As the sun shines and temperatures soar, summer brings with it a unique set of challenges for our bodies and minds. It leaves us feeling dehydrated, lazy and irritated. 

According to the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda, Pitta dosha rules the summer season. Pita dosha represents the elements of fire and water. When Pitta becomes aggravated, we may experience symptoms like overheating, inflammation, irritability, and digestive issues.

To stay cool and balanced during this hot season, it's essential to align our lifestyles with Ayurvedic principles. If you're eager to learn more about "how to embrace summer with Ayurveda", this guide will help you out.

It explains Ayurvedic tips for a refreshing and harmonious summer, including ideal foods, daily rituals, cooling herbs, and more.

How Summer Can Affect Your Body?

For some people, it's challenging to survive in the summer season. Summer's intense heat can bring about several imbalances in the body, especially if one does not take adequate measures to manage it. Let's find out how summer can impact your health and well-being:

Dehydration

Excessive Sweating: During summer, our bodies sweat more to regulate internal temperature. This increased sweating can lead to a significant loss of fluids and electrolytes, causing dehydration. You can experience dizziness, fatigue, dry mouth, and reduced urine output.

Skin Issues

Heat Rashes and Sunburn: High temperatures and increased exposure to the sun can cause numerous skin problems.

Did you know when heat rashes occur? They occur when sweat ducts become blocked, leading to red, itchy bumps on the skin.

Sunburn results from prolonged exposure to UV rays, causing pain, redness, and peeling of the skin. So don't forget to wear sunscreen whenever you go out.

Inflammation: Skin inflammation is another common issue during summer. It can manifest as redness, swelling, and tenderness, often exacerbated by sun exposure and high temperatures.

Digestive Disturbances

Pitta Aggravation: The Pitta dosha, associated with heat and fire, can increase during the summer, leading to digestive issues. Common problems include indigestion, acid reflux, and other heat-related gastrointestinal disturbances.

• Indigestion: The intense heat can impair digestive fire, leading to sluggish digestion and discomfort after meals.

• Acid Reflux: Excessive Pitta can increase stomach acidity, causing acid reflux or heartburn.

• Heat-Related Gastrointestinal Issues: Conditions such as diarrhea or heat-induced nausea can also occur as the external heat disrupts the body's internal balance.

Which Foods Should We Eat In The Summer, According To Ayurveda?

In Ayurveda, the right diet is crucial for maintaining balance and well-being, especially in the different seasons. During the summer, the focus is on cooling, hydrating, and Pitta-pacifying foods to counteract the intense heat. Here's a more detailed look at the types of foods recommended:

Fruits

Juicy, Sweet Fruits: Summer is the perfect time to indulge in nature's hydrating gifts. Juicy, sweet fruits are not only delicious but also incredibly hydrating and cooling. You can try:

• Watermelon: This fruit is high in water content, making it perfect for hydration. Its cooling effect helps you counteract the summer heat.

• Cucumbers: Technically a fruit, cucumbers are highly cooling and hydrating. You can include them in salads or enjoy them as a refreshing snack.

• Berries: Strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries are packed with antioxidants and provide a sweet, cooling effect.

• Melons: Melons like cantaloupe and honeydew are light and hydrating, making them ideal for hot days.

• Grapes: These small fruits are easy to eat and help you keep your body cool and hydrated.

Vegetables

Cooling Vegetables: Incorporating the right vegetables can help balance the body's internal heat and aid digestion.

• Leafy Greens: Spinach, kale, and lettuce are excellent choices. They are light, easy to digest, and provide essential nutrients without generating heat. You can include it in your diet, giving your stomach a cooling treat.

• Asparagus: This vegetable is known for its diuretic properties. It helps flush out toxins and reduce heat in your body.

• Celery: Celery is high in water content, great for hydration, and has a naturally cooling effect. You can make green juice from celery and add squeezed lemon to it. 

Dairy

Cooling Dairy Products: Dairy can be beneficial in the summer if chosen correctly.

• Milk: Cold or room-temperature milk is soothing and helps to cool the body. You must avoid heating or boiling milk, as it can increase Pitta.

• Ghee: Clarified butter, known as ghee, has a cooling effect when used in moderation and is excellent for digestion. If you are looking for high-quality ghee? Try golden ghee.

• Fresh Yogurt: Unsweetened, fresh yogurt can be cooling. However, you should avoid sour yogurt as it can increase Pitta and heat in the body.

