The stomach is the foundation of the entire body.
Yes—indigestion, gas buildup, overeating, and repeatedly eating the same foods can weaken the muscles of the stomach.

When blood flow increases for digestion, the blood supply to the brain decreases. This may lead to symptoms like premature greying of hair or eye-related issues.
Similarly, blood flow to the legs may also reduce as it gets diverted toward digestion.

Why is controlling food and drink important?
Yes—extremely important. Many traditional treatments like enema, detoxification, induced vomiting, dietary control, and naturopathy focus heavily on this.

Dr. Balaji Tambe also emphasized dietary discipline and the use of ghee (which has mild laxative properties).
Experienced practitioners often recommend fasting, partial fasting, raw or lightly cooked foods—so that the body retains its strength.

Triphala is widely suggested for cleansing the digestive system.

When does intestinal strength weaken?
When fiber-rich foods are not consumed, and when soft/refined foods are eaten regularly (like bread, refined flour items, bhel, chocolates, bakery products).
These foods tend to form a sticky layer and pass through the intestines without strengthening them, leading to weakness and digestive issues.

Some foods do not truly nourish the body—they may fill the stomach but do not satisfy hunger at a deeper level or provide proper nutrition.

They also reduce digestive heat and simply get pushed through the system.

Examples:
Lassi, ice cream, and cold foods — the stomach is naturally warm; consuming these reduces digestive strength.
Foods that provide only calories but little benefit—
butter, oil, fried foods, samosa, vada, bread, refined flour—these mainly add calories without nourishment.

In short, these are forms of junk food and can be harmful to both the stomach and overall health.
(However, pure ghee and good-quality oils are exceptions.)

A thought — Yoga bars, Patanjali, chocolates
Products like yoga bars or Patanjali often use jaggery instead of refined sugar (with a suggested limit of around 90 grams/day).
Compared to many advertised chocolates, there is a noticeable difference in ingredients.

Misconceptions about ice cream
Brands like Amul and Fiesta have stated in court that their products use real cream and are purely vegetarian.
Other brands may sometimes include substitutes like hydrogenated fats.

Good-quality ice cream or fruit-based foods, when consumed in moderation before meals (especially when digestive heat is active), may be easier to digest.

🌸 Final Thought
After reading all this, ask yourself—
Does this fit into your lifestyle? Is it right for your health?

If you take care of your stomach, the later years of life can also be healthy, peaceful, and fulfilling. 🙏👍🏻