It is almost time we witness bright sunny days; heat waves are ready to roll in and we can already feel it. Those long leisurely (read: sweaty) days of summer will soon call for sipping on chilled lemonade and binging on everything cool. Along with some of the good things that summer brings, chances of getting sick will increase. According to Ayurvedacharya Dr. Partap Chauhan, Director Jiva Ayurveda, “Of the 6 seasons described in Vedas, summer or greeshma falls under the Adana Kal, or a period when the sun takes away the cooling properties of the earth and strengthens the Pitta element. Ice age is the period in which the temperature drops to an extent that life becomes extremely difficult on Earth. It is believed that there has been five ice ages till date with regular warmer intervals. The climate change we experience now is a result of global warming where the temperature of the planet is gradually increasing. This could prevent the next ice age from happening.Any change in the weather conditions of a place which is apparent since a long time is called climate change. This could be a change in usual temperature for a particular time, rain or snowfall patterns obtained in a month and so on. Many reasons are behind this are volcanic eruptions, difference in radiations falling on Earth etc. Many activities of man are also believed to result in the change in climate.It is observed that our planet’s temperature has increased by one degree Fahrenheit in the last 100 years indicating that it is becoming warmer. Given below are the advantages and disadvantages of climate change.Plants require an optimum temperature and rainfall to grow well. The recent years have seen unpredicted rainfall and weather conditions. This would affect their growth and even lead to their extinction and desertification.Changes in climate will result in the loss of habitat for animals and plants. Forest fires have become very common due to the varying temperature. Forests are home to a large number of plants and animals. These fires and storms destroy their habitat.The EAT-Lancet Commission laid out the planetary health diet on a table, weighing and measuring the daily amount of food at about 2,500 calories. “Food is the single strongest lever to optimize human health and environmental sustainability on Earth. However, food is currently threatening both people and planet,” a report summary reads.More than 30 world-leading scientists were brought together to produce the EAT-Lancet Commission on healthy diets from sustainable food systems. EAT is the science-based global platform for food system transformation.Pitta-related problems include fatigue, exhaustion, sunburn, hot flashes, skin problems and diarrhoea.”Here are some of the tips to keep from falling sick this summer as suggested by Dr. Chauhan
Ayurveda recommends that you should wake up during the Brahma Muhurat and after attending to nature’s call, do Surya Namaskara and take a light and fresh breakfast.
Stay hydrated throughout the day by drinking water. You can also add a dash of lime and mint in water and drink every day. Make sure you do not drink chilled water as it will make you sick.
Consume foods that have more water content. Choose to eat sweet fruits like melons, pears and grapes. Vegetables like cucumber and zucchini and dairy products such as milk and ghee should be present in your diet.
Do not forget to add herbs in your diet. Amla, brahmi, neem and gudduchi are known to be the best cooling herbs that will keep the pitta dosha in balance.
Avoid sour foods that may include cream and vinegar. Spicy dishes should also be avoided as they can heat up your body causing various health problems, especially digestive issues.
Cook with cooling spices like fennel seeds, mint, anise and cardamom. Make sure you add them in your daily diet to keep the pitta dosh in balance.
As per Ayurveda, rose water is a magic potion that has innumerable healing powers and cooling effect on the body. You can apply rose water on your skin after being exposed to sun in order to get relief from excessive heat.
Apart from these, taking a 10-15 minute walk at sunrise will help stimulate your mood and body’s production of vitamin D. These simple tips will not only keep you from sickness but also help you be summer ready.
