{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Rethinking Protein: An Ayurvedic Perspective on Individual Digestive Capacity with Dr. Varalakshmi - 465","description":"Protein has become one of the biggest conversations in modern nutrition. We\u2019re constantly being told to eat more protein, prioritise protein at every meal, choose certain protein sources or turn to protein powders to meet our daily needs. But Ayurveda asks us to look at food differently. Rather than focusing only on how much protein we consume, Ayurveda encourages us to consider our individual digestive capacity, our current state of balance, and the qualities of the foods we are eating. In this episode, I\u2019m joined by Dr. Varalakshmi Yanamandra, BAMS, an Ayurvedic Doctor with 15 years of clinical experience across the UK, to explore protein through an Ayurvedic lens. We discuss why understanding your Agni (digestive fire) is so important, how your current Vikriti (state of imbalance) can influence your ability to digest and assimilate food, and why there is no one-size-fits-all approach to nutrition. We also explore the Ayurvedic concept of Gunas, or qualities, and how understanding the qualities of different foods can help you make more informed choices for your unique constitution and current needs. Most importantly, this conversation is an invitation to step away from the noise and develop a deeper awareness of your own body and digestive capacity. In this episode, we explore: Why understanding your individual Agni (digestive fire) and digestive capacity is so important. How your current Vikriti (state of imbalance) can influence your ability to digest, absorb and assimilate food. How understanding the Gunas (qualities) can help you make choices that are appropriate for your unique constitution and current needs. The different qualities of protein sources including animal protein, eggs, tofu, dairy, legumes and protein powders. Ayurvedic principles around food combining and protein. Signs that your body may be struggling to digest a particular protein source. How food preparation and meal timing can support the digestion and assimilation of protein. Why looking beyond the numbers and learning to understand your own body can help you develop greater self-trust around food and nutrition. This isn't about deciding whether protein is \u201cgood\u201d or \u201cbad,\u201d or giving you another set of rules to follow. It's about learning to ask better questions: What can I digest? What nourishes me? What is appropriate for me right now? Because when we understand our own constitution and digestive capacity, we can begin to make food choices from a place of awareness rather than simply following the latest nutritional trend.  Guest Links  Dr. Varalakshmi Yanamandra website https:\/\/www.drvaralakshmi.com\/   Elements of Ayurveda Podcast Community  Inside the community, you'll find: Early access to podcast episodes Member forums for discussion and Q&A Mindfulness and self-care practices Monthly live Zoom meetups Seasonal group challenges and reflections Join the new Elements of Ayurveda Podcast Community here:  https:\/\/www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com\/community   Check out Colette's online services:  Online Consultations https:\/\/www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com\/consultations At-home Digestive Reset Cleanse https:\/\/www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com\/digestive-reset-cleanse Online Daily Habits for Holistic Health Program https:\/\/www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com\/daily-habits Reset-Restore-Renew Program https:\/\/www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com\/reset-restore-renew Have questions on Colette's online services? Book a FREE 15 min Services Enquiry Call here. https:\/\/www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com\/consultations Do I have an accumulation of ama\/toxins in my body? Take this quiz to find out https:\/\/www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com\/resources Stay connected on the Elements Instagram https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/elementsofayurvedapodcast\/  Facebook https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/elementshealingandwellbeing Thanks for listening! ","author_name":"Elements of Ayurveda Podcast","author_url":"https:\/\/www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com\/podcast","html":"