Ayurveda for a Healthy and Active Lifestyle

This week’s blog is brought in collaboration with Dr Deepa Apté of Ayurveda Pura, one of my lovely teachers.

We are talking about putting a healthy Ayurvedic routine in place is the key to a happy and healthy life. Ayurveda is all about bringing balance to your life in the most natural and effective way.

How to create an Ayurvedic fitness routine?

For those with a predominantly Vata constitution, an Ayurvedic daily routine is important to help them remain calm and focused.  

A routine enables Pitta types to create a sense of accomplishment at the end of the day.  

For those, predominantly with Kapha constitution, this routine motivates them and keeps them energized.

According to Ayurveda, the early morning hours are great for work that involves mental focus and concentration. Physical activities are better suited for the afternoon and then rest and unwind in the evening after dinner before sleeping.

Which Herbs help support a Healthy Lifestyle?

For thousands of years, herbs have been a very important part of Ayurvedic science. People who consumed the following herbs had a longer life expectancy and lead a healthier life. Some of those herbs and their benefits are as listed below:

Turmeric
Turmeric is the most popular herb well known for its incredible anti-inflammatory properties. The active compound in Turmeric is ‘Curcumin’ which gives it a vibrant yellow colour.

Most of us suffer from some level of acute inflammation within the body. Although inflammation is a natural process that protects the body from bacteria, viruses, and injury; chronic inflammation has been linked to health problems such as type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, skin conditions, allergies, asthma, and brain diseases such as Alzheimer’s, cancer, and metabolic syndrome.
To avoid acute and chronic illnesses or diseases, a supplementation of turmeric can help fight inflammation, assist in lowering blood pressure, and improve overall health through its antioxidant properties.
 
Brahmi
Brahmi is an ancient Ayurvedic herb that has been used to support the proper functioning of the nervous system and brain.  This unique herb has been known to reduce anxiety, depression, and stress as well as improve memory. 

A supplementation of Brahmi herb can also be used by anyone seeking to enhance their mental health in an all-natural way.  
 
Neem
Neem is a medicinal herb that helps reduce blood sugar levels, heal ulcers in the digestive tract, kill bacteria, and prevent the formation of plaque on the teeth.  There are over 140 diverse active compounds present in various parts of the Neem plant that make it antimicrobial, anti-parasitic, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and has wound healing properties. 
 
Guduchi
Guduchi is a rejuvenating and revitalizing herb and the best one for improving immunity.

Guduchi or Gallucci removes toxicity (ama) without aggravating heat in the body.  It helps promote a healthy complexion and soothe the skin.

This herb has proved to be beneficial for those who suffer from allergy symptoms such as allergic rhinitis, significantly reducing symptoms of stuffiness, sneezing, and itching.  It is known as a histamine stabilizer and can help in histamine-induced bronchospasm (tightening of the airways and difficulty in breathing).

Guduchi can heal the liver and reverse the damage.  It is also beneficial in helping treat diabetes by lowering blood glucose levels.
 
Do Ayurvedic herbal teas taste good?

Yes, some do. I am not a herbal tea drinker but love the Ayurveda Pura ones. Their experts have spent years forming these all organic, natural, tasty and healthy authentic Ayurvedic preparations for example Herbal Teas – Which are great tasting medicines for the body and mind

Our wholesome Herbal Teas are a great way to acquire the beneficial effects of whole organic herbs, as they retain all the properties of the fresh ayurvedic herbs. Ayurveda Pura has devised some unique herbal blends, that not only taste good but also help balance your dosha.  

Note: All Ayurvedic Herbal teas can be consumed throughout the day and by people of all body constitutions.  

Orange & Fennel Bliss™ - Vata Blend

This authentic ayurvedic tea particularly helps pacify and balance the Vata dosha.  This tea blend is formulated by Dr Deepa Apté to destress the body and bring about calm and clarity.  

The tea has a taste of palette cleansing fennel, astringent, and citrus tones from whole organic orange peel and ginger.  It also has a subtle hint of cinnamon.  Fennel is one of the main ingredients of this tea that has antibacterial properties. It can help reduce inflammation, improve mental health, and relieve menopausal symptoms.  

This great-tasting tea can be consumed at any time during the day, but most beneficial before bed for a good night’s sleep.

Saffron & Cardamom Delight™ - Pitta Blend

This refreshing tea harnesses the power of Saffron, which is high in antioxidants. Saffron consumption has many health benefits such as enhanced weight loss, improvement in mood, and sexual function and is even known to reduce PMS symptoms. This ayurvedic blend is great for all those looking to balance and pacify Pitta. 

