Hot Ayurveda Tips to Keep Cool in the Summer ;)

Ayurveda is the only science of medicine which explains in detail about the changes that occur in each climate and its influence on human body. In summer due to the intense heat there will be heavy sweating which results in great water loss from the body. Excessive sweat also causes depletion of ions from the body and may cause muscle cramps.rnDuring summer, as the outside temperature increases the metabolic rate also increases, this will cause increased utilization of the energy stored in liver and muscles. This in turn leads to dryness in the system, fatigue, loss of stamina and weakness of immune system. Since the sunrays become powerful and destructive day after day, there will be an excessive evaporation and progressive depletion of moistness, softness, smoothness and cold which in turn causes more dryness, roughness and heat in the body. In order to protect the individual from the above impact of summer Ayurveda advises the following ‘hot’ tips to cool down the system. 1. Eat light easily digestible food. Ayurveda advises to take food that is easily digestible fluid food, having natural sweet taste and which is cool in nature. During summer our metabolic activity is set at a very high side. So body will be utilizing all the stored energy and there will be acute shortage of energy. So body must be supplemented with food items that can be easily converted into energy. Solid and heavy digestible foods require a lot of time to get digested and converted into energy. By that time, body will get exhausted of energy and will start to feel tired. So food which are light i.e. easily digestible, liquid in nature and naturally sweet are always the best. rn2. Drink plenty of fluids and top priority stands for fruit juices. An average requirement is 8 to 10 glasses of fluid a day. Fruit juices also have a lot of vitamins and minerals in them and they will maintain the loss of potassium and sodium through sweat. Drinking tender coconut water is the best method. It is cool in nature, reduces the increased metabolic rate, makes mind fresh and nourishes the body. It is also a good health supplement as it has ample amount of vitamins and minerals essential for normal growth. Drinking sugar cane juice is also good. It is sweet, cool and an instant energy provider.rn3. Never take food stuffs and drinks which are very hot and spicy. Ayurveda advises to take only little amount of salt, chilly and spicy food in summer. Excess amount of Salt, Chilly and spicy food if taken will increase the metabolism thereby increasing the hot character in the body. This will cause increased use of energy thereby causing easy tiredness. Moreover salt, spicy and chilly food will cause burning sensation in the body as pitta is increased. There may be constipation and greater chances of getting piles and fistula. rn4. Do not fast in summer. Avoid fasting during summer season. In summer there will be increased metabolism and thus increased utilization of energy. Thus the body is weak and if fasting is done it will further aggravate the situation. When fasting is done, the tissues gets depleted. So the immunity further decreases and this will make a person more vulnerable to diseases.rn5. Get up early in the morning and have a shower. A shower in cold water makes your day fresh during the summer. This also provides the moisture and coling effect to the system. Usually the heat of the summer causes exhaustion in the body.rn6. Do only minimum workout and keep the workout either early in the morning or in the evening. Workout during the day time in summer causes loss of water in the form of sweat resulting in severe fatigue and dehydration. rn7. Say no to alcohol and smoke. Alcohol is fermented and has the same heating properties of the summer. It doubles the impact of summer on the bodily systems and causes exhaustion and weakness. If at all a person cannot leave alcohol it is advised to drink in very little quantity or drinking after adding a lot of water so that the strength of alcohol decreases and does not produce a severe impact on body. Smoking is also contraindicated during summer as it is also heating in nature. There is a greater chance of getting bronchitis and other lung infections as the protective mucus layer would be depleted due to the dryness and heat in summer. rn8. Have a Nap in the afternoon. Summer is the only season where day time sleep is advised in Ayurveda. This is because in the afternoon hours the sun will be the most powerful. So it is better to be relaxed in a cool environment and take rest so that the probable fatigue could be avoided. Rest always decreases the metabolic rate and hence preserves the energy.rn9. Wear Light Colored thin cotton dress. Dark colored dress absorbs more heat than Light colored dress. Hence wear only light colored dresses during summer. Light cotton dress is preferred. Thin cotton dress allows sufficient air circulation to the body thereby regulate the heat generated in the body. Always use loose undergarments made of cotton. They will ensure good air circulation and prevent skin diseases.rn10. Have a cool water smeared towel wipe. These days the intensity of heat and heavy sweat affects the sleep. So it is better to wipe entire body with a towel dipped in cool water before sleep so that the body heat comes down and a sound sleep is ensured.rn11. Avoid sexual indulgence. It is suggested to minimize the sexual intercourse in summer as the excessive heat causes exhaustion and depletion of vital strength. Depletion of ‘Ojas’ (vital strength) and the heat of summer causes severe emaciation and fatigue.