Festivals often bring joy, celebration and delicious food, but can also lead to overindulgence. After a season of heavy meals and late-night feasts, many people experience bloating, acidity, constipationAnd other digestive problems. We’ve tapped an expert to explain how Ayurveda – the ancient Indian medical system – offers effective strategies for detoxifying the body and reducing indigestion, helping to restore balance to the digestive system.

We enjoy heavy meals full of sweets, fried snacks and rich gravies during festivals. This indulgence often disrupts our normal daily routine and dietary habits, causing imbalance in our doshas. According to Dr Ritesh A Shukla, Medical Consultant, Charak Pharma, common digestive imbalances after festivals include:

• acidity: Consumption of spicy, fried or heavy food can aggravate Pitta dosha, causing heartburn and acidity.
• bloating and indigestion: Overeating and consuming incompatible food combinations can aggravate Kapha dosha, resulting in bloating, indigestion and heaviness in the stomach.
• constipation: Irregular eating habits and lack of fiber (often due to refined flour or maida) can irritate Vata dosha and cause constipation.

He says it is important to recognize these signs to begin appropriate detoxification measures.

Dr. Shukla recommends starting your day with a warm, nutritious meal and a sip of herbal tea To ease digestion. It’s important to eat slowly, listen to hunger cues, focus on fruits and whole grains, and stay active with light exercise to aid digestion. Following regular meal schedules and hydrating with warm water are also important steps.

• Herbal teas like fennel tea, liquorice tea and chamomile tea can reduce the symptoms of acid reflux or nausea.
• Amla chutney with jaggery, fresh amla juice with honey and amla murabba can help reduce acidity and heartburn.
• Gulkand along with milk, sugar candy and raisins in the daily diet is an excellent solution to reduce acidity.

• Consuming ginger with a pinch of salt before meals promotes digestion, reduces bloating and helps reduce nausea.
• Chewing and swallowing one teaspoon of fennel seeds after meals can provide relief from mild to severe indigestion.
• Chewing 5-10 celery seeds with a pinch of rock salt and drinking water can provide relief from the problem of indigestion.

• Drinking one or two spoons of cow’s ghee mixed in warm milk before sleeping provides relief from constipation.
• Soaking a handful of raisins in water overnight and consuming them in the morning is another effective remedy for constipation.
• Castor oil acts as a natural laxativeStimulating intestinal function. Consuming 1 teaspoon before bed promotes regular bowel movements.
• Mixing 1 teaspoon Haritaki and 1 teaspoon cow’s ghee in half a cup of warm milk, mixing it, cooling it and drinking it with honey before sleeping helps in easy bowel movement.

Ayurveda offers a holistic approach to detoxification after the festival. By adjusting your body and getting into the habit of these practices, you can restore balance and enjoy lasting digestive comfort and well-being. As Dr. Shukla says: “Embrace the principles of Ayurveda and make conscious choices to enhance your digestion and support your detox journey.”

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