Grains

Lighter Grains: Choose grains that are easy to digest and don't generate excessive heat.

• Barley: Barley is known for its cooling properties and is easy on the digestive system.

• Basmati Rice: Light and aromatic, basmati rice is easier to digest than other rice types and helps maintain a balanced Pitta. In summer, you must have Pitta balancing khichari. Your taste buds will thank you.

• Oats: Opt for soaked or cooked oats, which are light and nourishing without overheating the body.

Legumes

Easier-to-Digest Legumes: Some legumes can be heavy and hard to digest, but some exceptions are suitable for summer.

• Mung Beans: These beans are highly recommended in Ayurveda due to their cooling and detoxifying properties. They are light and easy to digest.

• Lentils: Red and yellow lentils are particularly good because they are lighter and less likely to aggravate Pitta than other beans.

Herbs and spices

Cooling Herbs and Spices: Flavor your meals with herbs and spices that cool the body and aid digestion.

• Coriander: Both the seeds and leaves are cooling. You can use coriander seeds in cooking and fresh leaves in salads and soups.

• Mint: Fresh mint leaves are incredibly cooling and can be used in beverages, salads, and sauces. you can also use Mint soaps for your daily baths. They can help your body feel fresh and get rid of sweaty smells.

• Fennel: Fennel seeds help in digestion and have a natural cooling effect. Fennel tea or adding fennel to your dishes can help balance Pitta.

• Dhataki powder: Dhataki (Woodfordia fruticosa) has cooling properties. It helps to soothe and calm Pitta-related issues such as inflammation and excessive body heat.

Daily Rituals For A Cool And Balanced Summer

Incorporating specific daily practices can help maintain balance during the heat of summer. Let's find out about these practices: 

Morning Routine: Start your day with a glass of lukewarm water infused with mint or a slice of lime to kickstart your digestion gently. 

Exercise: Indulge yourself in calming activities such as yoga, swimming, or walking in the early morning or evening when it's cooler outside. These exercises will not only keep you fit but also leave you feeling relaxed and at peace. 

Skincare: Soothe your skin with the cooling and hydrating properties of coconut oil or aloe vera gel. This natural remedy will keep your skin refreshed and comfortable, even in the summer heat. 

Clothing: Wear light, breathable fabrics like cotton and linen in light colors to reflect heat and keep cool. 

Hydration: You'll feel dehydrated if you're not drinking enough water. Therefore, drink plenty of water throughout the day. Coconut water and herbal teas are ideal for staying hydrated and cool.

Herbal Teas for Summer

Herbal teas can be a pacifying and effective way to balance Pitta during summer. Here are some recommended options for you:

Peppermint Tea: Picture yourself sipping cool and refreshing peppermint tea in a hot summer. Feeling the calm and chilly vibes!

Well, peppermint tea helps reduce internal heat and soothe digestive issues.

Hibiscus Tea: It is rich in antioxidants, and not only cools the body but also supports cardiovascular health.

Chamomile Tea:  Chamomile Tea is popular for its soothing properties and can help lessen stress and promote relaxation.

Fennel Tea: It can help with digestion and cool the body. It is perfect for after meals.

Herbal Drinks for Summer

In addition to herbal teas, these cooling drinks can keep you refreshed:

Aloe Vera Juice: Aloe vera juice is extremely hydrating and helps to reduce internal heat. So you can start having it in the morning.

Coconut Water: Naturally hydrating and rich in electrolytes, coconut water is an ideal summer drink. This can be your best buddy for summer.

Rose Water: A few drops of rose water in your drinking water can provide a cooling effect and aid in hydration. Have you ever tried it? If not, you must.

Buttermilk: Spiced buttermilk, known as chaas, is a traditional Ayurvedic drink that cools the digestive system and hydrates the body. Can we tell a secret? You can have it in a sweetened and spicy flavor. 

Conclusion

Summer is a time to enjoy the vibrancy and warmth of the season, but it also requires us to be mindful of how we care for our bodies. By incorporating these Ayurvedic tips—choosing the right foods, adopting cooling daily rituals, sipping herbal teas and drinks, and using appropriate spices—you can maintain balance and stay cool. Embrace the wisdom of Ayurveda to make the most of summer, ensuring that your Pitta remains in harmony for a healthy, joyful season.

Remember, balance is key, and Ayurveda provides the tools to support you stay cool, calm, and collected all summer long.