Unlocking Ayurvedic Secrets for Healthy Weight Gain
Some people find it hard to gain weight due to certain health conditions, a naturally high metabolism, or genetic factors. To gain weight, you need to increase your calorie intake more than you burn throughout the day by eating frequent, smaller meals. But that does not mean you can hog on anything and everything you like!
To gain weight naturally, you need to make sure that an unhealthy diet or lifestyle doesn't compromise your health. If you are struggling with low weight, Ayurveda can help you gain weight naturally and healthily. In this article, you will learn about lifestyle habits, nutrient-rich foods, and Ayurvedic tips that can help you gain weight naturally and quickly while prioritising your overall well-being.
But, before we go into the details, it is important to understand why it is hard to gain weight.
Reasons Behind Being Underweight
Various reasons can lead to a lower body weight, including:
Metabolism: Some individuals naturally have a faster metabolism, making it challenging to gain weight.
Genetics: Some people may inherit a faster metabolism, while others may have a slower metabolism, making weight gain or loss more difficult.
Digestive Issues: Conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) cause inflammation of the intestine and poor digestion, hindering nutrient absorption and leading to insufficient nourishment and weight loss. Other conditions like ulcerative colitis also make it difficult to gain weight.
Medical Conditions: People suffering from conditions such as hyperthyroidism, diabetes, and malabsorption disorders have an overactive metabolism and burn more calories throughout the day, contributing to weight loss.
Stress and Anxiety: Mental health plays a vital role in physical well-being. Chronic stress and anxiety can impact appetite and lead to weight loss.
How Can Ayurveda Help In Weight Gain?
According to Ayurveda, individuals with a dominant Vata dosha tend to be naturally lean and may find it challenging to gain weight naturally. Vata is associated with the elements of air and ether which is characterized by qualities such as lightness, mobility, and variability.
Those with imbalanced Vata may experience erratic digestion and metabolism, leading to difficulties in absorbing nutrients from foods and maintaining a healthy weight.
Achieving a balance involves incorporating foods, practices, and herbs that are heavy, oily, substantive, stabilizing, gross, and nourishing. However, if the body's capacity to absorb nutrients is hindered, relying solely on this approach may prove insufficient.
Therefore, Ayurveda also emphasizes the importance of balancing agni, the digestive fire, to ensure that the body's deeper tissues can effectively assimilate the introduced nourishment. Any excess activity in metabolic processes is cautiously regulated, which helps the body to recalibrate its ability to absorb essential nutrients.
Ayurvedic Approach to Gain Weight
1. Have a Balanced Meal
Ayurveda recommends consuming a well-balanced diet that includes all six tastes – sweet, sour, salty, bitter, pungent, and astringent. This variety helps satisfy the body's nutritional needs comprehensively.
Have at least three complete meals incorporating whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats, and a variety of fruits and vegetables. For example, a balanced meal could include brown rice, grilled chicken or tofu, steamed vegetables, and a side of yoghurt.
Some nutrient-dense foods to include:
- Ghee
- Avocados
- Full Fat Milk
- High-Fat Dairy
- Sweet Potatoes
2. Incorporate Herbal Supplements Into Your Diet
Ayurvedic herbs like Ashwagandha and Shatavari are known for their ability to support weight gain. These herbs can help improve metabolism and boost energy levels, contributing to healthy weight gain.
You can also include Chaywanprash in your daily diet. It is not only known for its effectiveness in weight gain but also for improving muscle strength. It boosts immunity to fight against diseases. In Ayurveda, Chyawanprash holds a significant place as a dietary item supporting weight gain. This tonic is suitable for everyone and plays a substantial role in improving overall body strength and bone health.
Here are a few Krishna Ayurveda products that can help in weight gain:
3. Follow a Daily Routine
Establish a consistent daily routine for meals, sleep, and physical activity to support the body's natural rhythms and functions.
Any discord between your body's internal clock and the natural rhythms of the environment can lead to imbalances in doshas. When you synchronize with the cyclic patterns of nature, your internal processes harmonize, promoting optimal functioning.
Maintaining a regular and predictable routine will prevent disturbances in your nervous system. This, in turn, enables your body to receive nourishment most effectively.
Set specific meal times and aim for a regular sleep schedule. Engage in moderate exercise regularly, as it helps stimulate appetite and supports healthy weight gain. Avoid irregular eating patterns or skipping meals.
4. Address Underlying Health Conditions
Before starting a weight gain journey, it's vital to recognize and tackle any existing health conditions that might be causing weight loss. Conditions such as digestive issues, hyperthyroidism, or malabsorption can hinder weight gain efforts.
It is recommended to consult with a doctor to address and treat any potential health issues. By resolving these concerns, you establish a strong foundation for a successful weight gain journey.
5. Avoid Stress
Chronic stress can negatively impact appetite and lead to unintentional weight loss. Managing stress is essential for creating a conducive environment for healthy weight gain.
Incorporate stress-reducing activities into your daily routine. Practices such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, yoga, or spending time in nature can help alleviate stress and support a healthy mind-body balance.
6. Prioritize Proper Rest
Inadequate sleep can disrupt hormonal balance, including those that regulate appetite and metabolism. Prioritizing proper rest is vital for overall well-being and effective weight gain.
Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep every day. Establish a bedtime routine, create a comfortable sleep environment, and limit screen time before bedtime to promote restful sleep.
7. Monitor Progress and Adjust
Regularly assess your progress and be flexible in adjusting your approach as needed. Weight gain is a gradual process, and it's essential to monitor and make necessary modifications along the way.
Keep a food diary, track changes in your weight, and pay attention to how your body responds to different foods and activities. If you encounter challenges, consult with a healthcare professional or a nutritionist for guidance.
8. Stay Hydrated
Hydration is often overlooked in the context of weight gain. However, proper fluid intake is essential for overall health and can complement a weight gain plan by supporting digestion and nutrient absorption.
Drink an adequate amount of water throughout the day. Consider consuming hydrating foods like soups, stews, and fruits with high water content to contribute to your overall fluid intake.
Quick Tips to Gain Weight Faster
- Don't drink water before meals, as it may fill your stomach, making it challenging to consume enough calories.
- Increase meal frequency by adding extra meals or snacks.
- Incorporate whole milk into your diet to boost protein and calorie intake.
- Consider weight gainer shakes rich in protein, carbs, and calories if gaining weight is a struggle.
- Opt for larger plates to encourage higher calorie consumption.
- Prioritize quality sleep, as it is crucial for muscle growth.
- Consume protein and fat sources first when eating mixed foods, saving higher fibre options for last.
- Quit smoking or avoid it altogether, as smoking is linked to reduced body weight, and quitting often results in weight gain.
Some Related Posts:
- Mastering Your Oily Skin: A Comprehensive Skincare Routine
- 5 Best Ayurvedic Brain Tonics
- Ayurvedic Diet: Essential Nutritional Guidance for a Healthy and Nourishing Pregnancy
Takeaway
Ayurveda for weight gain involves a holistic approach to achieving sustainable results. While it is generally considered safe to utilize Ayurvedic methods for weight gain, it is advisable to consult a doctor to prevent any potential interference with your current medications or underlying health issues.
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