I am convinced digestion is the great secret of life.  ~Sydney Smith

Before I learned about Ayurveda and digestion, I thought my digestion and elimination were the same.  I had my own struggles with both over the years.  When I was a kid, I used to “hold it” if I had to use the bathroom at school.  I went to sleep away camp at age 12.  It was 4 weeks long.  I held it for days until the discomfort was unbearable.  As I got older, it wasn’t just elimination that became a problem.  I had digestive discomfort and upset ALL the time.  My mother in law had Beeno at her house for me for Shabbat dinners at her house. It was quite embarrassing.

All these details may sound excessive.  We live in a world that does not talk about digestion and elimination openly.  Talking about a newborn’s poop seems so natural to new mothers.  We discuss it with fascination.  We talk about the quantity, frequency, color, smell and texture. The subject seems to be a source of pride when our baby’s poop is healthy and regular.

As our kids age and even for ourselves, the subject quickly becomes taboo.  I’ve noticed many people are grossed out by talking about elimination.  As a result, we have also moved away from an understanding of our body and digestive system.  Our digestion and elimination is a roadmap.  What we experience in our digestive tract is either a green, yellow or red light for what is happening on the inside.  The digestive tract gives us indicators about how our food is affecting our health.  The signs and symptoms we experience are showing us what is happening inside our body with the food we ingest.

By the time we see our elimination, our body has gone through a tremendous number of processes to break down the food we ate.  If the food is properly digested and assimilated, it is converted into nutrition for our tissues.  This includes nourishing our:

  • Plasma
  • Blood
  • Bones (hair, skin and nails)
  • Fat tissue
  • Muscle tissue
  • Bone marrow
  • Reproductive organs

In contract, food that is not properly digested will turn into a toxic mess that can harm our tissue and organs when not addressed.  Digestion is the start of health, both physical and mental.  It is also the start of disease.

Do not take your digestive warning signs for granted.  They are showing up for a reason. They are a blessing.  Digestive upset is the body’s natural mechanism for communicating with you.  Are you experiencing any of the following common digestive ailments:

  • Frequent or excessive burping or farting
  • Acid reflux
  • Indigestion and bloating
  • Smelly gas
  • Abdominal pain
  • Constipation
  • Gallstones

These are just a few warning signs that digestion is not flowing properly within our system.  The good news is that the gut is considered outside our body.  It is a tube that runs from our mouth to our anus.  It protects our tissues and organs from toxins, parasites, and food that does not agree with our body.  Listening to the warning signs can go a long way in achieving optimal health.  We simply have to be willing to stop and listen!