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Tag: Ayurveda

  • Does drinking warm water help digestion?

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    Many people start their day with a cup of coffee. But recently, some TikTok users encouraged drinking hot water in the morning instead to help with digestion. 

    Alternative medicine practices like traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic medicine, which originated in India and Nepal, have long encouraged hot water drinking.

    As the warm-water wave has swept the U.S., several TikTok users report that the morning ritual leads to more regular bowel movements and feeling less bloated. 

    Should you turn on the kettle after you wake up? Water almost any time is good. But we took a closer look at the science behind this latest trend. 

    Is this trend safe to try? 

    For most healthy adults: Yes! 

    Just make sure the water is not so hot that it burns. Plus, drinking extremely hot water, above 149 degrees Fahrenheit, may raise the risk of esophageal cancer, according to the World Health Organization.

    If warm water makes you feel more relaxed or regular, then go for it. Linking water consumption to a routine can help you remember to stay well-hydrated, but experts said that drinking warm water should not be a substitute for medical care.

    Experts also warn some people may react poorly to warm water. Grace Derocha, a registered dietitian nutritionist and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, said that for people with acid reflux, gastroparesis, or temperature sensitivity, warm water may worsen symptoms — while others may find it soothing. 

    Hydration is beneficial for digestion 

    Staying hydrated helps digestive systems function properly. Drinking water regularly (hot or cold) can soften stools, support nutrient absorption, and help waste move through the bowels.  

    It’s not surprising that a morning water routine can aid in the bathroom. 

    Water is also essential for the rest of your body’s processes. It improves skin, gets rid of waste and toxins, moves nutrients into cells, protects joints, and regulates body temperature. 

    But drinking water is beneficial regardless of its temperature.

    “The ‘best’ water is the one you will actually drink consistently,” Derocha said. 

    Is warm water better than cold water? Evidence is limited 

    Experts we spoke with said there is limited research showing that warm water is superior to cold water for digestion. 

    “A few small studies suggest warm liquids may slightly speed gastric emptying compared to cold liquids, particularly after surgery,” Derocha said. But these findings should not be generalized to everyday digestion.

    Dr. David Leiman, a gastroenterologist at Duke University, said there is some evidence that warmer liquids may speed up food moving through the esophagus and “potentially reduce some esophageal symptoms, though the mechanism for this is not clearly understood.” 

    Warm water may make people feel more relaxed, which can help with digestion, but most of our digestive processes — like enzyme secretion, bile release and nutrient absorption — are tightly regulated by the body and not dictated by beverage temperature, she said. 

    Plus, cold water doesn’t stay cold for long. Soon after cold water enters the body, it quickly warms to body temperature. 

    Water temperature may not have a huge impact on digestion, but it can make a difference for other ailments, such as soothing a sore throat or clearing a stuffy nose. 

    Claims about miraculous benefits from warm water are often overstated

    This trend isn’t dangerous, and for some people may be helpful, but several TikTok videos overstate what warm water has the power to do.

    Some videos claim that drinking hot water can “melt fat.” Fat digestion happens because of bile and enzymes in our digestive system, not heat. 

    Other videos say that warm water activates digestive enzymes. But those digestive enzymes work best at the body’s natural temperature, 98.6 degrees. 

    We also saw TikTok videos that said warm water is a good way to “detox.” Healthy bodies have a fantastic built-in detox system managed by the liver, kidneys, lungs, and gastrointestinal tract. Hydration is important for the functioning of those systems, but the temperature of the water does not matter. 

    “The benefits people report are real, but they are more likely due to hydration, routine, and physiology than water temperature itself,” Derocha said. 

    Come on in — the water’s fine 

    Not all viral trends are safe to try (remember 2017’s Tide Pod eating challenge?), but this one is.

    Derocha advises pairing fluids “with fiber-rich foods, movement, and regular meals for digestive health.” If you continue to experience bad digestive symptoms, discuss them with your doctor. 

    “If interested, try it. It will do no harm for healthy people,” said Kantha Shelke, a food scientist and Johns Hopkins University senior lecturer. “Do not expect ‘detoxification’ or metabolic miracles. Listen to your body; if cold water bothers you, choose warm.”

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  • Sipping This Tea Is Like A Gut Reset: 5 Of The Best Times To Drink It

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    This is one ancient remedy with plenty of modern science to back it up.

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  • What 2 Ayurvedic MDs Want Women Know About Inflammation & Metabolic Health

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    And how to improve both.

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  • The Fiber-Filled Breakfast That's Perfect For Fall, From A Neurologist

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    And it can be sweet or savory.

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  • Want To Improve Digestion? Avoid These Foods, Says An Ayurvedic MD

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    My favorite part of Ayurveda is that there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach. Even when it comes to foods to avoid for a healthy gut, there’s not a set list for everyone. To learn about the foods you might want to remove from your grocery list, you’ll need to start by first understanding your dosha, or mind-body type.

