Ayurvedic tips for summer

The body must adapt to this heat and regulate it in order to promote a state of balance in the physiological functioning of the body. The heat of summer aggravates the Pitta dosha, so it is a matter of calming Pitta with freshness, calmness and gentleness thanks to an appropriate lifestyle, a balanced diet and a suitable environment.


A diet for summer:

One of the key elements to act will be the diet. It is therefore necessary to adopt a diet that reduces Pitta by avoiding hot, pungent, acidic and salty dishes. Sweet, cold, bitter, liquid and creamy dishes are to be preferred.
You can boost your body in the morning, on an empty stomach, with lemon juice and warm water.
Preferably eat organic, fresh and seasonal foods with a high water content. Eat raw vegetables at lunchtime, as this is when agni (the digestive fire) is strongest: cucumbers, salads, sprouted seeds... seasoned with olive oil and a dash of lemon.

Eat light in the evening. Choose steamed vegetables that you can season with spices (coriander, cumin, turmeric, fennel, saffron) and fresh herbs. Eat basmati rice soaked for 20 minutes before rinsing, couscous, quinoa, lentils, kamut...

Eat refreshing and naturally sweet summer fruits outside of meals: strawberries, raspberries, cherries, plums, pears, apples, melons, watermelons, dates, apricots, peaches...
Be calm, sit down during meals and chew your food well.

 Adapted lifestyle:

Relax so as not to become aggressive and tired. Summer is the ideal season to take a vacation and enjoy nature, family and friends. Focus on activities you enjoy, outdoor activities, picnics, walking, swimming, yoga.... Encourage gentle physical activity early in the morning or in the evening when it's not so hot. Take naps, meditate during hot weather.

Do not expose yourself to the sun between 11am and 4pm, when the sun's rays are the most harmful. Protect the different seats of Pitta whose physiology deserves a particular attention during this season by protecting the skin and the eyes: dress with natural fabrics (cotton, silk, linen) with light colors. Avoid colors that are too bright, especially red, or too dark like black.

Take care of your body, you can massage your body with coconut oil. Coconut oil is very pleasant in summer, because it acts on Pitta to calm it, to refresh it while softening the skin. You can also use sunflower oil or ghee. Pure aloe vera gel is also recommended after sun exposure. The floral scents or refreshing incenses recommended are sandalwood, lotus, rose, jasmine, camphor, vetiver.

Have a nice summer ;-)