By Nutriworld | Dt. Dipanwita Saha
Do you often feel bloated or heavy after those delicious winter meals ? Or maybe you notice your digestion slowing down and the time on the pot going up ?! Do you also feel you are the only one who is struggling to snuggle out of bed on a cozy winter morning ???
YOU ARE NOT WRONG !!! Winters can be tough on the gut !!!
Cold weather tends to reduce digestive fire i.e. Agni, making it harder for your body to process rich, festive foods. Add in late nights, stress, reduced physical activity and irregular eating; and your gut can quickly lose its balance.
But here’s the GOOD NEWS : A few simple, warming AYURVEDIC DRINKS can bring your digestive system back on track. These time-tested recipes not only improve digestion but also boost immunity, reduce bloating, and keep you feeling light and energetic all season long.
Here’s bringing you 5 drinks that support your gut health throughout the winters straight from the nutritionist’s kitchen :
1. GINGER LEMON ELIXIR : Ignite Your Digestive Fire
In Ayurveda, ginger is celebrated as a universal medicine. It awakens digestion, improves circulation, and dispels toxins. Vitamin C in lemon strengthens the immune system whereas the active component in the ginger i.e. gingerol helps in the breakdown of food in the stomach thereby reducing indigestion, gas and nausea.
Therefore adding a few spices to your regular lemon water can help ignite the digestive fire; promoting digestion and improve immune function during cold weather.
Ingredients and recipe :
- 1 glass warm water
- 1 tsp crushed fresh ginger
- ½ lemon juice
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp cumin (jeera) powder
Mix all ingredients in warm water and sip it slowly while still warm.
Best time to have : 1 glass or 250 ml; before or after a meal
2. SPICED BUTTERMILK : The Traditional Digestive Cooler
A staple in Indian households, chaas or buttermilk is nature’s probiotic. In winter, it can be made more suitable by adding warming spices like hing and cumin, which balances Vata and reduces bloating. It will also help in stimulating digestive enzymes which helps in the release of gastric juices that help in digesting the food efficiently. This humble drink also supports gut bacteria and helps prevent acidity after heavy meals.
Ingredients and recipe :
- 1 glass chaas
- 4-5 mint leaves
- ¼ teaspoon black salt
- ¼ teaspoon hing
- ½ teaspoon jeera powder
To your buttermilk and add chopped mint leaves, black salt, hing and jeera powder. Mix well and relish.
Best time to have : 1 glass or 250 ml; 30 minutes preferably post lunch during winters
3. ABC DETOX JUICE : Amla, Betel & Curry Leaf Cleanser
Amla (Indian gooseberry), Betel leaf, and Curry leaves are a powerhouse trio in Ayurveda. It is rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, and digestive enzymes.It is an excellent bowel cleanser leaving you light on your tummy throughout the day. Additionally the combined effect of these ingredients will not only help you with keeping your gut healthy but also will help you enhance a natural glow to your skin, reduce hairfall and protect skin from any damage caused due to dry winter months.
Ingredients and recipe :
- 2 Amlas
- 1 Betel leaf
- 5-6 Curry leaves
- ¼ teaspoon salt
In the mixer, add all the above ingredients along with some water and grind them together. Pour it in the glass without straining.
Best time to have : 1 glass or 250 ml; as first thing in the morning
4. CARDAMOM TEA : The Gentle Gut Soother
Cardamom, or Elaichi, is known in Ayurveda for its calming and detoxifying qualities. It balances Kapha and Vata doshas, relieves acidity, and aids in the assimilation of nutrients while leaving a refreshing aftertaste.
The antioxidants present in the cardamom protects the body from the harmful effects of free radicals. It helps to reduce stress and anxiety and also gives a
gentle boost to your metabolism thereby helping you burn some calories as well. Therefore a warm cup after meals helps relax both the stomach and the mind.
Ingredients and recipe :
- 2 Cardamom pods
- 1 cup hot water
Crush 2 cardamom pods lightly and steep in hot water for 5-7 minutes. Strain and sip.
Best time to have : 1 cup or 150 ml; 30 minutes before bedtime
5. CCF TEA : The Ayurvedic Digestive Blend
This ancient Ayurvedic tea made from Coriander, Cumin, and Fennel is a natural digestive tonic. The carminative properties of seeds can help calm an upset
stomach,cools inflammation, soothes stomach and help ease bloating and cramps. This popular blend promotes nutrient absorption and balances digestive fire. It gently detoxifies the body and calms muscle spasms or menstrual pain.
Ingredients and recipe :
- 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
- 1 cup water
Add equal parts of coriander, cumin and fennel seeds to a cup of boiling water. Simmer for 5-7 minutes. Strain and sip it warm.
Best time to have : 1 cup or 150 ml; 30 minutes after lunch or dinner
In Ayurveda, good digestion is the foundation of good health. When your gut is balanced, your energy, skin, and mood all reflect it.
By adding these simple, warming drinks to your winter days, you’ll not only improve your digestion but also strengthen your body’s natural immunity and vitality — keeping you light, warm, and glowing all season long.
So this winter, sip mindfully. Nourish your gut. And let your inner warmth shine through.
SOME BONUS TIPS FOR BETTER DIGESTION THIS WINTER :
- Eat warm, freshly cooked meals : Cold or leftover food can slow down digestion in winter..
- Sip warm water through the day : It helps flush toxins and keeps your digestive fire active.
- Don’t skip meals : Long gaps can weaken Agni. Eat at regular times and avoid overeating late at night.
- Include digestive spices : Cumin, elaichi, ajwain, dry ginger or soonth, methi seeds, fennel seeds and black pepper naturally support digestion and maintain metabolism.
- Take walk after meals : A short 15-minute stroll aids digestion and prevents heaviness.
Written by –
Nutritionist Aayushi Shah
PGD, CDE, Ayurveda Nutrition Consultant Mumbai