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  • Sipping This Tea Is Like A Gut Reset: 5 Of The Best Times To Drink It

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    This is one ancient remedy with plenty of modern science to back it up.

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  • Exactly How To Date For Your Dosha, From An Ayurvedic Specialist

    Exactly How To Date For Your Dosha, From An Ayurvedic Specialist

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    If you choose to move in with your Vata partner, don’t be surprised if they are not the most meticulous roommates. You may find their belongings lying everywhere as they usually have limited faculty to organize. On a positive note, Vatas are not picky, so you can always have dibs on everything: the side of the bed, what to eat, where to vacation, and even the home décor. But you must be warned here that, as a team, you may show up late to almost everything. Vatas are so on the move that they may not stop to see the clock.

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  • 5 Quick Ayurvedic Practices You Can Do In Under 15 Minutes A Day

    5 Quick Ayurvedic Practices You Can Do In Under 15 Minutes A Day

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    The ideal Dinacharya (daily practices) for staying healthy occupy a generous amount of space in ancient Ayurvedic texts. A large part of the Ayurvedic literature details how to live in a manner that leaves no room for disease. The caveat is that if you worked every single practice into your life, you’d have very little time left to do anything else!

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  • Do This Once A Week For Quicker Hair Growth + Stronger Strands

    Do This Once A Week For Quicker Hair Growth + Stronger Strands

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    You may have even heard of this practice already.

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  • Why Ayurveda Recommends Warm, Cooked Foods All Year Long

    Why Ayurveda Recommends Warm, Cooked Foods All Year Long

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    This is why every traditional Ayurvedic recipe starts with spices being tempered in ghee. (Ghee, also known as “gut butter,” is Ayurveda’s cooking fat of choice.) Spice can also be used to enhance heat. Often, Ayurvedic recipes call for throwing in a cinnamon stick, bay leaf, cloves, or cardamom pod to foods like rice, legumes, and soup that require boiling. While sautéing, whole spices can also be tempered in oil. Using powdered spices like black pepper, cinnamon, etc., during cooking also works.

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  • 13 Hand Mudras For Yoga & Meditation + The Benefits Of Each

    13 Hand Mudras For Yoga & Meditation + The Benefits Of Each

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    Whether you call it “hands to prayer,” “hands at heart center,” or in this case, the anjali mudra, this divine salute is a gesture of peace, gratitude, and humility. It’s commonly used in greetings and prayer, making it an excellent mudra to thank those watching out for you in life and express gratitude for a teacher or lesson. but it can also be incorporated into your yoga and meditation practice for balance and concentration.

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  • 7 Ways To Prevent & Manage IBS + Why It’s More Common In Women

    7 Ways To Prevent & Manage IBS + Why It’s More Common In Women

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    Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal disorder that affects the small and large intestines, causing a variety of uncomfortable symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, and irregular bowel habits. While there is no definitive cure for IBS, several natural approaches can help prevent its onset or minimize the severity of symptoms.

    It’s worth calling out that IBS seems to be more prevalent in women. The fluctuation of hormonal levels, especially during menstruation, menopause, and pregnancy, can significantly impact IBS symptoms. So, one of the first things I recommend to women looking to manage their IBS symptoms is to track how they change throughout the menstrual cycle. Some women experience worse symptoms during their periods—so managing stress, maintaining a balanced diet, and staying hydrated (especially before and during menses) can help alleviate symptoms during this time. Your digestive capacity may also become more limited or variable during your period, so it’s important to focus on eating nutrient-dense, easily digestible foods.

    Women may also experience changes in their digestive health and gut microbiome once they reach menopause. Consuming phytoestrogen-rich foods like soy, flaxseeds, and legumes can help mitigate these hormone-related symptoms.

    Beyond monitoring gut health during these times of hormonal fluctuation, here are other ways I recommend preventing and managing IBS through dietary changes, lifestyle modifications, and stress management.

    Research has shown that individuals with IBS often have an altered gut microbiota composition, with an imbalance in the ratio of beneficial and harmful bacteria. This dysbiosis can lead to gut inflammation, increased gut permeability, and heightened sensitivity in the intestines—all of which are associated with IBS symptoms.

    Probiotics work by restoring the balance of the gut microbiota and creating a favorable environment for the growth of beneficial bacteria. Eating probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, kefir, and fermented vegetables can help you maintain a healthy gut microbiome, potentially reducing your risk of IBS development.

    For those already experiencing IBS symptoms, probiotics can also be an essential part of a comprehensive treatment plan. However, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the most suitable probiotic product and species for your specific symptoms and needs.

