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- Parent Category: articles
- Category: Seasonal Health & Lifestyle Guidelines
- Published: Saturday, 11 March 2017 05:34
How to Stay Balanced in the Summer Heat?
Ayurvedic Wisdom for Summer Living
Summer is a time to slow down, eat lighter, drink more fluids, and consciously stay cool—both physically and emotionally. This season brings warmth, brightness, and dryness, which can easily lead to overheating, irritability, or dehydration if proper care is not taken.
General Lifestyle Tips for Summer:
Favor cooling, hydrating foods and beverages.
Wake up early to take advantage of the cooler part of the day.
Avoid strenuous outdoor work or intense physical activity during peak heat hours.
Refrain from heated discussions or arguments, as emotions are more easily inflamed.
Wear thin, breathable cotton clothing and avoid synthetic fabrics that trap heat.
Take cool showers, go swimming, or dip in a cold tub or Jacuzzi on hot days to refresh the body and mind.
Summer Dietary Guidelines
To stay in balance during summer, avoid foods that generate heat and favor those that cool the body:
Avoid or Minimize:
Heating foods such as garlic, onions, ginger, cinnamon, and chili.
Root vegetables like carrots, beets, and radishes in large quantities.
Heavy or starchy foods, especially potatoes, bread, and cheese.
Favor:
Leafy greens and lightly cooked or raw vegetables.
Light grains such as white basmati rice, quinoa, millet, and barley.
Light legumes like mung beans, azuki beans, or small black beans.
Sweet, hydrating fruits like melons, grapes, mangoes, and berries—perfect for warm days.
Summer Guidelines by Body Type (Prakruti)
Pitta (warm/hot body type):
Pitta types are most sensitive to the summer heat. They should follow a strict Pitta-reducing diet—cooling, anti-inflammatory, and hydrating—to prevent irritability, overheating, and inflammation.
Kapha (heavy/sluggish body type):
Kaphas do best in summer with only two light meals per day. Begin with fresh fruit in the morning and enjoy large salads with lightly cooked vegetables and light grains. This supports weight management and prevents sluggishness.
Vata (dry/cold body type):
Vatas tolerate summer heat well due to their cool nature, but must stay well hydrated. Include extra liquids such as herbal teas, diluted juices, and plenty of water. Favor light, moist, and slightly oily foods to maintain internal balance.
All body types benefit from emphasizing fresh, local produce, raw vegetables, and sweet seasonal fruits during summer.
Cleansing During the Summer
Summer is an excellent time to gently detoxify the body, particularly the urinary system, kidneys, and bladder. Consider these cleansing practices based on your body type:
Kapha: Do a 24-hour fast once a week, consuming only water and herbal teas to support metabolism and prevent lethargy.
Vata: Try a short cleanse once a month by eating a single, light daily meal of kitchari (basmati rice with mung beans) and drinking fresh vegetable juices and herbal teas.
Pitta: Spend 1–2 days each month on a cooling cleanse—drink Pitta-pacifying vegetable juices (such as cucumber and cilantro), coconut water, herbal teas, and eat fresh, whole fruits.
This season is particularly well-suited for flushing the urinary tract and kidneys and supporting overall detoxification.
For a personalized summer plan, including guidance on Ayurvedic cleanses, weight loss, or specific health concerns, contact Khabir.
Visit KhabirsClinic.com or call 888-611-0878 to learn more.