It's no secret that our digestive system plays a big role in how we feel every day- it's the gateway to feeling good or bad. Yoga is a wonderful way to improve or fix digestion. Yoga poses such as Navasana, Kapalbhati Pranayama, and Anjaneyasana can help with different digestive issues including bloating, constipation and acid reflux.
Today we will talk about some yoga asanas that will help improve your digestive system if you practice them regularly. But before that, here are 4 tips that are useful for people whose digestion is not perfect:
1.Practice a few minutes of yoga before eating
We all know that yoga can improve our health and well-being. But have you ever tried practicing a few minutes of yoga before eating? The practice of mindful breathing, or pranayama, is one way to calm the mind and body prior to sitting down for a meal. This technique can help promote healthy digestion by slowing the breath and calming the nervous system. "This practice helps with digestion because it slows down your metabolism," says Ann Pizer, M.D., an integrative physician in West Los Angeles who specializes in complementary medicine for cancer patients at City of Hope Medical Center.
Yoga helps restore digestive balance and reduces gas and bloating. It also stimulates blood flow to the stomach, which aids in digestion. In addition, it increases energy levels which can help with your appetite. These reasons alone make this an easy resolution for those looking to improve their digestive health!
2.Eat smaller meals throughout the day, rather than three large ones
Eating three large meals per day might seem like a good idea, but it's not the best for your health. When you eat small portions frequently throughout the day, your body is able to maintain its energy levels much better than when you have only two or three larger meals in one sitting. Smaller servings also allow us to include more healthy foods into our diet without feeling too full or guilty about having eaten an entire plate of vegetables at once!
3.Sit up straight and eat slowly to allow your stomach time to signal when you're full
The benefits of a good posture are endless. From improved breathing and circulation to an increased range of motion, the health advantages are numerous. The posture we adopt while eating can affect our ability to digest food hence one should pay to their posture while eating.
4.Avoid foods that cause gas or bloating, such as beans and cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, and Brussels sprouts
Gas and bloating can be an uncomfortable side effect of your digestive system's natural process. It is common to experience gas or bloating after eating certain foods, such as beans and cruciferous vegetables. Many people have found that avoiding these types of foods has helped them feel more at peace with their digestive system.
YOGA ASANAS TO IMPROVE DIGESTION
1. Marjaryasana-Bitilasana (Cat-Cow Pose)
Marjaryasana-Bitilasana or Cat-Cow Pose massages and stimulates organs in the belly, like the kidneys and adrenal glands. It is known for relieving stress and creating emotional balance.
2. Paschimottasana (Seated forward bend)
Paschimottanasana is a Sanskrit word that is made up of three words: Paschima meaning West or back, Uttana meaning intense stretching, and Asana meaning pose. It improves digestion and is also great for stretching, it stretches your spine, shoulders, and hamstrings.
3. Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward-Facing Dog)
Downward Dog Pose, Downward-facing Dog Pose, or Adho Mukha Shvanasana, is an inversion asana in modern yoga as exercise, often practiced as part of a flowing sequence of 12 poses called “Surya Namaskar” or Sun Salutation.
4. Balasana (Child’s Pose)
It is very a relaxing asana because it relieves tension caused by daily movements by opening your hips and elongating your back.
5. Trikonasana (Triangle Pose)
Trikonasana or Triangle pose stretches your intestines and stomach well. The triangle pose helps in improving your body alignment and especially relaxes the spine while doing so.
6. Pavanamuktasana (Wind relieving pose)
Pawanmuktasana or Wind-Relieving Pose promotes digestion and relieves constipation. It also aids in weight loss and massages the intestines and other abdominal organs.
To learn these asanas from an expert teacher and practice yoga with the aim to improve your digestive system, don't forget to take a look at our schedule for live yoga classes and join in!