Strengthening Your Digestion this Spring

It's essential to pay attention to our digestive system, no matter the season. And according to Ayurveda, Spring, can make our digestion become sluggish, leading to an accumulation of toxins in the body. So, it's crucial to support our digestive fire (agni) and maintain our overall health during this time of year.

In this blog post, you'll find a few ways to strengthen our digestive fire and I offer two simple recipes that are perfect for Spring at the end.

• Sip on Ginger Tea

Ginger is a natural digestive aid that can help stimulate digestive fire and promote healthy digestion. It has anti-inflammatory properties and can soothe the digestive system, making it an excellent herb for Spring.

You can make ginger tea by boiling a few slices of fresh ginger in water and adding honey and lemon for flavour. Sip on this tea throughout the day to support your digestive system and to feel more energized.

• Incorporate Bitter Foods

Bitter foods are excellent for promoting healthy digestion and stimulating digestive fire. They help to reduce Kapha in the body and prevent the accumulation of toxins. Some examples of bitter foods include bitter greens like kale and dandelion, turmeric, fenugreek, and cumin. You can easily incorporate these foods into your diet by adding them sautéed in salads, smoothies, and curries.

• Practice Mindful Eating

Eating mindfully is essential for healthy digestion. When we eat in a rush or when we are distracted, we don't give our bodies a chance to properly digest our food. This can lead to digestive issues like bloating, gas, and constipation. Take the time to sit down and enjoy your meals, and avoid eating while watching TV or scrolling through your phone. Focus on your food, savour the flavours, and chew your food slowly and mindfully.

SPRING RECIPES

Spring Green Smoothie 

This smoothie is an excellent way to incorporate bitter greens into your diet and support your digestive system. It's also rich in nutrients and can help boost your energy levels.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup kale or spinach

• 1/2 avocado

• 1/2 cucumber

• 1 green apple

• 1/2 lime

• 1 cup water or coconut water

Directions:

1. Wash all ingredients and add them to a blender.

2. Blend until smooth.

3. Add water or coconut water as needed to reach desired consistency.

4. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Warm Turmeric Milk

This warm and comforting drink is perfect for Spring evenings when you need something cozy and nourishing. Turmeric and cinnamon are both anti-inflammatory and can help soothe the digestive system.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rice milk

• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder

• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon powder

• 1/2 teaspoon honey

Directions:

1. Heat the rice milk in a small saucepan.

2. Add the turmeric and cinnamon powder and whisk until well combined.

3. Add honey and stir until dissolved.

4. Pour into a mug and enjoy!

Supporting your digestive system during the Spring season is crucial for your overall health and well-being. By incorporating bitter foods, sipping on ginger tea, and practicing mindful eating, you can strengthen your digestive fire and prevent the accumulation of toxins. Try out these two simple recipes and see how they make you feel. Happy Spring!