How Gut Health and Ayurveda Team Up to Help Metabolic Problems
by Anna Sandhu | Jun 06, 2025
Reviewed by Dr. Arun, M.Pharm., PGDRA, Ph.D.
This article explores how tiny living things in our gut, called the gut microbiota (gut bacteria), play a role in health, especially in metabolic diseases (like obesity, diabetes, and fatty liver). The authors look at these ideas through the lens of traditional Ayurvedic medicine, which is an ancient system of health from India.
According to Ayurveda, digestion and the flow of energy in the body are very important. When digestion is weak (in Ayurvedic terms: when “Agni” is low), harmful waste (called “Ama”) can build up. This idea parallels modern medicine’s view that if gut bacteria are out of balance (called dysbiosis), it can lead to metabolic problems, inflammation and disease.
The article argues that a healthy gut microbiome helps with digestion, energy use, immune function and metabolism. Basically, when the bacteria are balanced and diverse, the body can manage sugars, fats and other nutrients better. When the gut bacteria are off-balance, problems like insulin resistance, excess fat storage, and inflammation can appear.
Schooling this into Ayurvedic terms: Ayurveda suggests using good food, herbs, lifestyle (rest, movement, clean eating) to keep the gut (and bacteria) working well. The article links this with modern findings: certain herbal plants act like prebiotics (food to good bacteria), herbs may reduce harmful bacteria, and supporting gut bacteria may help with metabolic diseases.
For example, when the gut barrier is strong (thanks to good bacteria) fewer bad molecules get into the bloodstream, and the body remains in better health. Ayurveda’s concept of “Ama” reflects this kind of waste or toxins building up when digestion fails. Modern science finds that poor gut bacteria and digestion can lead to this type of “internal waste.”
In short: The article shows that combining ancient Ayurvedic insights and modern gut-microbiome science offers a promising path for managing metabolic health. It suggests that taking care of the gut , through diet, herbs, lifestyle and supporting good bacteria, is key to better metabolic outcomes. It’s not a magic cure, but it gives a useful framework.
For people wanting better wellness: focus on eating whole foods, staying active, managing stress, and possibly using herbs/foods that support gut bacteria. These moves help your gut microbes, which in turn help balance metabolism, energy and health.
More Information: The role of gut microbiota in disease management: Ayurvedic perspectives on metabolic diseases and health. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phyplu.2025.100731