The Ayurvedic way to a disease-free lifestyle

In Ayurveda, one of the world’s oldest holistic health systems, healthy digestion is the most fundamental aspect of overall wellness. 

This was emphasized by Dr. Rekha Radhamony, a fourth generation Ayurvedic doctor with a master’s degree in Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine, during the third session of the four-day “Ayurveda for Nutrition” webinar hosted by the Indian Embassy. 

Held from Oct. 31 to Nov. 3, the webinar introduced Filipinos to Ayurveda, one of the world’s oldest holistic health systems, and how they could benefit from it. 

“A healthy digestive system will lead to stronger immunity towards illness and infection,” shared Dr. Radhamony. “To achieve that, we should watch what we eat and give our digestive system enough time to rest (by fasting).” 

Eating gaps

“For better digestion, opt for food items in their most natural form than foods high in saturated fat,” recommended Dr. Radhamony. 

Single-ingredient foods like whole grains and legumes, fruits and veggies, are broken down more efficiently, while refined foods with added preservatives can inhibit digestion and lead to inflammation and tummy aches. 

“Also, by giving our digestive system enough space to rest, we optimize our metabolism. The idea is to lengthen the interval between your last meal of the day and your first meal in the morning,” Dr. Radhamony explained. 

In Ayurveda, it’s called intermittent fasting. 

Intermittent fasting has been practiced even by those who are not Ayurveda practitioners. 

“The Ayurvedic way of eating is totally different from the modern way of consuming food,” shared Dr. Radhamony. “Ayurvedic food is not depleting, it is nourishing. There is no calorie counting. It helps improve your digestion.” 

The doctor encouraged viewers to try intermittent fasting for better digestion. The rule is to fast for 16 hours and eat for eight hours. 

“If you wake up early, digestion starts early. Toxins are automatically excreted by the body,” she explained. 

According to Dr. Radhamony, every single disease we have today is because of a poor digestive fire. 

“When you digest food well, the nutrients get absorbed by the body properly. All the nutrients are taken in, and eliminated properly, without affecting other organs,” the lady doctor explained. 

First-hand experience

Dr. Radhamony shared that she didn’t believe in the Ayurveda before, and only became an advocate after she experienced healing through the holistic health system. 

“I was diagnosed with rheumatic fever and was told that I would not have kids and would be wheelchair-bound for the rest of my life,” shared Dr. Radhamony. 

She went to a diabetic doctor and took prescribed medicines before she decided to give Ayurveda a try. 

“I got completely cured. And it’s because of Ayurveda,” Dr. Radhamony enthused. 

The four-day “Ayurveda for Nutrition” webinar was streamed on the Embassy of India’s offical Facebook page (India in Philippines) and Youtube page (Indian Embassy, Manila).

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