As the cold weather sets in, many people lose appetite and lose or fail to gain weight. In AyurvedaThis seasonal change is attributed to the imbalance of the doshas, ​​especially Vata which increases in winter. Due to the cold and dry properties of Vata, certain digestive disturbances occur which may lead to loss of appetite and slowing of metabolism.

But Ayurveda offers many natural solutions to regain balance, increase appetite, and stay healthy. weight gainTo understand more, we talk to an expert.

Understanding the root cause: vata imbalance and fire hazard

In Ayurveda, the digestive system is controlled by Agni i.e. the digestive fire, which is fundamental for correct metabolism and utilization of nutrients. “Cold weather can lead to suppression of agni, resulting in poor digestion and accumulation of ama, which is the harmful residue of undigested food,” says Aastha Jain, co-founder of Ayuvya.

She says this slow pace of bowel movements is linked to loss of appetite and difficulty gaining weight. “Also, Vata, being cold and dry, acts on the body’s natural tendency to be lighter and perhaps less active, further reducing appetite. However, when Vata is balanced, it brings good digestion and nutrition,” says Jain.

According to Jains, these Ayurvedic practices restore balance and increase appetite.

Panchakarma is a well-known detoxification process that includes five treatments to eliminate ama from the system and restore agni. All these treatments are meant to purify and rejuvenate as well as promote healthy digestion. Panchakarma improves digestive fire and rids the body of toxins, thereby restoring loss of appetite that occurs during cold weather.

Abhyanga is an Ayurvedic oil massage that nourishes the body, pacifies Vata and improves circulation. The warm and ground oils used for massage balance the dry and cold characteristics of winter and calm the nervous system while aiding digestion.

Mental stress/anxiety can also suppress appetite during winter. Shirodhara, the application of warm herbal oil to the forehead, has a calming effect on the mind and nervous system, inducing a state of relaxation. This mental peace leads to more positive digestion and appetite, which in turn is important for proper weight gain.

Ayurvedic diet based on a person’s nature and season can be very effective in digestion and weight gain. In the winter months, one should focus on warm, moist, ground foods that activate Agni (i.e. digestive fire). The use of Rasayana herbs like Triphala enhances detoxification and rejuvenation of the body apart from having beneficial effects on improving digestion. To counter the effects of winter, follow seasonal patterns by eating warm, nutritious meals, e.g., soups, stews, and root vegetables.

In Ayurveda, Ojas is said to be the essence of life force and immunity. Eating healthy fatty foods like ghee and doing soothing activities like yoga and meditation are useful in strengthening ojas and improving appetite. A person also needs to maintain balance in the qualities of clear and harmonious thinking. All this will help in reducing stress which otherwise hinders proper digestion.

Jain says that using Ayurveda for loss of appetite and weight gain in cold weather is a holistic process whereby the doshas are brought back into balance by improving agni and eliminating ama.

He concludes, “Combined exercises like Panchakarma, Abhyanga and Shirodhara, combined with a tailored diet will help you cope with seasonal loss of appetite, as well as build the strength to maintain your ideal weight during these winter months.”

Get the latest news live on Times Now with breaking news and top headlines from around the world.