It can be consumed for all body types, but especially beneficial post-workout or mid-afternoon to refresh and rejuvenate your body and mind.

Cinnamon & Ginger Spice™ - Kapha Blend

This combination of energizing Green Tea, constituting of stimulating Cinnamon, Ginger and Spices helps to re-energize you and give you a boost. It is the perfect preparation to replace that mid-morning coffee, which also supports healthy weight loss and boosts metabolism.  

Green Tea contains bioactive compounds called polyphenols that protect the body against disease and illness.  

Cinnamon ginger tea contains natural stimulants including caffeine that helps boost brain function and mood-enhancing brain chemicals including GABA, dopamine, and serotonin. These highly active polyphenols also help to slow the effects of ageing on the brain.

Cinnamon is loaded with antioxidants that protect the body from oxidative damage caused by free radicals. It helps your body fight infection and repair tissue damage caused by inflammation. It is believed that cinnamon may cut the risk of heart disease by reducing levels of total cholesterol “bad” LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, while good cholesterol remains stable.

Ginger also is loaded with antioxidant compounds that prevent stress and damage to the body’s DNA. It has positive effects in preventing chronic diseases like high blood pressure, heart disease and diseases of the lungs.

Ayurveda Pura’s Certified Organic herbal teas can benefit every individual.  These teas can be a great way of consuming health-beneficial and powerful Ayurvedic herbs daily. To get a view of Ayurveda Pura’s full range of herbal teas, click the link below in the Resources section.

Get Fit Mix

Another food supplement formulated specifically for weight loss and supporting a healthy active lifestyle is Ayurveda Pura’s Organic Magic Food - Get Fit.  

This powerful mix containing the unique herbs of Triphala, Guggul and Cinnamon is designed according to Ayurvedic principles. It reduces excessive Kapha Dosha and improves the digestive metabolism, thereby helping you to keep fit.  The powder can be dissolved in warm water, herbal tea, or your favourite smoothie.  

Ayurveda Pura has several organic magic food mixes with carefully selected super foods, designed to create more balance in your daily routine and to support a healthy lifestyle.

Moderation is the Key

Moderation provides balance to your life and prevents overindulgence.

We tend to circle around knowing what is good for us and being aware when we slip and beating ourselves up for slipping. And repeat.

It is a human trait; however, our unhealthy lifestyle choices eventually result in disease followed by chronic illness, if left untreated.  

Ayurveda recommends eating mainly simple meals and keeping 1/3 of our stomachs empty (giving space to work). Of course, there is nothing wrong with the occasionally overindulging meal, to find a happy balance to nourish our bodies and mind is the key.

Eating organic, freshly prepared food will prove to be a simple but effective way of enjoying life and experiencing everything it has to offer.  

The old saying rings true “We should eat to live, and not live to eat”.  Find your daily rhythm and keep to a routine.

Stay Active throughout your Day

Physical exercise is important in maintaining healthy muscles and bones. 

If regular exercise is not a part of your daily routine, start off slowly with 10 minutes of stretching, movement, and introspection.

It can be simply taking a walk, meditating by focusing on your breath (you might like to read last week’s blog post as well ‘The Power of the Breath’) and awareness of nature around you.
Although exercise in the morning is the best, it is more important to find a time that works for you.  This is a commitment to yourself to live a more active and healthy life.  As you begin to move more often, you will find it easier to exercise in ways that will encourage healthy muscle growth, body maintenance and cardiovascular health.  Lastly, find a form of exercise that is best suited for your constitution.

An Ayurvedic professional can give you individual guidance on what to eat, which herbs to take and what exercise suits you best.
 

Rest and Sleep

As much as physical exercise is important, rest and sleep are equally important.  Sleep is often neglected in our busy lives.

Ayurveda recommends going to bed around 10 pm. Bedtime is a great opportunity to reflect on your day and moments of gratitude. Both will help you appreciate the life that you live and seek ways to improve it by focusing on the positive aspects of living a healthy and active Ayurvedic life.

The above is simple practical advice on improving your life through Ayurveda. Decide today to live a healthier and conscious life by introducing a small change.  

For more Ayurvedic advice follow us on Instagram and Facebook at @zestforyoga and @ayurvedapura.

Live Healthy and Stay Fit!
Dr Deepa Apté and Katja Patel


Resources

My go-to Ayurveda products are from Ayurveda Pura. This link below entitles you to a 10% discount 😊