Ayurveda is all about understanding that healthy is your natural state. If you and your environment are in balance, that’s considered optimum health, and the opposite goes for being unbalanced. For example, if you feel anxious or are suffering from health issues like constipation or generally lethargic-ness, it is simply a matter of being out of balance. Imbalances are not an overnight occurrence, so you do have time to prevent or slow down the process of imbalance. When you know what’s causing you to feel out of whack, you can simply refer to the suggested foods to eat or avoid according to your dosha to start the process of coming back to your proper state of balance.

Research shows that Ayurveda can in fact help on a cellular level. It has been indicated that Ayurveda has the potential to actually regenerate cells, again showing that we have the power to begin healing ourselves of certain ailments simply by the way we treat our bodies. While studies are still being conducted, the scientific community is hopeful!

To put it simply, food influences how you feel. If your digestive system isn’t firing, you feel uncomfortable and tired, which can manifest into negative feelings and ultimately affect how you show up in life. Through incorporating a diet that is specifically tailored to your needs, you can begin to find clarity in your body and mind. Again, the holistic approach of Ayurveda means it also positively affects your mindfulness practices, helping reduce stress overall.

The founder of the Maharishi Ayurvedic practice states that there are three different kinds of toxins. The most common is ama, which is the waste-product that builds up in the digestive tract that stems from eating too much of the wrong food. If not cleared up, it will build up over time and will begin to circulate through your body, causing major feelings of imbalance. Various practices within Ayurveda, like eating your largest meal at lunchtime, when the sun is at it’s highest will prevent these toxins from further developing.