Factors that influence optimal nourishment from food

Following factors influence optimal nourishment from food we eat: 

1. Process:
a. Before food: 
(i). Quick shower enhances appetite and improves mood.
(ii). Appetite enhancing herbal medicines (Dipana): 2-3 gms of Kaltariyu (mixture of cow's ghee, jaggery and dried ginger powder in 1:1:0.25 ratio) licked slowly.
(iii). Appetite enhancing food: freshly prepared and well cooked warm soup made ideally from fresh and organic ingredients (tomato basil, vegetable clear soup etc) as per ongoing season (aligned with Ritucharya).
(iv). Prayer and gratitude: calms and relaxes the mind. 

b. While eating food: avoiding the following while eating food enhances better digestion and nourishment - drinking water during meals, listening to loud music, watching television, using mobile device/laptop, reading, traveling, standing, and driving.

c. After food: 
(i). Walk for a few minutes (100 steps, Shatpavali). Avoid drinking water for 45 minutes.
(ii). Lie down for 10-15 minutes in left lateral position (Vaam kukshi) while maintaining breath awareness. 
(iii). Intake of digestive after food mouth freshner mixtures (mukhwas) or Betel leaf (Masala pan, Tambula sevana) or herbal medicines (Havaban harde, Amla candy etc).

2. Body:
a. Intrinsic:
(i). Prakruti: Food aligned with individual's natural/innate body type (prakruti).
(ii). Vikruti: Food prepared and consumed as per pathya and apathya guidelines applicable for specific disease as aligned with ongoing season (Ritu).
(iii). Vega: eating only when one feels truly hungry and nearly three hours after intake of prior large meal.
(iv). Gut sensitivity: a physiologically and functionally sensitive gut is primed for digestion.

b. Extrinsic:
(i). Quality of food: organically grown, fresh, appropriately cleaned, and cooked in a relaxed state of mind.

3. Mind
a. Relaxed state: eating in a calm and relaxed manner.
b. Interest: eating food that one is used to and one is interested to eat/finds favorable.

4. Personal:
a. Mechanical: chewing food unhurriedly into a paste before pushing it down the throat. 
b. Faith: eating with faith in the quality of food and digestive capacity of body.
c. Awareness: maintaining breath awareness while eating food. Using non-dominant hand also enhances awareness while eating.


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