Bloated, Stresses Out Tummy? 8 Yoga Poses For Better Digestion

Bad digestion is the root of all health problems. This is why our digestive fire must remain strong. So, the consumed food gets easily metabolized. A healthy digestive system is imperative to our quality of life, and for that, we have things like yoga. There are many yoga poses for better digestion that supports the proper functioning of the system.

Understanding The Digestion System

What is digestion? It is the process the human body uses to break food down into small, water-soluble molecules. These molecules are absorbed into the bloodstream. The substances that the human body absorbs are minerals, fats, vitamins, carbohydrates, and proteins. These substances are then used by the human body in the form of energy, growth, and repair.

Did you know where digestion begins? The process of digestion starts in your mouth. Here, your food is broken down by chewing and the digestive enzymes in your saliva. After that, your food is squeezed into the small intestine. Then, the digestive enzymes from the pancreas and bile from the liver neutralize the stomach acid and contribute to breaking down the food. As the food passes through the lower end of the small intestine, the nutrients present in the food are absorbed through the lining of the intestine and into tiny blood vessels. And the last point is when food is passed into the large intestine, also, called the bowel, where only water is absorbed from it.

What Are the Symptoms Of Digestive Problems?

There are a few issues arising from the digestive system, ranging from gas to more distressing symptoms like: 

• Nausea
• Diarrhoea
• Pain
• Heartburn
• Bloating
• Indigestion
• Constipation
• Low energy or fatigue
• Weight management issues
• Anxiety related to symptoms

How You Can Use Yoga Poses For Better Digestion?

Here, we are sharing a few points on how we can use yoga asanas for good digestion:

• With the help of yoga, the digestive fire, or agni (in Ayurveda), is stimulated. This increases the appetite and balances the metabolism of the human body.
• Yoga asanas for good digestion help you to stretch your body and aid in massaging the abdominal muscles. This causes the consumed food to move efficiently along the digestive tract.
• Also, bowel movements are regulated with the help of yoga poses, and constipation is relieved.
• Moreover, with yoga, the human body’s blood circulation to the digestive organs also increases, thus aiding digestion.
• Yoga asanas keep the human mind active and happy. On the other hand, the regular practice of yoga discourages fatty deposits.
• However, yoga helps the human body effectively detox. The accumulation of toxins is due to a bad diet, and unhealthy lifestyles. But yoga can flush out all these toxins from the body and help you lead with healthy lifestyle.

8 Yoga Poses For Better Digestion & Gut Health

Yoga helps you decrease stress and add calmness to your day. Also, regular yoga helps regulate digestion issues. So let’s learn more about these yoga poses for better digestion.

1. Headstand

Headstand in Hindi is called “Shirshasana.” It is an inversion that activates the rest and digest mode. Always keep in mind that you have to stay in the poses until you feel comfortable and not stressed. This asana promotes digestion and also helps to stabilize hormonal imbalances. Also, it helps in releasing the gravitational compression of the colon.

2. Plough Pose

Halasana, or plough pose, is another posture that activates the rest and digest mode of the body. Also, it releases the pressure of gravity on the colon. However, halasana creates compression to massage the visceral organ. When the compression is released, the organs will flood the body with new blood.

3. Frog Pose

Mandukasana, which is also called frog pose, is used in compression to stimulate the digestive system. This asana is practiced by kneeling, sitting on heels, and placing fixed fists where the abdomen meets the thighs. So, to be in this pose, you have to move in by breathing in to open the chest, breathing out, and folding forward to rest the forehead on the floor.

4. Seated Forward Bend

This pose is a regeneration of the seated pose that stimulates the digestive tract through the squeeze-and-release effect. However, it helps the human body improve digestion, eliminate toxins, and combat constipation problems.

5. Cobra Pose

Bhujangasana, or cobra pose, is an effective pose to restore the digestive system. Its stimulation occurs both by putting pressure on the abdominal organs and by vitalizing the “Manipura Chakra.” This helps in balancing the functions of the digestive organs. Also, this asana can stimulate the contractions of the intestines and thus relieve constipation.

6. Bow Pose 

Bow pose in Hindi is known as “dhanurasana.” It is an exercise that tones and strengthens the digestive organs through abdominal pressure. This asana also helps in balancing the functioning of the whole digestive system of the body.

7. Half-spinal Twist

Also called Ardha Matsyendrasana. It is a pose that combines restoring the Manipura Chakra with massage and compression of the digestive tract and organs. In this pose, an individual has to hold this pose for several breaths or a couple of minutes. This asana is particularly effective for beginners or practitioners with mobility issues.

8. Corpse Pose

Also, called “Shavasana.” It is a relaxing yoga pose that is effective for digestion and often practiced at the beginning or end of a practice. This asana also soothes the nervous system into parasympathetic activation. This aids the digestive process and promotes a healthier and happier gut.

