Think before you pop an antacid

Stress, restaurant food, not enough nutrition, irregular eating hours, no exercise…this is the sad story of most of our school and office-going population. Constipation, indigestion, bloating, flatulence and Irritable Bowel Syndrome are so commonly prevalent that it is now considered “normal” to pop pills and digestive aids. But we need to give our digestive system a lot more credit and attention than that. Second in intelligence only to the brain, the human gut secretes acids and enzymes that can break down the most complex foods for easy absorption. Our bodies and hence our lives are fuelled by the efficiency of this powerful body system and when it malfunctions — even slightly — it is time to sit up and take notice of our lifestyles. Restoring your digestion is not just a matter of eating better food and on time but also stabilising the digestive system through simple exercises to be done on an empty stomach.

Supta Pavanmuktasana One

Lie on your back.

Bend your right knee. interlock your fingers just below the knee and bring your thigh to your chest.

Keep the left leg straight and on the ground.

Inhale deeply and raise your head and shoulders off the ground and try to touch your nose to the knee.

Exhale and return your head to the ground and stretch your leg out.

Repeat thrice.

Now repeat with the left leg.

Supta Pavanmuktasana Two

Bend both your knees to your chest and clasp your elbows.

Inhale and lift your head and shoulders off the ground and try to bring your nose in between your knees.

Exhale and return your head to the ground and stretch your legs out.

Repeat four times.

Warning: If you are pregnant, have high BP or hernia, avoid this posture. If you have sciatica or cervical issues, do not lift your head up.