In Ayurveda, each season is governed by a unique element and its associated dosha. The warm days of summer are associated with the element of fire and the dosha it’s associated with—Pitta. The symptoms of Pitta (fire and heat) imbalances include:
• Feeling overheated and irritable
• A tendency to get impatient or angry
• Red skin or eye conditions
• Burning indigestion (heartburn, diarrhea)
Balance in Ayurveda rests on the principle that like increases like and opposites decrease each other.
Here are 7 ways you can stay cool during the warmer days of summer.
1. Food
In order to find balance during the hot summer (Pitta) days, counteract the warm weather by including more of what Ayurveda considers “cooling” foods in your diet, while limiting or avoiding “heating” foods.
Examples of cooling foods in your summer diet include:
• Vegetables: Cucumber, summer squashes (zucchini), celery, asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower, and all leafy greens (spinach, kale, chard, etc.
• Grains: Basmati rice (white), quinoa and oats
• Herbs: Cilantro, mint and dill
• Fruits: Melons, grapes, berries, and stone fruits such as peaches and pears
Examples of heating foods that you should eat less of or avoid during summer include:
• Alcohol
• Hot spices or excessive use of spices
• Fried foods
• Vinegar
