Ah, we have arrived at the season that is completely sun-soaked. As an Ayurvedic practitioner, I, Dr. Surej Subash, can vouch for one thing for sure: what you eat during this season can either drain you like the afternoon sun or uplift you like a gentle monsoon breeze.
So, in this blog, I decided to check out the best summer diet and the best ayurvedic foods to keep you refreshed and energized.
How can food aggravate summer heat?
Even when I have been guiding people on the right foods for the summer season, my first interaction with summer heat was when I was still a student. One afternoon, when I was exhausted and wiping off sweat, my guru handed over a glass of buttermilk spiced with jeera and curry leaves. “You are overeating, and your pitta is aggravated.”
That gave me an idea of how the food you eat can negatively impact the heat you experience. In Ayurveda, summer is ruled by Agni (fire) and dominated by Pitta dosha. When the pitta is aggravated, you will face acidity, skin rashes, fatigue, irritability, and sleepless nights.
So, the food you have in summer should be able to cool the system down, replenish lost fluids, and balance your inner fire.
Best Ayurvedic Foods to Keep You Refreshed and Energised
Your summer diet should include food that balances the pitta. Based on my years of experience, I suggest the following superfoods for beating the summer heat.
1. Hydrating fruits and vegetables
Consume fruits and vegetables like watermelon, muskmelon, cucumber, and coconut. They have a very high water content and provide your body with natural electrolytes, which can go a long way toward keeping you hydrated.
However, I would also warn you against having them with meals. It can disrupt your digestion. It is quite advisable to have these fruits on an empty stomach.
2. Cooling dairy products
Dairy products have been known to reduce body heat considerably. Ayurveda considers them to be the best choice for staying energized during the summer season.
I suggest having buttermilk, fresh yogurt, and ghee for maintaining proper digestion and hydration. In fact, at Ayur Bethaniya, I frequently use buttermilk as the best detox treatment option. Buttermilk (preferably diluted and spiced with cumin or ginger). It offers digestive, cooling, and probiotic benefits.
3. Special summer beverages
Based on my knowledge and experience, I would also suggest consuming beverages specifically created to beat the summer heat. In fact, drinking the right sort of drinks is essential for preventing dehydration and possible heat stroke.
Some best drinks I would recommend are
- Fennel and Coriander Seeds Water- It reduces body heat, improves digestion, and balances Pitta.
- Aloe vera juice – This has been considered to have the best cooling effect on the body. It also helps you with liver function and detoxification. You can have one tablespoon on an empty stomach would be the best choice.
- Gulkand—Rose Petal Jam is a popular summer drink in most parts of India. In fact, this one is my personal favorite. It is delicious and fragrant and can be a perfect heat neutralizer. You can also have it with paan.
4. Herbs with a cooling effect
Ayurvedic herbs have been known for the best cooling effect and the perfect balancing effect on Pitta dosha. Some of the good options that you would find quite impressive and effective can include
- Mint and coriander— Help in cooling and improving digestion
- Amla - Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants
- Sandalwood powder— often used in cooling drinks and pastes
We use these herbs for a variety of treatments in Ayur Bethaniya.
Foods you should avoid in summer
Just like the best superfoods that you should ensure you consume to beat the summer, there are a few foods that I would suggest you avoid completely or at least as much as possible.
The list is much simple and perhaps well understood.
- Spicy, fried, and oily foods
- Fermented items like idli/dosa late in the day
- Sour fruits like pineapple or citrus, when taken with other meals
- Excess caffeine and alcohol
It is also advisable to avoid the pitta aggravators like red chilies, mustard, and too much salt. You can replace these foods with soothing herbs like fennel, coriander, and mint.
Keep yourself hydrated – but in the proper way!
Yes, keeping yourself hydrated is not just about drinking water or juices incessantly. Water may be our life, but wisdom lies in how you drink it.
You should drink water that is warm or at room temperature throughout the day. I never recommend drinking cold water infused with ice or even other sugary beverages. Of course, you can infuse the water with herbs like vetiver (khus), tulsi, or dried rose petals.
Focus on timing
In addition to having the right food for summer, it is also important to focus on the right timing for eating food. This will help you aid in proper digestion and assist you in achieving the best results.
Eat light meals during the day and also avoid eating too late into the night. It may be noticed that the digestive power—what we call Agni in Ayurveda—weakens as the sun sets. That is why it is highly recommended to avoid having heavy food at night or having food later into the night.
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Wrapping up
Summer season need not drain you of your energy. With the right diet and lifestyle adjustments, you can thrive even in the heat. Believe me, I’ve seen transformations in patients just by tweaking food and lifestyle!
The Summer Diet, which combines Ayurvedic foods with fresh and energized foods, is more than a health hack—it's a way of aligning with nature, listening to your body, and embracing the season rather than fighting it.
Feel free to contact us for your queries and our ayurvedic treatments.
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