium-grain rice richer in fiber and is closer to the Ayurvedic approach of keeping the Agni or digestive fire balanced. This is necessary for nutrient absorption. Myth #2 : Any Oil Can Be Used to Make Khichdi Coconut oil is heavy, cold and difficult to digest. Khichdi, a light food, cooks best in ghee. Ghee is nourishing and considered as good fat. I don’t know why modern Ayurvedic texts associate coconut oil with Kerela and Ayurveda. Yes, it grows here in abundance and has numerous benefits, but coconut oil is not to be consumed internally if you must keep your digestion perfect. MYTH #3: Khichdi is the Only Ayurvedic Cleansing Food Khichdi is excellent as a mono diet for detoxification. However, it is not the only choice that Ayurveda recommends. There are a variety of food options and you must choose the best based on your Dosha imbalances, Prakriti (body constitution) and health needs. Myth #4 : Khichdi is Ideal for Weight Loss No doubt, Khichdi can help with weight management but it’s not a miracle cure for weight loss. It is a low-calorie dish and helps digestion, which can indirectly contribute to losing weight when combined with a balanced lifestyle. However, focusing solely on Kitchari to lose weight may overlook other crucial aspects like exercise, balanced hydration, and an overall healthy lifestyle. It’s about long-term changes, not just a temporary diet fix. Myth #5 : Khichdi Has to be Boring and Bland It is a great meal choice for those recovering from an illness or having some sort of digestive discomfort, however, it does not need to be boring and tasteless. Ayurvedic Khichdi contains many spices, including cumin, ginger, asafoetida and turmeric, which make it a delectable dish. Each spice has a function, ranging from helping in digestion to absorption of nutrients. Myth #6 : You Can Eat ‘Kitchari’ Every Day Without Consequence It is safe for almost everyone and has a positive influence on health, but is typically recommended for specific periods or circumstances—such as during detox cleanses, illness, or digestive upset. If your body requires some variation or different nutrients, eating it every day can cause imbalances. You should listen to your body when it comes to food, and mix up what you eat to ensure that you cover the whole range of nutrients over time. MYTH #7 : Khichdi is Ideal for All Dosha Types Khichdi is a Dosha-balanced meal for the most part, but slight adaptations may be necessary to suit the individual body type. For example: Vata types can add more ghee for grounding and warmth. Pitta people should use cooling herbs such as coriander in Khichdi and be careful with black pepper. Kapha people must add some warming spices such as ginger to help stoke the fire. The authentic Ayurvedic Khichdi is light, easily digestible, and suitable for all Doshas, especially Vata. Served fresh and warm, it includes healthy fats to balance the cold and dry nature of Vata types. Myth #8 : ‘Kitchari’ is Just a Food, Not a Complete Health Practice While this is true, Ayurveda has more to say about it. Mindful eating, daily routine (Dinacharya), balanced lifestyle and adequate sleep are just as important as food. While Khichdi supports a gentle reset, its nourishing qualities are amplified when paired with Ayurveda’s other holistic practices. Myth #9 : Khichdi Can Cure Every Disease While Kitchari is therapeutic for digestion, it is not a panacea. Kitchari serves as an aid rather than a cure, supporting digestive strength and allowing the body to focus on healing naturally. Myth #10 : Khichdi can be Eaten Cold It is best enjoyed warm or hot, as it enhances digestion and Agni. Ayurvedic practice tends to reject cold or stale foods because they are harder to digest and cause toxin (Ama) build-up in the body. Warm… Continue reading Khichdi (Kitchari) Facts : Myths & Truths