    Here are some specific probiotic species that have demonstrated promise in IBS prevention and treatment:

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    Christine Tara Peterson, PhD, RYT

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  • 5 Lightweight Oils For Soft, Firm Skin From An Ayurvedic Expert

    5 Lightweight Oils For Soft, Firm Skin From An Ayurvedic Expert

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    That’s because the body is viewed as a system, and it’s important to care for it as a whole. In particular, body massage with botanical oils is a very important ritual.

    “Body massages—especially if you focus on particular pressure points, like the fleshy part between your thumb and your finger—can help bring your body back to a place of balance and calm. Your skin will thrive when your body is calm,” she says. 

    She notes that she likes using sunflower seed oil on the body, especially for vata types. Sunflower seed oil2 contains mainly linoleic and oleic fatty acids. It also has a high amount of vitamin E for antioxidant benefits. It’s also a very light oil that drys down quickly, which makes it ideal for the body. (It’s often called a dry oil for this reason.) 

    Sesame oil is great for kapha doshas, and is high in vitamin E, K, and fatty acids. 

    Coconut oil is ideal for pitta doshas, and is high in vitamin E, vitamin K, antioxidants, and polyphenols. 

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    Alexandra Engler

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  • 6 Ayurvedic Habits That Can Help You Beat Chronic Inflammation

    6 Ayurvedic Habits That Can Help You Beat Chronic Inflammation

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    Ayurveda, the ancient Indian science of life, unveils an insightful perspective on inflammation. It recognizes that chronic inflammation isn’t a stand-alone issue but a symptom of underlying imbalances within the body.

    According to Ayurveda, these imbalances primarily stem from the three doshas—vata, pitta, and kapha—the elemental forces that govern our physiological and psychological functions. 

    Chronic inflammation, often triggered by a frenzied lifestyle, poor dietary choices, and environmental toxins, is seen as a manifestation of aggravated pitta dosha. Pitta, associated with fire and heat, governs metabolic processes in the body. When in excess, it can lead to fiery disruptions, resulting in skin ailments, gastrointestinal issues, and inflammatory disorders.

    Ayurveda’s approach to treating inflammation delves deep into the root causes. It aims to bring harmony by pacifying the aggravated doshas and restoring balance through personalized remedies.

    Ayurveda teaches that agni, our digestive fire, is vital for health. Balanced agni enables proper digestion, nutrient assimilation, sustained energy, healthy aging, and homeostasis. It prevents the accumulation of ama, toxins that breed disease.

    We can check our digestive capacity by observing how we feel before, during, and after eating. Keeping agni vibrant reduces ama so health can flourish.

     

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    Shivani Gupta, PhD

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  • Ginger Tea Benefits & How To Drink It Dried Or Fresh

    Ginger Tea Benefits & How To Drink It Dried Or Fresh

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    Certain compounds found in ginger tea could support immune health6 by altering specific pathways in the body that drive inflammation. Ginger might also have antimicrobial properties7, which could block the growth of bacteria, fungi, and viruses. According to Sauceda, this may be thanks to the presence of several specific compounds in ginger, such as gingerol.

    Although there’s not much research on humans available, preclinical studies have turned up some promising results. For example, a recent study in mice found that certain compounds extracted from ginger root could improve the composition of the gut microbiome, resulting in enhanced immune function8.

    A 2013 test-tube study also found that fresh ginger might have antiviral effects9 against respiratory syncytial virus, a type of viral infection that causes cold-like symptoms. Still, more studies in humans on the effects of ginger tea on immune function are needed.

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    Rachael Ajmera, MS, RD

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  • 2 Habits To Encourage Smoother, More Even-Toned Legs

    2 Habits To Encourage Smoother, More Even-Toned Legs

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    First step: dry brushing. This is a classic Ayurvedic ritual that involves lightly brushing your skin with a bristled tool, known as a dry brush. Going from your feet upward and always brushing toward your heart, lightly run the brush over your entire body (except your face and neck).

    You’ll want to do this before you step into the shower to shave, as it provides physical exfoliation that will help prep for a better, smoother shave. “Shaving prep should include gentle exfoliation to release any hairs that may be trapped under the skin,” board-certified dermatologist Tiffany Clay, M.D., previously told mbg. 

    Some people may reserve this step solely for pre-shave rituals, but it can be done more frequently for regular exfoliation and a smoother texture and complexion. 

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    Hannah Frye

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  • Raspberry Leaf Tea Benefits & Impact On Women’s Health

    Raspberry Leaf Tea Benefits & Impact On Women’s Health

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    Raspberry leaf tea is derived from the leaves of the red raspberry plant, a plant native to Europe and certain parts of Asia, which is also known for its tart, bright red berries. Raspberry leaf tea has a fruity, slightly earthy flavor that is often compared to black tea. And just as you might expect, it also has a deep red hue that is reminiscent of raspberries.

