5 yoga poses to perform after eating for better digestion and weight loss

We often neglect our digestive systems. But by simply incorporating yoga into daily life, you can improve digestion and accelerate weight loss. Yes, ladies, that’s true! In fact, if you have trouble falling asleep after supper, doing yoga after eating can also help you fall asleep quickly.

Here’s how eating habits can affect your weight

Your body and digestive health may occasionally be stressed by overeating and improper eating habits. Acid reflux, gas, bloating, and indigestion are immediate symptoms that can also result in nausea and insomnia. And eventually, this may lead to weight gain.

So, after dinner, head to the yoga mat and do some yoga poses in an effort to maintain intestinal health. Health Shots reached out to Nivedita Joshi, a yoga instructor from Indian Heritage Society, to learn some yoga postures to perform after eating for better digestion, a restful night’s sleep, and weight loss.

According to her, “If you are looking for help with digestion, specific yoga poses can do that.”

Yoga asanas that can be done after a meal are:

1. Vajrasana (Thunderbolt Pose or Diamond Pose)

Backed by science, and mothers all over India—performing vajrasana after consuming lunch, dinner, or whatever meal you have can aid in digestion, relieve constipation, and banish tummy troubles. In fact, it can reduce stress, helping you sleep well.

Here’s how to do it:

• With your arms by your side, stand straight up
• Kneel on your mat while lowering your knees gradually
• Position your pelvis on your heels with your toes pointed outward
• Keep your heels apart just a bit
• Put your palms up in Prapthimudra on your knees
• Set your spine straight and look forward
• Hold this pose for a few minutes.

2. Supta Baddha Konasana (Reclining Bound Angle pose)

This pose stretches the inner thighs, knees and activates digestion boosting the parasympathetic nervous system. It can also provide relief from fatigue and insomnia.

Here’s how do it:

• Lie straight and flat on the mat
• Bend your knees to bring the soles (bottoms) of your feet together to touch
• Relax your shoulders away from your ears
• Stay in the pose for up to a minute, breathing deeply and slowly
• Slowly return to your starting position

3. Urdhva Prasarita Padasana (Upward Extended Feet Pose)

This helps in working on the core. If you do this in fast moving action, then it works on the lower, middle, and upper abs and it makes them flatter. Apart from this it can help to cure stomach related problems as well as improve digestion.

Here’s how to do it:

• Begin to lie on your back in Savasana. Take a few breaths here
• Inhale and raise your both legs upward, bringing it to 90 degree angle
• Hold the pose for a few seconds or as long as you like
• Exhale and lower your legs
• Repeat the flow for 5 times at least

4. Marjaryasana-bitilasana (Seated cat cow pose)

This pose stretches the muscles in the hips, back, and abdomen. Moreover, it stimulates organs, including the gastrointestinal tract. As a result, the digestive system will work effectively.

Here’s how to do it:

• Sit on the floor, cross your legs in sukhasana and stretch the spine
• Your hands should be on your thighs
• As you inhale, elevate your chin slightly, open your chest, and arch your back
• Draw the chin toward the chest as you exhale and round your back
• Repeat slowly

5. Samasthiti (Mountain Pose)

This is the best pose to perform after eating and can be done on a full stomach. This can ease your digestion and boost metabolism.

Here’s how to do it:

• Put your feet together and stand straight
• Keep your posture upright and your spine straight.
• Relax your shoulders
• Allow your arms to hang loosely behind your body without making contact
• Shut your eyes.