From bloating and constipation to IBS and diarrhoea, poor digestive health has become a sign of modern times. A sedentary lifestyle, improper meal times, unhealthy food choices and mental stress are some of the modern-day contributors to poor gut health. It is alarming to note that nearly 40% of adults suffer from gut issues, ranging from heartburn and bloating to acid reflux and IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome). According to Ayurveda, poor gut health is the root cause of all diseases. So, neglecting these problems could lead to severe conditions like colon cancer. The Reasons Your Gut Is Not Happy Fatigue, IBS, constipation, bloating, diarrhoea, unintentional weight changes, etc. are all signs of poor gut health. If you see it from the Ayurvedic perspective, Then, it’s time for you to hurry up and consult a doctor. One of the main reasons for your gut health issues is lack of sleep. The role of good sleep in digestive health is, however, often overlooked. Serotonin is produced in the gut; therefore, any imbalance can significantly affect its production. A weakened immune system can also lead to poor gut health. Your body is not capable of fighting diseases as it has not absorbed nutrients from the food. Another reason for digestive issues is excessive consumption of incompatible and processed foods. The Gut-Mind Connection The gut-mind connection has been scientifically proven. Unlike the popular adage ‘You are what you eat,’ Ayurveda believes that ‘you are what you digest’. Healthy digestion is vital to wellness. In Ayurveda, gut health is derived from ‘Agni’ – the digestive fire. It not only has a bearing on your digestion process, but it also influences your emotions and thoughts. Most digestive problems arise due to an imbalance in Agni. This imbalance in turn affects the Doshas and accumulates Ama or toxins. The GI system and the central nervous system are deployed and connected. Food can trigger mood changes. Ayurveda says, “Rogah sarve api mande agnou,” meaning, a low Agni or poor gut health is the root cause of all diseases – be it physical or emotional. It means your gut and mind are connected. Following a regular daily routine or Dinacharya is intrinsic to wellness as per Ayurveda. This regularity also goes a long way in maintaining a healthy nervous and digestive system. Furthermore, Ayurveda recommends mindful eating, which, in a way, means the mind and the gut are connected. Additionally, mindful eating is about involving all your senses as you eat. It makes you aware of the quality and taste of the food and portion control. This nourishes the inner Agni, thereby ensuring balanced digestion. Ayurvedic Ways to Keep Your Agni Balanced Here are different ways to keep your Agni on balance: Follow a diet with foods that are simple, light and easy to digest. Be consistent with your mealtimes. Avoid overeating. Avoid incompatible food combinations. Eat your dinner early. Have three meals every day. Maintain a gap of about 2 to 3 hours between your dinner and bedtime. Follow Dinacharya. Keep your body well hydrated. Avoid cold drinks and ice water as it dampens your Agni. Avoid processed and frozen foods. Have warm, freshly cooked foods instead. Ayurvedic Remedies To Soothe Your Gut Here are some Ayurvedic remedies that work best for your gut health: Consume black raisins to support digestive health. They relieve constipation and provide much-needed minerals and nutrients. Guduchi is an Ayurvedic herb that helps soothe gut inflammation. Consume it if you suffer constipation or poor appetite. Add licorice or Yashtimadhu to tea to soothe an acidic gut. Add cinnamon to tea or milk to promote better digestion. It acts as an antioxidant to eliminate oxidative compression in the gut. Use cardamom to reduce inflammation. Furthermore, it alleviates symptoms of indigestion, gas, and bloating. People have used cloves for their analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. Triphala – a combination of Amla, Haritaki, and Bibhitaki can be consumed for better nutrient absorption and relief from constipation. Relieve nausea by drinking ginger tea. Add ginger while cooking to promote digestive health. Consume fennel to boost digestion. You can either chew fennel seeds after your meals. Alternatively, brew a fennel tea and have it. Carom seeds or ajwain is a wonderful carminative. It has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties to reduce bloating, gas, and digestive tract inflammation. Use black pepper and long pepper in food or tea to enhance digestive power. Practices For Better Digestive Health Incorporate these practices into your daily life to improve your digestive health: Try meditation to reduce the stress and anxiety that is part of modern-day life. Not only will you have better gut health, but you will also experience a healthier mental and emotional state. Eat foods that align with your Prakriti (body type). This helps prevent Dosha imbalances. Eat seasonal food. This practice maintains energy balance. Local produce is best as it is fresh and has not travelled thousands of miles to get to your plate. Enjoy your food but keep your gut happy too. Have foods that are easy to digest and follow mindful eating. Keep yourself active. Follow an exercise regimen that suits your age, fitness levels, and overall condition. Daily walks can kindle the Agni and build your digestive capacity. Though the principles of Ayurveda date back several thousand years, they hold relevance even today. Ayurveda gives utmost importance to gut health as it has an impact on your overall health. So, have foods that are digestible, follow a daily routine and keep away from stress. If you need any help with your diet. If you are struggling with any health issues, you can either book a consultation with us or send us a message via WhatsApp to +91 79074 89839. We have the best Ayurvedic doctors in Trivandrum who are always glad to help you. If you have any queries, contact us. You can also visit us at our hospital.