    This herbal tea is a staple in traditional forms of medicine, such as Ayurveda, according to Ananta Ripa Ajmera, an Ayurvedic practitioner, co-founder and director of The Ancient Way, and author of The Way of the Goddess. “Raspberry leaf tea is used to lower the amount of heat and inflammation people experience in their bodies,” she says.

    Ajmera explains that it’s especially beneficial for digestion, which is the key to overall health, according to the principles of Ayurveda. It’s also been associated with benefits for women’s health, which we’ll get to below.

    Today, raspberry leaf tea is widely available in supermarkets and specialty shops alike. In terms of cost, it’s also comparable to many other varieties of herbal tea, with prices ranging from $0.20 to $0.50 a piece for prepackaged tea bags and $1 to $2 per ounce for loose-leaf versions.

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    Rachael Ajmera, MS, RD

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  • I’m A Functional MD & These Are My Top 6 Foods For Weight Loss

    I’m A Functional MD & These Are My Top 6 Foods For Weight Loss

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    Intertwined with hunger and satiety hormones are neurotransmitters, including dopamine. Remember, dopamine stimulates the reward and pleasure centers in the brain, which can impact both mood and food intake. Dopamine is often called the motivator molecule because it is responsible for sending signals to your brain to drive behavior.

    While it is true that foods both high in sugar and fat (junk food) spike dopamine levels, there’s a rebound effect. Those same foods can bump up your appetite, lead to overeating, and possibly cause weight gain over the long haul.

    So are there foods that can boost dopamine, but without that rebound effect? Yes—protein!

    This fact first came to light in a 2014 issue of Nutrition Journal7, in which researchers compared the satiety effects from high-protein breakfasts (containing 35 grams of high-quality animal protein) versus normal-protein breakfasts (13 grams) or breakfast skipping in overweight and obese teenage girls. The high-protein breakfast worked best at curbing postmeal cravings and boosting dopamine levels.

    This study was the first to show that dopamine surges after you eat protein. As I noted above, protein contains amino acids, several of which are the building blocks of dopamine. Thus, eating more protein is a healthier way to increase dopamine production.

    So, what exactly should you eat if you want to raise your dopamine levels? Among the best choices are foods that are rich in tyrosine, the amino acid building block of dopamine. Think chicken, fish, and lean beef. For animal proteins, choose organic, grass-fed, hormone-free, and antibiotic-free, and, for fish, wild-caught as much as possible.

    Plant foods that give a big dopamine boost include nuts and seeds, especially raw almonds, pumpkin seeds, walnuts, and chia and hemp seeds.

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    Amy Shah, M.D.

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  • Hair Slugging: Benefits, History & An Expert-Led How-To

    Hair Slugging: Benefits, History & An Expert-Led How-To

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    According to a consumer trends report from Spate, “While hair slugging may sound like a buzzy new hair technique, it’s essentially hair oiling repackaged for the TikTok audience.” As proven with “slugging,” “I’m cold makeup,” and even the “Olaplex bun” from a few months back, even the simplest of skin care practices or makeup looks can receive a special name—and “hair slugging” is no different.

    Hair oiling, at its root, is an ancient Ayurvedic technique used to encourage hair growth and tend to the scalp while simultaneously providing a few mindful moments. “There is an element of it that is so familial,” explains Lisa Mattam, founder and CEO of the Ayurvedic beauty brand Sahajan, who has been oiling her hair since she was a child. “Most people have stories of their moms and dads sitting around and oiling their hair on a weekly basis.”

    So why are these two terms seemingly interchangeable in common slang? Well, slugging essentially involves incorporating another occlusive layer of moisture in order to rehydrate the skin—and hair oiling entails a similar process.

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    Hannah Frye

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  • 5 Quick Ayurvedic Practices You Can Do In Under 15 Minutes A Day

    5 Quick Ayurvedic Practices You Can Do In Under 15 Minutes A Day

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    Time: 1 minute or less

    How to: Lay down, tilt your head backward, and prop it on a pillow. Instill two drops of Anu tailam (an Ayurvedic oil for sinus relief) in each nostril. It may feel a little sharp if you are new to Nasya, but it should settle within the week. 

    Benefits: “Nasa hi siraso dwaram” – Sanskrit, Carak Samhita… The nose is the only gateway to the brain.

    The ancient texts of Ayurveda pointed out that the nose is the only organ that surpasses the blood-brain barrier, something that scientists in the west are discovering today.

    This practice goes beyond lubricating your nostrils, preventing allergies, opening up your sinuses, and decongesting phlegm. In fact, the main benefits of this practice are deeper than your ENT region. 

    When administered through the nose, Nasya drops are thought to nourish cerebrospinal fluid1, the juiciest of the brain and spinal fluids, which has also been linked to Alzheimer’s and certain types of dementia. Nasya is also known to give restful sleep, better vision, delayed graying, and lubrication of the jaw. So this one is a no-brainer!

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    Nidhi Pandya

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