Why Intermittent Fasting is Not Working in Your Body

“Your digestive fire isn’t your friend’s digestive fire.”

We all have that one friend who swears by Intermittent Fasting (16:8) and seems to glow while eating just two meals. But here’s the catch – ancient Ayurveda never said the same rules apply to everyone.

Ancient Meal Wisdom vs. Modern Lifestyle

According to Ashtanga Hridayam:

“Sūryodayāt pūrvam utthāya bhojanaṃ Yaḥ karoti prātaḥ sa bhavēt nirāmayaḥ”
Translation: He who eats before sunrise remains free from disease.

Sounds like a perfect rule, right? But wait—this was written for a time when:

• People slept with the sun 🌅

• Woke before dawn

• Had stronger digestion (Agni 🔥)

• Worked physically all day

• Ate only seasonal foods

Compare that to us today:

• Sleeping past midnight 😴

• Waking rushed

• Weak digestion due to junk food + stress

• Sitting at desks all day

• Eating off-season, packaged foods

Clearly, we can’t just copy-paste ancient schedules into our modern routines.

Why Lunch is Your Power Meal

Ayurveda teaches that your digestive fire (Agni) peaks with the sun – at noon.

• Morning: Agni is waking up → light breakfast or fruits are best 🍎

• Noon: Agni strongest → this should be your biggest meal of the day 🥗🍲

• Evening: Agni winding down → keep dinner light and early 🌙

This is where modern intermittent fasting often fails people. Skipping breakfast and eating heavy dinners goes against Agni’s natural cycle.

The Ayurvedic Fasting Secret: Watch Your Agni, Not the Clock

Instead of rigid “16:8” fasting, Ayurveda says:
👉 Eat when hungry, stop when satisfied.
This is called Anjali Pramana – eating according to your hunger capacity, not rules.

Sometimes the most advanced practice is simply… listening to your body.

Ayurvedic Allies for Your Digestive Fire

If you struggle with digestion, bloating, or sluggishness, here are a few Ayurvedic products to support your Agni naturally:

1. Triphala Churna – gentle daily detox for bowels
   👉 But on Kerala Ayurveda Store | Buy on Amazon India | Amazon USA

2. Immunity Booster – keeps immunity strong
   👉 Kerala Ayurveda Store 

3. Women’s Wellness Stack | Ayurvedic Support for Hormonal Balance & Feminine Vitality

   👉 Buy here on Paavani Ayurveda

How to Apply This Today

• Make lunch your heaviest meal (like dal, rice, sabzi, ghee)

• Keep dinner light (soups, khichdi, or steamed veggies)

• Don’t force yourself into skipping meals – instead, follow your hunger rhythm

• Add Ayurvedic herbs & teas to keep your Agni balanced.

Final Words

Ancient Ayurveda never gave “one-size-fits-all” rules. What it gave us was wisdom to observe our Agni.

So, instead of just copying your friend’s fasting schedule, ask yourself:
🔥 What does my digestive fire need today?

Until next time,
Dr. Subhash Singh Tomar (Dr. Strange)
Founder – Brijwasi Ayurveda