As we are in the midst of summer, the scorching heat can affect one’s health in many ways, causing allergies, infections, skin problems, hair fall, and other ailments. Grishma Ritu (summer season) like each of the seasons has its own distinct personality. However, thanks to Ayurveda that practices the science of natural health and has a lot to offer on periodic changes. Depending on your Doshas or Ayurvedic body type you should follow an Ayurvedic diet and lifestyle to maintain a balance of the five elements.
According to Ayurveda, finding out the vitamins and minerals that can counteract sun damage can help fight the heat in the body. Eating water-rich foods that will not only re-hydrate your body but also have antioxidants that keep you healthy. Fortunately, summer also brings an abundance of tasty and nutritious foods, including berries (loaded with antioxidants), tomatoes, bell peppers (good vitamin C source). And by simply choosing the right ones to add to your daily diet, you can help prevent or alleviate the following common hot-weather woes:
Common summer problems: Causes & Solution
Dry or Damaged Skin
The body starts secreting excess sweat from the sweat glands to cool the body. This excess sweat can lead to skin problems and affect personal hygiene plus saltwater and chlorine have a drying effect. Sunburns are also saboteurs of healthy skin.
Helping to heal weathered skin with foods like watermelon, apples, and pears which are rich in antioxidants and vitamins. Protein, in the form of beans, nuts, and seeds, is also the key. Keep dryness at bay by drinking lots of water to prevent dehydration.
Parched Hair
Overexposure of the scalp and hair to the sun can cause damage to your hair.
Ensure you clean your scalp and hair regularly with Ayurvedic shampoo to unclog your follicles from accumulated dirt, including dairy products such as paneer, curd, buttermilk, organic milk, etc. in your diet which can reduce hair loss and replace dull hair with shiny hair. Also, covering your head with a hat or scarf can protect your scalp from UV radiation.
Dehydration
One of the most common problems is Dehydration that occurs in summer when water intake does not compensate for water loss. During summers, we tend to lose a lot of water and salts in the form of sweat without realizing it.
This needs to be replenished for the normal functioning of the body by drinking plenty of water and increasing fluid intakes like coconut water, buttermilk, and lemon water, both at home and while traveling to keep yourself hydrated.
Ayurvedic Lifestyle (Vihara) changes
The combined intensity of the Sun + Wind leads to a gradual weakening in Kapha dosha and aggravation in Vata dosha in the body. Adopting a few lifestyle changes could be helpful to face this season.
- Light or low-intensity exercises like yoga or walking are the perfect way to start the day.
- An Ayurvedic oil massage that is not only calming but also protective for your skin.
- If the heat gets particularly intense, you can also use a chilled rose water spritz to cool down.
- Stay in a cool and happy environment.
- Wear garments made of ultra-thin or finely woven cotton cloth.
Ayurvedic Dietary (Ahara) changes
According to Ayurveda, every individual has different Prakritis. Each body type requires foods according to their body constituents that support their innate nature more than others. Listed below are a few dietary changes to face the intensity of the Sun.
- Include foods with a bitter, sweet, and astringent taste, as well as foods that are cool and with higher fluid content.
- Include fresh fruits like apples, grapes, limes, pomegranates, watermelons, cantaloupes, and pears, among others.
- Cooked vegetables with higher water content like cucumbers, broccoli, Brussel Sprouts, lettuce, celery, and ladyfinger also make for good additions and will help you keep cool.
- Include grains like rice, wheat, and barley in moderation.
- Pulses like mung, chickpea (chana), Adzuki beans (chori), and black beans.
- Include cooling spices and herbs like basil, mint, cardamom, and coriander in your diet.
Take away
By adopting a good lifestyle, Ayurvedic herbs, and healthy food in the summer season, a person can overcome the problems of the summer season and boost their immunity from which they can prevent various seasonal cough, cold, allergies, and other diseases.