Also, read: Yoga Se Hoga: Checkout These 10 Yoga Asanas For Weight Loss In 2023

Precautions While Performing Yoga Poses For Better Digestion

Many individuals generally recognize yoga as safe. However, it may not be suitable for many people who:

• have back or neck injuries.
• are pregnant (have different yoga poses).
• have high blood pressure.

Many yoga instructors offer specialized classes, such as prenatal yoga classes. Furthermore, if you’re experiencing any digestive issues on an ongoing basis, it is right to speak with a healthcare professional or with your dietitian. This can help to identify the root cause.

Please Note: If you find yoga beneficial, you shouldn’t discontinue other treatments as suggested by physicians. It is right to consult your physician before starting yoga or any other regular exercise regime.

Foods To Eat For Healthy Digestive System

Here, we are sharing a few foods to consume for a healthy digestive system:

• Include fiber rich foods like peas, beetroots, lentils, and beans.
• Always include freshly cooked meals and avoid leftovers.
• Drink fresh fruit juice and have fruits like apples, avocados, and bananas.
• In your diet plan, include probiotic foods like yogurt and buttermilk.
• Drink plenty of water or detox water to flush out toxins.
• Avoid junk and oily foods.

Other Important Tips To Keep In Mind While Practicing Yoga For Better Digestion

So, here are a few other tips to improve digestive health:

• Eat at regular intervals.
• Chew your food well. It reduces pressure on your digestive organs.
• Do not lie down immediately after a meal.
• Avoid eating heavy meals at night.
• Avoid drinking water before your meal (drink at least half an hour before your meal).
• Be happy! Depression is a major factor in the wrong choice of foods.
• Helps to relieve stress. This leads to bingeing and, consequently, digestive disorders.

A Word From Fitelo On “Yoga Poses For Better Digestion.”

Don’t you believe a good digestive system is a priceless gift to your body, as your health and well-being depend on it? And performing yoga poses for better digestion is the best alternative to consuming antacids. Including yoga in your daily routine to normalize your digestion issue is a time-tested technique. These practices have no side effects and several overall health benefits. Yoga not only helps you feel relieved from these problems but also brings calmness and promotes healthy minds.

How To Reduce Stress And Lose Weight?

In today’s day-to-day life, it is common among most of us to feel low in energy, have a lot of stress, deal with insomnia, slow weight loss, and have weak digestion. What if we tell you there is a fix? Yes, we at Fitelo can help you resolve your issues. Let’s watch this short but informative video on the same and understand the science behind this.

A Successful Weight Loss Story Of A Homemaker

An inspiring story of Kawalpreet, a homemaker who was diagnosed with thyroid disease. Going through this medical condition has made her weight loss journey a challenging one. With this concern, she contacted Fitelo, and our expert dietitians understood her problems and provided her with a customized diet plan. So, let’s take a look at her story and see how she lost 14 kg in 90 days. 

A Successful Kawalpreet Fitness Story Who Was Suffering With Thyroid

Fun Fact

Here is another inspiring postpartum weight loss story that you should definitely read. Mandeep reached out to Fitelo with concern about her post-pregnancy weight gain. She was struggling to lose even a kilo before joining us. She set a goal for herself – to get in shape like how she was before pregnancy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which Yoga Poses Is Better For Digestion?

Ans: Best done early in the morning, this asana is perfect if you want to achieve a calm mind and good digestion. Bhastrika Pranayama is one of the most effective breathing techniques that can help you calm your mind. So, it brings all your doshas into balance and activates your kundalini.

Q: Which Yoga Poses Is Better For Digestion After Eating?

Ans: Vajrasana is the right asana that can be performed immediately after consuming food.

Q: Which Asana Removes Gas From The Stomach?

Ans: Pawanmuktasana, also known as the wind release pose or the gas release pose.

Q: What Position Should An Individual Lie In To Relieve Gas?

Ans: Lying on your side with your knees bent can help to relieve trapped gas.

Q: Does Lying On Your Right-Side Help Digestion?

Ans: There is no medical evidence to support that sleeping on one side is better than the other. However, the location of the stomach is a clue. So, the stomach’s natural position is on the left side, where it can digest food more effectively.

Contact Us Today

We understand it is a bit tricky which diet plan will work for you and which will not, it can be complicated and confusing, hence you need to consult a professional. So, contact us today if you are looking for a customized diet plan or any diet plans, and we will help you fulfill your new year’s resolution.

Disclaimer

This blog post was written to help you to make healthy and better food choices altogether. So, be aware and take care. The important thing to consider is your own health before starting a diet that is restrictive. Always seek advice from a doctor/dietitian before starting if you have any concerns.

Eat Healthy, Live Healthy. Enjoy a long happy life.