In 2025, the ease of ordering food through many delivery services contrasts sharply with the increasing number of people experiencing digestive problems such as IBS, acid reflux, and bloating. Existing medicines often only treat symptoms, not the underlying disease. This is driving interest in holistic solutions after patients have exhausted other options.

Ayurveda, the ancient health system, has a proven and tried method of gut healing. It emphasizes diet, lifestyle, and natural methods customized to an individual’s distinct constitution (Prakriti).

Let us explore Ayurvedic insights into gut health, including effective remedies, dietary guidelines, and lifestyle modifications to heal common digestive ailments.

The Ayurvedic Perspective on Digestion

Ayurveda emphasizes the great importance of the role of Agni (digestive fire) in keeping the body healthy. A healthy Agni will digest, absorb, and eliminate food easily, whereas a depleted Agni causes the buildup of toxins (Ama) within the body, leading to digestive system disorders.

According to Ayurveda, there are three main types of digestive imbalances:

1. Vishama Agni (Irregular digestion) – related to Vata dosha, causing bloating, gas, constipation, and unpredictable digestion.
2. Tikshna Agni (Hyperactive digestion) – Related to Pitta dosha, leading to acid reflux, heartburn, and loose stools.
3. Manda Agni (Sluggish digestion) – Linked to Kapha dosha, resulting in heaviness, slow digestion, and excessive mucus production.

Restoring balance to Agni through diet and lifestyle modifications is key to healing gut-related disorders.

Ayurvedic Approach to Healing Gut Health

1) Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

IBS is a chronic condition that causes abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and irregular bowel movements. Ayurveda attributes IBS to an imbalance in Vata dosha, which disrupts normal peristalsis.

Dietary Guidelines for IBS:

• Eat warm, cooked, and easy-to-digest foods such as soups, khichdi (rice and lentil porridge), and steamed vegetables.
• Avoid raw, cold, and processed foods.
• Consume ginger tea to activate digestion and soothe the cramps.
• Practice eating mindfully and do not overeat or skip meals.

Ayurvedic Remedies for IBS:

• Ashwagandha – Reduces stress and anxiety, which are two of the biggest IBS triggers.
• Triphala – A blend of three fruits (Amalaki, Bibhitaki, Haritaki) that promote gut motility and alleviate constipation.
• Fennel and Cumin Tea – Relieves bloating and aids in digestion.Buttermilk with Hing (Asafoetida) and Rock Salt – Digestive aid and anti-inflammatory for the gut.

2) Acid Reflux or GastroEsophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Acid Reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease occurs due to excessive stomach acid production, often linked to an imbalance in Pitta dosha. Here’s how you can manage GERD naturally–

Dietary Guidelines for Acid Reflux:

• Favor cooling and alkaline foods such as cucumber, coconut water, and sweet fruits.
• Avoid spicy, sour, fried, and fermented foods.
• Eat smaller meals and avoid lying down immediately after eating.  
• Stay hydrated but avoid drinking excessive water during meals.

Ayurvedic Remedies for Acid Reflux:

• Aloe Vera Juice – It soothes the oesophagus and reduces acidity.
• Licorice (Yashtimadhu) Tea – This tea protects the stomach lining and reduces inflammation.
• Shatavari – It is a cooling herb that balances Pitta and heals the gut.
• Cold Milk with a Pinch of Turmeric – It neutralizes excess acid.

3) Bloating and Gas

Bloating and excessive gas are often caused by weak digestion and Vata imbalance, leading to air accumulation in the intestines.

Dietary Guidelines for Bloating:

• Avoid carbonated drinks, raw foods, and excessive legumes.
• Eat slowly and chew food thoroughly.
• Include warming spices like cumin, fennel, and coriander in meals.

Ayurvedic Remedies for Bloating:

• Carom Seeds (Ajwain) and Black Salt Tea – Relieves gas and enhances digestion.
• Asafoetida (Hing) Paste on the Abdomen – Reduces bloating when applied externally.
• Peppermint and Ginger Tea – Aids digestion and reduces discomfort.

4) Constipation

Constipation is a condition characterized by dry and hard stools caused by imbalanced Vata and inadequate fibre intake. Infrequent stool passing causes pain and discomfort in the abdomen.

Dietary Guidelines for Constipation:

• Increase consumption of fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Drink warm water early in the morning to stimulate bowel movement.
• Consume ghee with warm milk at night to lubricate the intestines.

Ayurvedic Remedies for Constipation:

• Triphala Powder with Warm Water is a mild laxative and strengthens digestion.
• Castor Oil (Erand taila) – Taken in small amounts before bedtime to promote bowel movements.
• Psyllium Husk (Isabgol) – A natural fibre supplement to soften stools.

5) Leaky Gut Syndrome

A leaky gut occurs when the intestinal lining becomes damaged, allowing toxins to enter the bloodstream. Ayurveda views this as an accumulation of Ama and Pitta imbalance.

Dietary Guidelines for Leaky Gut:

• Follow a clean diet free from processed foods, sugar, and gluten.
• Eat fermented foods like homemade yoghurt to support gut flora.
• Include bone broth and healthy fats like coconut oil for healing.

Ayurvedic Remedies for Leaky Gut:

• Turmeric and Black Pepper – Reduce inflammation and promote gut healing
• Ghee – Nourishes and repairs the intestinal lining.
• Slippery Elm and Licorice Root – Coat and protect the gut wall.

Ayurvedic Lifestyle Tips for a Healthy Gut

Beyond diet and herbal remedies, Ayurveda emphasizes holistic lifestyle changes to improve digestion and overall gut health.

1. Adopt a Daily Routine (Dinacharya) – Eat at regular times and have a regular sleep schedule.
2. Practice Yoga and Pranayama – Mild yoga stretches such as Pavanamuktasana (Wind-Relieving Pose) and deep breathing exercises facilitate digestion.
3. Deal with Stress quickly – Ongoing stress compromises digestion. Meditation and herbal adaptogens such as Ashwagandha reduce stress.
4. Avoid Overeating and Late-night food intake – Provide your gut the time to digest food.
5. Chew Food Efficiently – Digestion starts in the mouth, so chew food well before swallowing.
6. Drink Plenty of Water – Drink warm water daily to facilitate digestion and avoid toxin accumulation.

Take a Detoxification holiday

A detoxification holiday is when you travel to a Wellness Retreat to take care of your Health.  The retreats provide a Panchakarma program where toxins from the gut are removed over days, to purify and rebuild the gut internally. You can let your digestive system have a much-needed rest by emphasizing light, easily digestible foods, herbal detox routines, and herbal remedies.

Purifying the gut, in turn, helps improve body functions, metabolism, strength, and energy by increasing the absorption of nutrients. It also promotes mental clarity by removing brain fog. Search for your gut-cleansing holiday with Salva Health Stays, which has a curated list of wellness resorts in India. Book a free consultation with Salva’s expert doctor to understand the best healing path for you.

Conclusion

Ayurveda provides a comprehensive method of healing the gut by addressing the causative factor of digestive diseases instead of managing symptoms. You may achieve the restoration of gut health and overall well-being through the balancing of Agni, adopting a dosha-suited diet, the use of Ayurvedic herbs, and embracing healthy lifestyle measures.