Morbi pharetra, quam id consequat imperdiet, lectus est tincidunt massa, eu posuere leo nibh non fermentum

According to Ayurvedic medicine there are three main types of digestive imbalances, each one relating to a specific doshic imbalance. Since the digestive fire (known as Agni) is the ruler of our overall health, it is vital to know your digestion type in order to utilize the appropriate diet, lifestyle, and herbal regimen for you as an individual.
How we digest our food is directly correlated with our level of health. If an individual is eating a “healthy” diet but is experiencing gas, bloating, and constipation after meals, then that healthy food is likely not healthy for them. When food is not being digested properly (even the most healthiest of food types), the nutrients are not being properly assimilated and absorbed, leading to symptoms of indigestion, toxic accumulation, and malabsorption.

Ayurveda classifies four types of agni or digestive fires

VISHAM AGNI

Visham agni is when your digestive system is completely unpredictable. Sometimes you eat a meal and feel nourished and satisfied with no digestive issues. Other times, you bloat like a balloon and have gas so bad you can’t go to SoulCycle. Visham agni is related to the vata (wind) dosha because it’s always up in the air. You never know what’s going to happen next!

Symptoms of visham agni incude: bloating, gas, constipation, sometimes interchanging with loose stool

If this relates to you: follow a vata-pacifying diet of warming, grounding foods, plenty of root vegetables and healthy fats. Steer clear of raw and cold foods like salads, smoothies, popcorn and crackers.

TIKSHNA AGNI

Tikshna agni is when your digestive fire is burning too brightly. You may be running to the bathroom after every meal, especially if it involves spices, nightshades, onion or garlic. When our internal flame is too strong, our stomach secretes excess stomach acid, causing hyperacidity, heartburn and even ulcers. Tikshna agni is related to the pitta (fire) dosha because it’s strong and sharp. You’re the type that if you don’t get to eat on time, you’re seriously hangry!

Symptoms of tikshna agni incude: loose stools, hyperacidity/heartburn, sharp appetite

If this relates to you: follow a pitta-pacifying diet of cooling, hydrating foods, plenty of leafy greens, juicy fruit and cleansing herbs. Stay away from spicy and pungent foods such as cayenne, onion and garlic, which will further ignite your digestive fire.

MANDA AGNI

Manda agni is when your digestion is going at the pace of a snail. You eat a meal and feel stuffed for the next six hours or longer. In fact, you may barely eat but your body keeps depositing fat – it’s like you gain weight even thinking about fries! You may feel exhausted after a big meal and feel the need to take a nap. Manda agni is related to excess kapha (earth) dosha, as it’s heavy and dense. The speed of your digestion can feel like watching the Earth rotate on its axis!

Symptoms of manda agni include: slow digestion/ metabolism, weight-gain, large, sticky stool, low appetite

If this relates to you: follow a kapha-pacifying diet of light, stimulating foods such as steamed non-starchy vegetables and a wide array of spices. Say no to dairy, sugar, starches, fried foods and excess protein.

SAMA AGNI

Sama agni is when you have no digestive issues- lucky you! You eat a meal and feel comfortable after, with no bloating, gas, hyperacidity or lethargy. You have one to two healthy daily bowel movements without loose stools or constipation. If this is you, you deserve a gold star!

Symptoms of sama agni include: healthy daily bowel movements, no digestive discomfort after eating, strong ojas, or vital life-force, radiant skin, shiny eyes

If this relates to you: keep it up by following the recommended foods for each season’s dosha. In the hot summer months, consume more of the pitta foods. In the cooler fall months, consume more vata foods. In the wetter, winter and early spring months, consume more kapha foods.