Triphala is a combination of three fruits or herbs known as Haritaki, Bibhitaki, and Amalaki. Ayurveda refers to it as Tridoshic Rasayana – a medicine that is used to harmonize the Kapha, Vata and Pitta Doshas. There are many uses of Triphala, owing to the large number of benefits it offers! Benefits of Triphala Triphala has a lot of antioxidants like vitamin C that can help you stay healthy. Consuming Triphala supplements on an empty stomach before bedtime is beneficial as it assists in cleansing your internal system. It is one of the most widely used Ayurvedic medicines in the world. It is available over the counter, which means you don’t need to see a doctor or get a prescription to have this medicine. Is Triphala good for everyday use ? Let’s discuss more about it. Throughout ancient times, Triphala has been utilized in traditional Ayurvedic medicine as a multipurpose remedy for conditions ranging from stomach aches to tooth caries. Additionally, it is thought to enhance general health and longevity. It is classified as a polyherbal remedy since it contains a variety of therapeutic plants. Ayurvedic medicine, a traditional approach emphasizing health promotion and disease prevention, extensively uses polyherbal preparations. Synergistic herb combinations are thought to have more therapeutic efficacy and be a more potent treatment than any one herb used alone. Triphala is the most marketed, most prescribed (a default item in Ayurvedic prescriptions), and often advised to take every day! Is Triphala suitable for everyday use? Yes, it works excellent externally – as a face wash, as a hair wash, as an eye wash, and even as a vaginal wash! Triphala is better used internally rather than externally. But is it suitable for internal use every day? No. Continuous use of Triphala leads to – Loosening of tissues and muscles of the large intestine. – habit forming. Once you start, you won’t be able to pass bowel movements without it. – Drying up of the mucosal layer lining the large intestine. What is the best alternative for Triphala? If you have taken my course or my 3-month gut health program, you already know how much I love GH oil to control Vata that causes constipation. If you cannot get it, just take 2-3 ml of plain castor oil before bed. Follow up with hot water or mix with hot water. The opposite of dryness is oiliness. Using oil for constipation is far better than using any dry powders, be it Triphala, Nityam, Kayam churna, isabgol, or psyllium husk – all of which may satisfy you momentarily due to the fibre in it, but later, it leaves your tract drier so that you will need to take the same the next day to pass bowels. Triphala is a medicine. If you choose to take it internally, you must take it with the right vehicle (milk, warm water, cold water, etc. based on condition), in the right season, and the correct quantity under a doctor’s supervision. Otherwise, don’t bother at all! Unfortunately, manufacturers currently do not make commercially manufactured Triphala as per the proportions mentioned in the Samhitas to reduce cost. Four unique uses of Triphala There are four uses of Triphala. Triphala as a hair wash for dry, itchy scalp and dandruff Triphala is a natural remedy in Ayurveda that helps balance the Doshas in the body. It also helps keep our insides healthy, which then makes our hair and scalp healthy on the outside. Triphala powder is beneficial for hair health as it helps to combat fungus and bacteria. It works against germs, prevents your head from itching, and reduces flaking. Triphala can also alleviate inflammation on your scalp triggered by the use of inappropriate hair products or environmental shifts. It also helps hair to grow by making follicles and roots stronger. Amla found in Triphala aids in maintaining the natural pH balance of the scalp and promotes healthy hair. Triphala hair tonics can also help with dandruff and other skin issues. Weak and moisture-deficient, curly, and brittle hair is prone to breakage. Triphala assists in maintaining hair hydration and guarding against harm. This will leave your hair feeling soft, glossy and in excellent condition. Triphala as a face wash for acne-prone skin According to Ayurveda, the aggravation of Kapha leads to increased sebum production and clogging of pores. This results in the formation of both white and blackheads. An aggravation of Pitta, causes red papules (bumps) and inflammation with pus. When it comes to treating acne and blemishes, there are various approaches that individuals can take. One natural remedy that has gained attention for its potential benefits is Triphala. Inflammation is one of the key factors contributing to acne is inflammation. Triphala contains potent anti-inflammatory properties; therefore, it may help reduce redness and swelling associated with acne breakouts. By calming the skin and reducing inflammation, Triphala can provide relief from the discomfort often experienced with acne. Additionally, Triphala possesses antibacterial properties that may aid in fighting the bacteria responsible for causing acne. This can help prevent new blemishes from forming and promote clearer skin over time. While individual results may vary, incorporating Triphala into a skincare routine alongside other recommended treatments may offer a holistic approach to managing acne and blemishes. Triphala gives good results in case of skin problems like acne or pimples. Its usage helps to reduce acne or pimples because of its Pitta-Kapha balancing properties. Triphala as a vaginal douche Pruritus vulvae is the medical term for itching in the vagina. The term “pruritus vulvae” refers to itchiness in the vicinity of the vagina. The vulva refers to the external skin surrounding the vaginal opening. Persistent itching characterizes pruritus vulvae, which can cause emotional distress. The itching may worsen in the evening and could lead to difficulty falling asleep. Approximately… Continue reading Uses of Triphala in Ayurveda

