From bloating and acidity to constipation and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), more and more young Indians today are struggling with digestive issues. While allopathic medicines provide quick relief, they often don’t address the root cause. That’s why many millennials are turning to Ayurveda, India’s 5,000-year-old healing remedy, as a natural, long-term solution for better gut health.
Why are gut health problems increasing?
In today’s fast-paced, stressful lives, many of us turn to comfort food and end up stress-eating without even realising it. “Erratic eating habits, processed foods, lack of sleep, and stress are all taking a toll on our digestive systems,” says Dr Satyadev Arya, BAMS, MD, Panchakarma at Sheopals.
According to the January 2025 Leucine Rich Bio health survey, nearly 30–40 per cent of Indian millennials report some kind of digestive discomfort regularly. Common complaints include gas, bloating, indigestion, and sluggish bowels. These may seem minor, but over time, they can lead to bigger health issues if not addressed properly.
“In Ayurveda, we believe that most diseases begin in the gut,” Dr Arya explains. “If your digestion is weak, your immunity, mental clarity, and overall energy also suffer,” he further added.
Why pills alone aren’t enough for gut health
While antacids, laxatives, and other over-the-counter drugs offer short-term relief, they don’t fix the root cause. In fact, overusing them can sometimes worsen the condition or create new problems.
“Ayurveda doesn’t just focus on treating symptoms. It tries to balance the body from within,” says Dr Arya. “That’s why more people are choosing natural therapies that focus on diet, daily routine, and herbal support,” he said.
How can Ayurveda help heal your gut health?
In Ayurveda, the digestive system is centred around something called Agni, or digestive fire. A strong Agni means your body can digest food properly, absorb nutrients, and eliminate waste efficiently.
“Everything in Ayurveda begins with the gut. If your digestive fire is weak, it causes toxins, known as ama, to build up in your body,” Dr Arya explains. “That can lead to problems like fatigue, skin issues, joint pain, and more,” he further said.
To keep Agni strong, Ayurveda recommends a combination of lifestyle changes, dietary habits, and herbal remedies. This includes eating freshly cooked meals, avoiding very cold or processed foods, eating your largest meal at lunchtime, and drinking warm water throughout the day.
Ayurvedic herbs that support digestion and heal gut health
Several herbs have been used for centuries in Ayurveda to support gut health. These include:
- Ginger – Stimulates digestion and reduces bloating.
- Fennel seeds – Helps relieve gas and acidity.
- Triphala – A blend of three fruits that supports regular bowel movements.
- Cumin and ajwain – Improve digestion and reduce stomach discomfort.
“These herbs are natural, easy to use, and safe for regular consumption,” says Dr Arya. “You can include them in your cooking, drink them as teas, or take them as supplements.”
Ashwagandha: Not just for stress
Ashwagandha is a well-known Ayurvedic herb often used to reduce stress and improve sleep. But it also plays a big role in gut and liver health.
“Ashwagandha helps lower cortisol levels, which is the stress hormone,” explains Dr Arya. “Since stress directly affects digestion, lowering it improves gut balance too,” he further adds.
Recent research also shows that Ashwagandha may help protect the liver from damage, reduce inflammation, and support detoxification, all of which improve digestion in the long run.
How social media is raising awareness about Ayurveda
Due to wellness influencers and Instagram-friendly brands, Ayurveda is now more accessible and relatable to younger people. Several brands have created easy-to-use products like gut teas, digestive powders, and herbal juices.
Social media has also popularised terms like “gut-brain connection,” “detox,” and “dosha balancing,” making age-old practices feel modern and practical.
“Young people don’t want to rely on pills forever. They’re looking for clean, sustainable, and personalised options, and Ayurveda fits that perfectly,” says Dr Arya.
Personalised ayurvedic healing remedy based on your dosha
One of the key reasons Ayurveda appeals to millennials is that it’s personalised. It doesn’t follow a one-size-fits-all model. Instead, treatments are based on your doshas: Vata, Pitta, or Kapha, which describe your body type and mental traits.
“This personalised approach is what makes Ayurveda so powerful,” says Dr Arya. “If your digestion is poor, the solution depends on your dosha imbalance. That’s why it works better in the long run.”
Young Indians are not just going back to tradition, they’re reimagining it for today’s world. Ayurveda is helping them take control of their health more mindfully and naturally.
