We all have dealt with summer heat and have hated it most of the time; skin eruptions, sweat and dehydration, summers are mostly about these problems. However, thanks to Ayurveda that practices the science of natural health and has a lot to offer. According to the book ‘The Complete Book of Ayurvedic Home Remedies’ by Dr. Vasant Lad, “Summer is hot, bright and sharp, the season of pitta. Thus, it is recommended to keep cool and not allow pitta dosha to become aggravated.”
According to Yogi Anoop, Founder at MediYoga, “It is important to consume more alkaline foods in order to fight the heat in the body. Eat water-rich foods that will not only re-hydrate your body but also have antioxidants that keep you healthy. Consume onions, green vegetables and drink lots of water. Basically, you should ensure that there is no dryness that instills as it may heat up the body causing various health problems.
Here are some Ayurvedic tips to keep cool this summer; make sure you follow them to beat the heat.
1. Eat Pitta Pacifying Foods
As per Yogi Anoop, you must ensure eating foods that cool your body and give you relief from excessive heat. Load up on water-rich fruits like watermelon, pears, apples, plums, berries and prunes. Pick vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, Brussels sprouts and cucumber.
2. Avoid Foods That Heat You Up
Avoid foods that will produce heat in your body and become hazardous. Avoid sour fruits, citrus fruits, beetroots and carrots that tend to heat up your body. Limit the intake of garlic, chili, tomato, sour cream and salted cheese to avoid hampering your system. Eat more salads, as they are cooling, especially when eaten for lunch. Try avoiding dark meats as they heat up your body.
3. Eat At The Right Time
Always eat when your digestive fire is at its strongest, which is during lunch (mid-day). Missing your lunch during summers is equal to upsetting your pitta dosha that further makes you feel irritated and cranky.
4. Bring Coconut Oil To Your Rescue
According to the book, in the morning, as a part of your daily routine, rub 5-6 ounces of coconut oil on your body before taking a bath. It gives a calming, cooling and soothing effect to the skin. You can use sunflower oil alternatively.
5. Avoid Hot Drinks Or Hot Water
Drinking hot beverages will invite an upset pitta dosha. This is why you must always choose to drink beverages at room temperature in order to balance it.
6. Avoid Strenuous Exercise
It is always good to exercise early in the morning as it is the coolest part of the day. Engaging in vigorous exercises during other parts of the day may heat up the body only to cause harm.
7. Make Use Of Cooling Oils
Bring sandalwood, jasmine and khus oils to your rescue. Not only do they have a soothing aroma, but also are known to have cooling properties.
8. Avoid Ice Cold Drinks
Ice cold drinks only inhibit digestion and create toxins, also known as ama in the body. Your digestive system has a digestive fire that is responsible for converting food into energy. Drinking chilled is almost like putting off the digestive fire causing various health problems.