The internet has been singing praises about the goodness of millets for a while now. But are millets really that good and nutritious? Let us see what Ayurveda has to say about millets! First things first, millets are indeed nutritious. They are packed with essential nutrients and have been a staple in the diets of many cultures for centuries. They are a good source of dietary fibre, vitamins and minerals. However, Ayurveda offers a unique perspective on millets and their consumption. If your digestion is important, don’t make millets an everyday part of your diet – instead have them once or twice a week! This is because millets are mentioned as “Kudhanya” (unwholesome grain) in Ayurveda and they can disrupt the balance of Doshas if taken on a regular basis. In the past, the kings and the brahmins and those who belonged to the upper class of the society only could eat nourishing grains like rice and wheat. Millets were mostly eaten by the lower sections of the society as they were more affordable though less nourishing. But not all millets are made equal. Some millets are good for Vata, some are good for Pitta and Kapha but not Vata and so on. Best millets to consume according to Ayurveda It’s important to note that not all millets are created equal in the eyes of Ayurveda. Ayurveda recognizes that various millets have different effects on the Doshas, making some more suitable for specific body types. Ayurveda recommends some millets. Here are they, Jowar (Sorghum) Jowar has gluten but is light to digest. It also has cooling properties. It is best to consume Jowar once or twice a week as it is “Kledakara” (clogs channels) and increases Vata. Bajra (Pearl Millet) Bajra is a gluten-free millet and is very light to digest. It is an excellent choice if you are trying to lose weight or if you have a sensitive digestive system. Barley Barley is one of my favourite millets! It helps eliminate mucous and relieve constipation. It is also excellent for consumption during spring and fall. Also, drinking barley water is beneficial in urinary tract infections. Barley is of 2 types. Do not use the smaller type (Yavaka) every day. Ragi (Finger Millet) Ragi is another favourite of mine. It is gluten free and is rich in protein. The millet is also super light and digestive. Ragi also helps balance all Doshas and rejuvenate your body. It also purifies blood and acts as an aphrodisiac. While Ayurveda recommends the consumption of the millets mentioned above, it is essential to be aware of certain considerations. Experts generally consider millets as goitrogens – substances that may interfere with thyroid function. Therefore, you should not consume them if you have thyroid issues. You can join our Health Programs for mind and body detox. If you are struggling with any health issues, you can either book a consultation with us or send us a message via WhatsApp to +91 79074 89839. We have the best Ayurvedic doctors in Trivandrum who are always glad to help you. If you have any queries, contact us. You can also visit us at our hospital.

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Tag: digest

Khichdi (Kitchari) Facts : Myths & Truths

Gut Health – Unlocking the Power of Ayurvedic Foods for Digestion

Uses of Triphala in Ayurveda

Ayurveda Millets : A Path to Balance and Vitality

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