Your curiosity about digestion aligns beautifully with Ayurvedic principles, where Agni, or digestive fire, is indeed central to maintaining health. Since you’re experiencing occasional gas, constipation, and sluggishness after heavy or late-night meals, this could indicate Manda Agni or weakened digestive fire. Ayurveda classifies digestive issues based on the doshas: Vata imbalances may lead to bloating and irregular digestion, Pitta can cause acidity and a fiery stomach, while Kapha may contribute to sluggishness and constipation. Your consumption of cold and raw foods can aggravate Vata and weaken Agni, particularly if combined with heavy meals that require more digestion power.
To boost your Agni, consider several actionable steps. Firstly, aim to consume warm, cooked meals, particularly in the evening, which can help your digestive process. Incorporate spices like ginger, cumin, turmeric, and fennel into your cooking as they stimulate digestion and relieve gas. A warm cup of ginger tea before meals can also prime your digestive system. Triphala is an excellent choice; take a teaspoon of it before bedtime with warm water to gently aid digestion and promote regularity. For better food combinations, avoid mixing dairy with fruit, and consume similar food types together (e.g., grains with vegetables).
Regarding meal timing, try to eat larger meals around midday when Agni is strongest and keep dinner light and early, ideally two to three hours before bedtime. Consider integrating a one-day weekly fast, such as a fruit or light soup day, to allow your digestive system to reset. You can also practice mindfulness while eating, chewing thoroughly to aid initial digestion. For gut health, herbal teas with fennel, peppermint, or coriander can be soothing and help prevent bloating.
Embrace these principles with patience; over time, you’ll likely notice improvements in your digestion and overall well-being.



