Libsyn Directory

Ayurveda Myths Debunked: Animal Protein, Garlic, Onions, Coffee, Alcohol + More with Dr. Sujatha Kekada - 441

Release Date: 04/23/2026

Rethinking Protein: An Ayurvedic Perspective on Individual Digestive Capacity with Dr. Varalakshmi - 465

Elements of Ayurveda Podcast

Protein has become one of the biggest conversations in modern nutrition. We’re 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’m joined by Dr. Varalakshmi Yanamandra, BAMS, an Ayurvedic Doctor with 15 years...

Preparing Your Body for Change: An Ayurvedic Approach - 464

Elements of Ayurveda Podcast

Have you ever decided that you need to make a change and then wanted to change everything at once? Maybe you decide you're going to eat better, exercise more, get to bed earlier, drink less alcohol, meditate every day or finally get yourself organised. We can become so focused on the result that we overlook the process of getting there. In Ayurveda, sustainable change isn't about forcing the body into a completely different way of being. It's about understanding where we are, listening to the body and creating the conditions that allow change to happen. In this episode, we explore why...

What Happens When You Give Your Digestive System a Break? | An Ayurvedic Insight - 463

Elements of Ayurveda Podcast

What happens when you stop asking your digestive system to constantly do more? In Ayurveda, digestion is about far more than what happens in your gut. Agni, often translated as digestive fire, is the force of transformation, the process through which we digest, absorb, process and transform what we take in. And because we are constantly taking in more than just food, Ayurveda views digestion as something that can influence the whole system. In this episode, we explore what can happen when we give digestion a little more space, simplicity and rhythm. Colette covers the following: Why Agni is...

Why an Ayurvedic Seasonal Reset Is More Than a Cleanse - 462

Elements of Ayurveda Podcast

What if you didn't wait until your body was struggling before you gave it a reset? In our modern world, we often think of a cleanse or reset as something we need to do after we've overindulged, eaten too much sugar, gained weight, or simply "fallen off the wagon." But Ayurveda takes a different, more preventative approach. Because we are part of nature, the changing seasons affect us too, influencing our digestion, energy, routines, appetite, sleep and overall balance. In this episode, Colette explores why the transition between seasons is such an important time to pause, listen to the body,...

Why Less Can Sometimes Heal More: The Wisdom of Ayurvedic Simplicity - 461

Elements of Ayurveda Podcast

Have you ever noticed that when you're not feeling your best, your instinct is to do more? Another supplement, another diet, another wellness routine or maybe another expert to follow. But what if your body doesn't need more from you right now? What if it needs less? In this episode, Colette explores the Ayurvedic wisdom of simplicity and why creating space can sometimes be more supportive than continually adding more. Ayurveda reminds us that the body is constantly processing; not only food, but also information, experiences, emotions, stimulation and the demands of everyday life. When there...

When Healthy Habits Stop Working: An Ayurvedic Perspective - 460

Elements of Ayurveda Podcast

You eat well, exercise regularly, meditate, manage your stress and genuinely try to take care of yourself, so why don't you feel better? Sometimes, the answer isn't that you need to try harder or add another healthy habit. Through the Ayurvedic lens, there may be another question worth asking: Does your body currently have the capacity to digest, process and assimilate everything you're giving it? In this episode, Colette explores why healthy habits can sometimes stop feeling helpful and how factors such as stress, sensory input, lifestyle, seasonal changes, accumulation and digestive capacity...

Why We Keep Ignoring Our Body's Signals: Ayurveda and Self-Awareness - 459

Elements of Ayurveda Podcast

Have you ever found yourself saying, “I’m fine,” even though you know you’re exhausted? Maybe you’ve been living with bloating, poor sleep, low energy, headaches or digestive discomfort for so long that it has simply become your normal. You know something feels different, but life is busy, there are people depending on you, and there’s always something else that seems more important. In Episode 458, we explored how Ayurveda views symptoms as messages from the body rather than problems to simply suppress. In this episode, we take the conversation a step further and explore why we so...

What Is Your Body Trying to Tell You? An Ayurvedic Perspective on Symptoms - 458

Elements of Ayurveda Podcast

Have you ever wished a symptom would simply disappear? Whether it's bloating, fatigue, headaches, restless sleep or digestive discomfort, our first instinct is often to silence the discomfort and get on with our busy lives. But what if those symptoms aren't the problem? What if they're messages? Colette explores one of Ayurveda's most profound teachings: that symptoms are not random inconveniences to suppress but meaningful signals that the body is communicating an imbalance. Rather than fighting our symptoms, Ayurveda invites us to become curious and ask, "What is my body trying to...

Celebrating 9 Years: Why Human Connection Matters - 457

Elements of Ayurveda Podcast

As the Elements of Ayurveda Podcast celebrates its ninth anniversary, Colette reflects on the journey of sharing Ayurveda with listeners around the world and explores why, in an age of artificial intelligence and unlimited information, human connection has never been more valuable. With health advice now available at the click of a button, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by conflicting opinions and disconnected from our own inner wisdom. In this thoughtful episode, Colette shares why Ayurveda offers something that technology cannot replace, a personalised, compassionate approach that honours...

Rebuilding Self-Trust Through Ayurveda - 456

Elements of Ayurveda Podcast

Have you ever found yourself ignoring your body's signals, overriding your intuition, or constantly looking outside yourself for the "right" answer? In our modern world, we're surrounded by advice on what to eat, how to exercise, and the perfect wellness routine to follow. While information can be incredibly valuable, it can also disconnect us from the most important source of wisdom we have, ourselves. In this episode, Colette explores why self-trust lies at the heart of healing and how Ayurveda gently guides us back to our own inner wisdom. Rather than encouraging dependence on practitioners...

More Episodes

Colette is joined by Dr. Sujatha Kekada to explore some of the most common myths surrounding Ayurveda and bring clarity to what this ancient system truly teaches. From questions around diet and lifestyle to its relevance in today’s scientific landscape, they unpack how Ayurveda is far more adaptable, nuanced, and evidence-aligned than many believe.

Together, they explore how Ayurveda meets you where you are, honouring individuality, context, and balance rather than enforcing one-size-fits-all rules.

In this episode, they discuss:

Whether Ayurveda is truly “scientific” and how modern research supports its core principles
Ayurveda’s perspective on vegetarianism and the role of animal protein in healing
The origins of avoiding garlic and onions and when they may be appropriate
How Ayurveda evaluates coffee and alcohol
Why Ayurveda is not inherently strict or restrictive, and how it embraces flexibility and indulgences
How to follow Ayurvedic principles while maintaining a vegan lifestyle, including alternatives to ghee

Check out Dr. Sujatha's offerings here Amrtasiddhi.com

Exciting News: The New Elements of Ayurveda Podcast Community is Live!

Over the years, this podcast has blossomed into a global community, a gathering of seekers, healers, and lifelong learners. And now, I’m delighted to share that our revitalized community space is officially open!

This new online home was created for those who wish to go deeper into Ayurveda, together. Inside, 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

It’s a conscious, supportive space to connect, learn, and grow with others walking the Ayurvedic path.

Come say hello, introduce yourself, and be part of this living, breathing sangha.

Join the new Elements of Ayurveda Podcast Community here:

https://www.elementshealingandwellbeing.com/community

I look forward to connecting with you soon!

Check out Colette's online services:

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

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Stay tuned and stay aligned with the Elements of Ayurveda Podcast.

Thanks for listening!

Exciting News: The New Elements of Ayurveda Podcast Community is Live!

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