Summer is finally here! In the midst of the fun and frivolity (you know you need to make up for last year), it’s important to remember to keep yourself as balanced as possible.
The extreme heat of the season makes it easy to overdo it and become imbalanced. When your body goes out of balance, you'll crave things that propel you into an even more imbalanced state. Knowing this will help you to recognize the pattern and counter those cravings.
Listening in and observing the messages your body is giving you helps you to stay cool and centered. Learning to interpret those messages is key.
This summer, please resist the temptation to crank the AC. Temperature extremes cause your system to struggle as it tries to continuously rebalance itself. Instead, cool yourself down from the inside with proper nutrition.
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Summer heat increases passion and enthusiasm, as well as courage, daring, and impulsivity. Taking a beat before decision-making is important—especially if there are big consequences. Long days create excitement and excess energy which can cause sleeplessness and overexertion.
It is important to prevent overexertion. At any age, it's a sure way to create systemic imbalance with long-reaching effects.
You are not separate from nature, so as the world outside of you heats up, the world inside does the same. Your fiery aspects, known as Pitta dosha, become activated. This can cause rashes, redness, indigestion, increased anger, frustration, and general irritability—especially around midday when the heat is at its highest. To counter-balance this, avoid heated discussions and keep your hunger and thirst satisfied.
Every degree your body temperature rises causes your heart to beat more times per minute. This happens to keep you cool. A flushed face is an indicator that this process is underway and that it is time to cool down.
Ayurvedic Physiology
Pitta and Kapha constitutions have more heat and water, which can cause swelling and puffiness as water retention occurs. Vata's dryness leaves you vulnerable to dehydration, so the intake of water and electrolytes is key.
Pay attention to your thirst, and hydrate as necessary. Remember that over-hydration can tax the kidneys and weaken digestion.
So, How Do I Balance?
Eating in the cooler hours of the morning and evening is ideal. Lunch should be kept light, as it is ingested at the hottest time of the day which means that excess blood is pulled from the process of digestion and moved to the skin to keep the body cool.
Easy-to-digest meals are best. If your face is flushed, know that there is not enough blood available for digestion—so be sure to cool down before ingesting anything.
As in every season, eating what naturally grows in your area is the key to balancing your system.
Overall, favor sweet, bitter, and astringent tastes. For sweets, we are talking about simple sugars like fruits.
• Berries can nourish and detox, clearing excess liver heat.
• Pineapple and watermelon cool and decrease inflammation.
• Bananas replenish electrolytes.
• Fresh salads and smoothies are ideal—they are easy to make and ingest, and are cooling, to boot!
(Note: Never put more ingredients into a smoothie than you would normally eat in the course of a day.)
• Leafy greens reduce heat in the liver as well as Pitta dosha.
• Cilantro (bliiiiick. Interesting side note: We are biologically wired to experience cilantro's taste as delicious or as some combination of soap and dirt. There is no in-between) can also reduce heat in the liver and Pitta, and it is the ideal diuretic for Kapha dosha.
• Pomegranate, legumes, cucumbers, and other raw vegetables are astringents that can cool and hydrate the body from the inside.
Acid reflux can be prevalent at this time of year, as digestion can easily be overtaxed with heavy fats and carbs. These foods are gooey and clog the lymphatic system and liver. Cooling fats like coconut oil and avocado in small amounts are much better options.
Heat-inducing and pungent spices should be avoided, as should fermented foods and alcohol. These cause overheating and aggravation in the hot weather.
Sour foods (other than those that are fermented) can help keep you cool. In fact, a slice of lemon or lime in a glass of water can open your pores and dilate your capillaries, releasing heat through the skin.
Coconut water is one of the fastest ways to deeply hydrate your cells. If you have over-exerted yourself or are feeling dehydrated, consider grabbing a glass.
During the summer months, you are constantly sweating out toxins, as there is more sun exposure, and a natural increase in blood flow. This can actually improve your complexion! Those who are Pitta-predominant, however, might experience increased redness and rashes instead. If this is the case, gently rinse the face throughout the day, and especially before bed to help restore balance.
Overall, summer is a time of increased playfulness, joy, and excitement! Use this energy to take daring steps in the direction of your goals and intentions—it will help to propel you, when you keep it in balance.
When you support your body well, and it will support you in making all of your dreams come true!
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Leave a comment, and let us know which tips work best for you!