How to create optimal digestion 
for good nutrient absorption 

“I am convinced digestion is the great secret of life.” 

~Sydney Smith

Having a healthy digestion allows all your cells, tissues, and organs to receive sufficient nutrition for a state of good health.  Ayurveda has some helpful tips for a healthy digestion:

1. Drink only room temperature or warm or hot water (avoid ice water and other refrigerated drinks).
2. Eat foods while they are still hot or warm (avoid cold and refrigerated foods).
3. Consider moderation in all foods.  For example, although nuts are healthy but too many will increase Vata (air and space energy) in your body and too many chiles will increase your Pitta (fire energy).
4. Eat freshly prepared foods, mostly vegetables and mostly greens.  (Avoid left overs, fried foods and processed foods)
5. Chew your foods thoroughly to allow the salivary glands to fully secrete the enzyme Amylase.
6. Use spices and herbs to enhance digestion; especially helpful are lime, lemon, ginger, black pepper and mint.
7. Eat simply as possible to avoid too much food combining.  Your stomach digests fewer food groups at a time more effectively.  Your stomach is not an electric blender!
8. Allow four hours between meals for eating protein, dairy, grains or legumes for stomach to regain its digestive powers.
9. If you need to snack, eat fruit or vegetables, or herbal teas because they are easier to digest.
10. Eat your dinners before or by 6:30pm because natural digestion energy slows down later in the evening.
11. Eat just the right amount so there is still stomach space for air, liquids and proper digestion. (tips: walk around before having seconds; use a small plate) 
12. Make your eating environment peaceful and pleasant because positive feelings enhance digestion.
13. Select food that are healthy and look desirable; they should be pleasing to the eyes, nose and mouth!   
14. Only eat when peaceful or happy because then you are more likely to make intelligent food choices and digest better.

When diet is wrong medicine is of no use.
When diet is correct, medicine is of no need.
~Ayurvedic Proverb