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Nutrition and yoga work in tandem: postures awaken the body, and food nourishes and repairs it.
Heal from within with yoga postures and gut-friendly foods that keep your digestion smooth and your mind calm
A happy gut leads to good health. With easy digestion, the body feels lighter, the mind clearer, and the nervous system more balanced. People often call the gut the “second brain” because it helps us feel good, stay healthy, and maintain overall wellbeing, often silently. The gut can heal itself when cared for through yoga and mindful eating. Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar, Author, Columnist, and Founder of Akshar Yoga Kendraa, shares all you need to know:
The Gut-Mind Connection
Our gut health is directly connected to our thoughts and mood. When digestion is balanced, the mind experiences less stress; conversely, poor digestion can exacerbate stress and anxiety. Yoga plays a miraculous role here by activating natural processes that keep the stomach and intestines healthy. Combined with nourishing foods, yoga creates a smooth path to restore harmony.
Postures That Aid Digestion
Certain yoga poses are particularly beneficial for the gut. They massage internal organs, enhance blood circulation, and stimulate healthy digestive movement:
Pawanmuktasana (Wind-Relieving Pose): This posture applies gentle pressure to the abdomen, helping release trapped air and reduce bloating.
Ardha Matsyendrasana (Seated Twist): A gentle twist that activates the liver and pancreas, boosting digestive efficiency.
Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose): Stretches the stomach area and improves blood circulation, supporting digestive organs.
Setu Bandhasana (Bridge Pose): Elevates the body, relaxing the stomach muscles and relieving gastrointestinal discomfort.
Practicing these poses with slow, continuous breathing helps the body heal naturally. These basic yet effective tools are essential for maintaining a strong and balanced gut.
Foods That Heal From Within
Just as yoga postures create motion in the body, food choices influence our internal energy. Some foods particularly support gut health:
Fruits and vegetables: Provide fiber, vitamins, and natural hydration.
Whole grains: Brown rice, oats, and millets aid smooth digestion.
Probiotic foods: Yogurt, kefir, and fermented vegetables introduce friendly bacteria to the small intestine.
Herbs and spices: Ginger, cumin, fennel, and turmeric stimulate the digestive system and reduce discomfort.
Warm water and herbal teas: Help cleanse and calm the stomach.
Mindful eating in a relaxed environment and in moderation—gives the body the chance to absorb nutrients efficiently.
Healing Through Awareness
Gut health is not just about what we eat or the postures we practice, it also involves awareness of our habits. Eating on time, chewing food properly, and minimizing stress during meals can make a significant difference. Yoga fosters this awareness. By moving mindfully and breathing deeply, we become more attuned to our inner signals, understanding when the body is nourished and when it needs rest.
A Path to Inner Harmony
Caring for the gut is an act of self-preservation that radiates outward. Every posture, breath, and mindful bite contributes to inner healing. A healthy gut brings lightness to the body, stability to the mind, and positivity to the spirit.
Nutrition and yoga work in tandem: postures awaken the body, and food nourishes and repairs it. This balance enhances digestion and promotes overall wellbeing. When the gut is healthy, the entire being becomes more robust, relaxed, and alive.
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl…Read More
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl… Read More
September 10, 2025, 13:17 IST
