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- Category: Seasonal Health & Lifestyle Guidelines
- Published: Saturday, 11 March 2017 05:35
Foods and Beverages Guidelines in the Summer According to Ayurveda
It’s Summertime – The Season of Light, Heat, and Transformation
Summer, in the Ayurvedic tradition, is a season characterized by light, warmth, intensity, and long days filled with energy. It carries a distinct and powerful personality that can either comfort or challenge you—depending on your unique body type (dosha). For some, the warm, dry weather brings relief and vitality; for others, it can cause irritation or imbalance.
Each seasonal change has a profound effect on both the body and the mind. To maintain optimal health throughout the year, Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of adjusting your lifestyle and diet with each shift in climate. For instance, individuals with a Pitta constitution—naturally warm and intense—often thrive in winter but may feel overheated, agitated, or uncomfortable during the summer. Conversely, those with colder constitutions often find summer to be their most pleasant and balanced season.
Living in Harmony with the Seasons
Ayurveda teaches that aligning your habits with the seasons is essential to preserving balance in both body and mind. Dietary and lifestyle choices should reflect the rhythms of nature. In fact, traditional harvest patterns already offer natural guidance—summer’s bounty of fresh fruits, greens, and cooling herbs aligns perfectly with what the body needs during this warm season.
As summer sets in, it’s wise to make subtle but meaningful dietary shifts. Summer is associated with the Pitta dosha, which governs heat, metabolism, and transformation. For Pitta individuals—as well as Pitta/Vata and Pitta/Kapha types—it’s crucial to stay cool, hydrated, and calm. Yet, everyone benefits from reducing the effects of excess heat, which can manifest as dehydration, skin irritation, heat exhaustion, irritability, or inflammation.
Summer Diet & Beverage Guidelines
During the sunny season, favor lighter meals in smaller portions that are easy to digest and help keep the body cool. Prioritize the sweet, bitter, and astringent tastes, and opt for cool, hydrating, and mildly unctuous (oily) foods.
Best Foods:
Enjoy abundant sweet summer fruits and fresh salads made with leafy greens. Favor sweet dairy products such as raw organic milk, salt-free organic butter, ghee, and fresh homemade yogurt (preferably from cow or goat milk). Occasional cool drinks are welcome.Recommended Sweeteners:
Choose unrefined cooling sweeteners like raw cane sugar and maple syrup in moderation. Minimize or avoid honey and molasses, which are warming.Hydration Tips:
Drink room temperature or cool (not iced) herbal teas made with rose, mint, spearmint, hibiscus, licorice, or fennel. Try naturally flavored water infused with mint, lime, or fresh fruit, or enjoy a refreshing mango lassi.Foods to Reduce or Avoid:
Limit sour or unripe fruits, aged cheeses, and heating root vegetables like carrots, beets, radishes, onions, garlic, and ginger. Also avoid heating spices such as chili, cayenne, mustard seed, and cinnamon. If eating salads, have them at lunchtime when digestion is strongest.Meal Suggestions:
Breakfast: Light and seasonal—fresh summer fruits are ideal if you're not very hungry.
Lunch: A hearty yet light meal—white basmati rice cooked with cumin and dill, served with a large salad, chickpeas, and sunflower seeds.
Dinner: A simple dish of rice and lentils in a mild curry made with turmeric, mint, coriander, cumin, and a touch of raw milk. Add lightly steamed greens like kale, parsley, or mustard greens.
Include healthy fats with each meal: coconut oil or ghee for Pitta types; sesame or olive oil for Vata; sunflower oil for Kapha.
Summer Lifestyle Recommendations
Rise Early: Wake with the sun to take advantage of the bright, energized mornings. Exercise early to avoid the midday heat.
Body Care: Massage with cooling oils such as coconut or sunflower oil to soothe the nervous system and nourish the skin.
Bathing: Cool showers in the evening help reduce body temperature and improve sleep.
Aromatherapy & Refreshment: Use essential oils like jasmine or sandalwood and spritz rose water throughout the day to uplift and refresh the mind.
Clothing & Rest: Wear loose, breathable cotton clothing and avoid synthetic fabrics. Go to bed early to rest well and rise with the sun.
By tuning into the body's changing needs and honoring the natural intelligence of the seasons, you can cultivate radiant health, mental clarity, and vibrant energy throughout the summer months.
Summer guidelines according to Ayurveda
How to Stay Balanced in the Summer Heat
The Amazing Healing Power of Sunlight
Immerse yourself in the summer while staying cool and moist!