The scorching sun can make us feel uncomfortable and cranky. But fear not! There's a centuries-old trick from India called Ayurveda that can help you beat the heat. And guess what? It involves something we all love – food!
Ayurveda is like an ancient guide to keeping our bodies cool, especially when it is boiling hot. It's like a magical recipe to balance the heat inside us, which they call "Pitta." Think of it as your body's thermostat.
Now, instead of suffering in the heat, Ayurveda teaches us to eat in a special way to cool ourselves down. Imagine sipping on cool minty drinks or biting into a juicy watermelon. Sounds good, right? Well these are just some of the tasty tricks Ayurveda has up its sleeve.
We'll talk about foods that make you feel cooler inside, spices that add flavor while keeping you cool, and how paying attention to how you eat can make a big difference.
Also check: The connection between yoga and ayurveda
What ayurveda says bbout body heat?
Before we jump into the Ayurvedic tricks to cool down your body, let's take a closer look at what Ayurveda has to say about body heat and why it's essential to maintain balance.
In Ayurveda, our bodies are composed of three primary doshas, or energies: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Various aspects of our physical and mental health are governed by each dosha. When it comes to body heat, we're primarily concerned with the Pitta dosha.
Pitta is associated with the fire and water elements and plays a crucial role in our metabolism and digestion. When Pitta is in balance, it helps us digest food, maintain a healthy body temperature, and promote mental clarity and focus. However, when Pitta becomes excessive or imbalanced, it can lead to a buildup of heat in the body, resulting in various discomforts and health issues.
Also check: Three doshas according to Ayurveda
Understanding pitta dosha
Pitta dosha is identified by qualities such as heat, sharpness, and intensity. It governs various bodily functions, including digestion, metabolism, and body temperature regulation. When pitta dosha becomes aggravated, it can lead to symptoms like inflammation, acid reflux, skin issues, and excessive sweating.
How to manage the body fire and balance the pitta dosha?
Managing the "body fire" and balancing the pitta dosha in Ayurveda involves a holistic approach that encompasses dietary choices, lifestyle modifications, and mindful practices. Here are some effective ways to manage pitta dosha and keep your inner fire in balance:
Dietary adjustments
- Embrace cooling foods: Incorporate foods with cooling properties into your diet. It includes cucumber, watermelon, coconut, mint, and leafy greens. These foods can help counteract excessive heat within the body.
- Favor bitter and astringent tastes: Foods with bitter and astringent tastes can help balance pitta dosha. Include foods like bitter gourd, green leafy vegetables, and legumes in your meals.
- Reduce spicy and sour foods: Spices, vinegar, and sour foods can aggravate pitta dosha. Limit your intake of hot peppers, citrus fruits, and fermented foods.
- Choose whole grains: Opt for whole grains like rice, quinoa, and barley, which are easier to digest and have a cooling effect on the body.
- Stay hydrated: Dehydration can worsen pitta imbalances. Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Consider sipping on cooling herbal teas like mint or chamomile. [How Much Water Are You Actually Supposed To Drink Each Day?]
Lifestyle changes
- Practice mindfulness: Stress and anger can exacerbate pitta dosha. Engage in relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises to calm your mind.
- Avoid overexertion: Excessive physical activity, especially during the hottest parts of the day, can lead to overheating. Opt for gentler forms of exercise like swimming or yoga.
- Protect your skin: Pitta-prone individuals should avoid excessive sun exposure and use natural sunblock. It helps prevent skin irritation and sunburn, which can worsen pitta imbalances.
- Maintain regular meal times: Irregular eating habits can disrupt digestion and aggravate pitta dosha. Eat your meals at consistent times each day to support healthy digestion. [Indian Sattvic Diet Plan for Weight Loss]
Ayurvedic drinks to cool the body
Aloe vera juice: Aloe vera has soothing and cooling properties that can help reduce inflammation and acidity. Mix a tablespoon of aloe vera juice in a glass of water and consume it daily.
Cumin and coriander tea: Boil cumin and coriander seeds in water and drink this tea to soothe digestive issues and cool the body.
Coconut water: Nature's electrolyte-rich drink, coconut water, is excellent for hydration and cooling down the body.
Mint infusion: Fresh mint leaves steeped in hot water make a refreshing and cooling beverage. Add honey for sweetness.
Saffron milk: Saffron has a cooling effect on the body. Add a few strands of saffron to warm milk and drink it before bedtime.
Conclusion
In Ayurveda, maintaining a balanced pitta dosha is key to reducing body heat and promoting overall health. By making conscious dietary, lifestyle choices and incorporating cooling Ayurvedic drinks, you can keep pitta dosha in check, stay comfortable during hot weather, and achieve a greater sense of well-being. Remember, it's essential to consult with an Ayurvedic practitioner or healthcare provider before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle, especially if you have specific health conditions or concerns.