What Are the Causes of Ama?

Modern-day stressors and unhealthy lifestyle choices are critical contributors to Ama. One
often notices that something has gone amiss when the health deters. We recommend
avoiding this outcome by staying away from Ama-causing habits and practicing mindful
eating.
Here are a few factors to consider:
 Improper food combining
 Overeating and compulsive eating (especially oily, sugary, or fried food)
 Irregular eating habits
 Sleep disturbances
 Stressful routines
 Inactivity for prolonged hours
In short, disruptive lifestyle habits might cause Ama-related health issues. Yet, most of the
time, excessive Ama gets dissipated and reduced when one makes a conscious effort to
rekindle the digestive fire (i.e. Agni).
If the problem does not subside, one should consult an Ayurvedic expert for advice.

Ama’s Signs and Symptoms: How Do You

Know There is a build-up of Ama in Your
body?
Ama can cause stagnation, which means the inhibition of oxygenated blood, nutrients, and
other healthy substances in the body. Its presence can have different effects on the body,
each demonstrating specific symptoms.
 Ama and the Digestive System
Suppose Ama impairs the digestive fire. It makes healthy digestion and metabolism difficult.
Due to this, undigested food can gather inside the gastrointestinal tract. Its accumulation
may have harmful effects on the GI system.
Common issues include:
 Heartburn
 Indigestion
 Diarrhea
 Bloated stomach
 Loss of appetite
These changes can cause other health issues: namely weight gain, lethargy, and tiredness.

Warning Signs: Smelly stool, foul breath, and gas are noticeable signs of Ama in the
digestive system.

Ama and Skin Health

We can often trace skin diseases to Ama that begin to collect under the skin cells. Ama may
clog the pores and block oxygenated blood from entering the affected region. It results in
several skin problems that often appear, e.g., breakouts, sensitivity, zits, boils,
inflammation, and dry patches.
Warning Signs: Red rash, swollen skin, and itchiness are other symptoms of Ama.
Ama and Mental Health
Mentally, Ama may cause brain fog and decrease cognitive activity. Consequently,
psychological changes can cause disorientation, memory lapse, and mental
fatigue. Ama might also influence emotional wellbeing. When that happens, one starts
experiencing an unsettling feeling, racing thoughts, lack of motivation, unrefreshing sleep,
and concentration issues.
Warning Signs: Extreme fatigue, lack of focus, headaches, and drowsiness.

How to Maintain a Healthy Digestive Fire

and Avoid Ama?
Healthy Agni and Ama are the antithesis of each other. When one thrives, the other dies.
That is why Ayurveda experts recommend maintaining a healthy digestive fire to
destroy Ama-tendencies.
Here are a few Ayurveda-centric habits to incorporate into a daily routine:

1. Practice Mindful Eating

 Strengthening the digestive fire and maintaining gut health can reduce the Ama.
Consciously eating ensures that nothing terrible enters the gastrointestinal system. When
that happens, one can minimize the risk of dealing with metabolic toxins.
Here are a few ways to manage one’s diet:
 Eat seasonal fruits and vegetables as they may counter environmental triggers that
prompt Ama formation.
 Avoid oily and fried food.
 Refrain from taking caffeinated drinks or eating heavy food before bedtime.
 Select a naturally balanced diet for healthy digestion and active metabolism.
 Include all the Rasas (flavors) into the daily diet plan. These include sweet, sour, salty,
pungent, astringent, and bitter tastes.
Apart from this, one should eat food designed to appeal to dosha requirements. It can
mitigate the risks of gastric imbalances.

2. Seek Comfort from Ayurvedic Herbs

At Athreya Herbs, we use traditional recipes (like Triphala and Trikatu) and herbal
supplements (i.e., Healthy Skin Capsules) to soothe Ama-related problems. Consider them
as a natural way to cleanse the system.
Since Ama is foul-smelling, its antidotes include a combination of bitter and aromatic spices.
Their high concentration and active principles can cancel the harmful effects of Ama. They
may also replenish lost nutrients and encourage the body to activate natural immune health.
Here are top herbal, and spice picks to boost digestive fire:
 Turmeric
 Neem
 Ginger
 Amalaki
 Cinnamon
 Kutaja
 Bhunimba
One can also consume a CCCFT (cumin, coriander, cardamom, fennel, and turmeric) blend
for tea or other supplementation. The synergistic energy promotes digestive health and
helps the body counter Ama-related imbalances in the GI tract and beyond.

3. Practice Daily Meditation and Relaxation