Shlloka
Yogi
The term breakfast originated in the 15th century in England and is made of two words – break and fast, which literally means ‘to end the nightly fast’.
After the long ‘nightly fast’, our body is usually dehydrated due to cellular respiration and endocrine functions. Many people believe that breakfast should be the main meal of the day, and therefore, tend to eat large quantities of heavy food at this time. Many others eat bread, biscuits and coffee or citrus fruits at this time.
All these habits can harm the digestive system.
According to Ayurveda, the kapha dosha or the mucus element in the body is predominant in the morning and hence one needs to eat things that can relieve this.
Here are some things you should eat or drink on an empty stomach first thing in the morning.
Number 1 – Drink a glass of water to alkalise the body and flush out toxins. You could also drink cucumber water, jeera water or coconut water. These also alkalise the body, improve metabolism and build immunity.
Number 2 – Eat a bowl of papaya. Papaya is a super food and is available all through the year. It helps to detox, regulate metabolism and provides relief from constipation.
Number 3 – Eat a bowl of sprouts. Sprouts provide proteins and fibre to the dehydrated body. It gives you energy and makes you feel full.
Number 4 – Eat soaked nuts or seeds. These have antioxidant properties and contain a volatile oil that helps to remove free radicals.
Number 5 – Drink a glass of honey and water. This is packed with vitamins, minerals and enzymes which not only remove toxins but also help to burn fat.
Number 6 – Drink a glass of vegetable juice to get your daily source of fibre, vitamins and antioxidants
Never start your day with fried food as it imbalances the doshas and causes gastric irritation.
Avoid all sorts of citrus foods as it increases the acid secretion that causes acidity and heartburn.
Avoid bread or biscuits. Both are made of refined flour, which is not only high in calories but also damage the intestine lining.
Avoid tea or coffee first thing in the morning. Even though caffeine makes you alert and refreshes you, it irritates the gastric lining and can cause heartburn and acidity.
Follow this for a few weeks to see the difference in your digestion and your energy levels.