Navratri: Fasting is beneficial for both body and mind, just keep these important rules in mind..

This period between the rainy season and autumn is called the transition period. It is also the purification period, and the festival of Navratri is celebrated during this time. Most people fast during this time to detoxify, purifying not only the body but also the mind.

In Ayurveda, fasting is linked to the principle of developing a healthy balance between Agni (digestive fire) and Ama (toxins), but certain rules and procedures have been prescribed for this. Keep in mind that fasting does not mean starving the body for long periods or torturing it. Fasting is considered more fruitful if the diet and lifestyle are taken into account according to the body's nature (Vata, Pitta, or Kapha), health status, and the season.

Be mindful of your nature.
Those with Vata nature, i.e., those with gas and constipation, should eat ripe fruits, papaya, etc. Break the fast with easily digestible foods like mung bean soup. You should avoid dried fruits. Avoid fasting for long periods of time; this can lead to weakness or nervousness.
People with Pitta Dosha tend to feel heat more often. They have a strong appetite, but also suffer from acidity and heartburn. During fasting, they should consume pears, guavas, and coconut water. Pomegranates are also good. Avoid excessive consumption of chips, sago khichdi, and vada.

Those with Kapha Prakriti often prefer cold weather. Their digestion is slow, and they feel heavy after eating. They can keep the agni calm for long periods of time. Therefore, fasting often suits them. They should consume apples, pomegranates, and guavas during fasting. They can also consume black pepper, ginger, and other foods, but avoid excessive amounts of milk, sweets, and yogurt, as these can increase sleepiness or lethargy.

Follow these rules:

Avoid overeating the day before the fast.

Choose healthy foods during the fast. For example, sweet potatoes are recommended instead of potatoes.

Have your last meal before sunset instead of eating late at night.

Avoid eating too heavy, rich, or cold foods during the fast.

Break the fast with light, easily digestible foods like khichdi, fresh fruit, yogurt, or mung bean porridge.

After breaking the fast,

Avoid heavy or oily foods immediately.

Eat light foods like seasonal juice and mung bean dal after breaking the fast.

Eat only when you feel hungry.

You can get the most out of fruits by consuming one fruit at a time.

Be flexible, listen to your body.

Give your body rest during the fast. Spend more time praying or journaling.

Benefits of fasting:

Helps remove ama (toxins) from tissues and organs through natural elimination.

Improves the body's immune system, making it more capable of fighting diseases.

Mental stability, inner peace.

Helps burn fat naturally.

Better sleep, relief from insomnia, etc.

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