There are millions of people practicing Ayurvedic medicine worldwide today. In fact, the practice of Ayurveda in India dates back around 5,000 years.
The Ayurvedic medicine industry is expected to grow to nearly $10 million by 2022, according to analysts. Ayurvedic regimens and remedies are already used by around 240,000 Americans as part of their overall health care, according to the National Centre for Complementary and Integrative Health.
Many people who are seeking weight loss turn to Ayurveda’s dietary principles and natural remedies since it focuses on mindful nutrition, stress reduction, and cultivating a balanced lifestyle.
We will explore ayurvedic diet for weight loss, remedies, and supplements have to say about conventional Western science, and what Western science has to say about ayurvedic weight loss methods.
Weight Loss Through Ayurveda
Some herbal treatments have been in use for over 1,000 years, but far fewer have been studied in clinical settings. Herbal remedies are an integral part of the Ayurvedic tradition.
It is not required for these remedies to undergo the strict trials required for medicines in the United States. They are regulated by the FDA as supplements.
The Ayurvedic remedies for weight loss we know now are effective.
Triphala
Three indigenous super fruits grow in India, and three of them are gathered in Triphala.
- Haritaki (Terminalia Chebula)
- Amalaki (Indian Gooseberry)
- Bibhitaki (Terminalia Bellirica)
One 2017 review of scientific literature conducted by Trusted Source found that triphala was successful at reducing blood glucose levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Another study also found that it increased weight loss in participants.
Guggul
The Mukul myrrh tree produces dried resin from its leaves. While it has been used in Ayurvedic medicine as a weight loss aid, its effectiveness in clinical studies has been inconsistent.
According to Trusted Source, a lab study conducted in 2008 showed that the active ingredient in Guggul preparations did break down fat cells. However, a lab study conducted in 2017 found no effect on the hormone responsible for fat metabolism.
Kalonji
In studies on humans, Nigella sativa seeds and oils both reduced weight gain for women and men living with obesity. There has been extensive research conducted on kalonji, or black cumin (Nigella sativa).
The studies are promising, but it is vital that further research confirms the results.
Vijayasar or Kino tree
There have been no studies showing Vijayasar tree extracts to reduce body fat in humans, but tests on rats have shown that the tree extract reduced body fat. Vijayasar tree (Pterocarpus marsupium), also called the Kino tree, contains extracts that may help with weight loss.
Another Herbal Remedies to Lose Weight
The use of these botanical or herbal remedies for weight loss has been recommended by some Ayurveda advocates, but there are not enough studies to support their use:
- Lemon-honey
- Pepper (piperine)
- Cabbage horse gram
- Ginger-garlic lemon
- Punarnava
- Aloe vera
- Ajwain
The OTC weight loss capsules of Ayurveda
While some of these products may help you lose weight, there is little research to back their claims. Ayurvedic weight loss supplements are available in the form of tablets, capsules, and powders.
You should speak to your doctor before taking dietary supplements for weight loss, suggests National Institutes of Health (NIH)Trusted Source.
There is no regulation or testing for dietary supplements like prescription medications. Supplements may interact with other drugs you are taking, making it hard to know exactly what is in them.
How to lose Weight with Ayurvedic diets?
Several Ayurvedic practices have been collected by scholars at The Chopra Center that can be helpful in weight loss.
i) Eat slowly and quietly so that you will be mindful. Meditating can lower your cortisol levels (the stress hormone linked to weight gain). You can also add meditation to your daily routine to reduce the amount of cortisol in your body. Make sure you pay attention to your body’s signal about when to stop eating and when to eat more.
ii) Eat most of your caloric intake during the day, not late at night. Studies by The Trusted Source have shown that late-night eating can lead to obesity.
iii) Doctors at Cleveland Clinic agree: lemon water aids digestion. Drinking warm lemon water first thing in the morning will improve your digestion.
iv) In Ayurvedic and allopathic (Western) medicine, doctors agree that exercise is an essential part of weight loss. However, when weight loss is your goal, exercise should be done according to your dosha.
v) Research has shown that inadequate sleep is associated with weight gain.
Can Ayurveda be trusted?
An Ayurvedic diet consists of a variety of vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Whole foods and Ayurvedic principles have been used for thousands of years.
All of those principles and practices are safe and healthy practices in Ayurvedic medicine. In addition, Ayurvedic diets emphasize moderation and mindful eating. Preventive medicine, physical activity, stress reduction, as well as a healthy lifestyle are all aspects of Ayurvedic medicine.
There should be a high level of caution when it comes to using Ayurvedic herbal preparations since the FDA doesn’t regulate them. More research is needed to ensure their safety and effectiveness.
If you decide you want to consult an Ayurvedic practitioner, you should also do your research. Most states in the U.S. do not license practitioners, and the government does not require certification.
Ensure that any recommendations you receive are appropriate given your health status by discussing them with your doctor.
Conclusion
Several herbal preparations haven’t been adequately studied, including many ayurvedic diet for weight loss supplements. Although some of these have shown promise, many have not.
Luckily, Ayurveda emphasizes healthful eating, exercise, stress reduction, and healthy sleep. These practises have a substantial body of evidence backing their effectiveness in helping people live a healthy lifestyle and lose weight.
By switching to the Ayurvedic way of life, you will improve your health as well as be more aware of your eating habits, activity levels, and current state of health.
To lose weight, you will need to reduce calories, increase physical activity, and seek support from others.