Say no to pickles, icy drinks and heavy carbs this season

KOCHI: Dehydration, sunburn, allergies and fatigue- summer sun is bound to bring on a pile of warm-weather woes. As the mercury soars, you will fall susceptible to some potential health hazards, especially if you don’t follow a diet and lifestyle in-sync with the season.

According to ayurveda, it’s pitta, one of the three bio-energies that wrecks havoc in your wellness as the first heat waves arrive. It’s the ‘dosha’ that controls your metabolism and when it shoots up and goes out of balance, there can be everything from heartburn and rashes to diarrhea and anger. “It’s the time of uttarayan when the sun is at its harshest. To beat the unfriendly climate you will have to follow the specific ritucharya (ayurvedic routine),” says Dr Meera R Nair.

A diet that pacifies pitta and keeps your body cool is the first step, and always remember to replenish the water content without fail. “The digestive fire in your body will be low, so go for foods that are easy to digest. You don’t have to avoid carbs or meat, but moderation should be your mantra. But stay away from junk food that makes body heat escalate,” she says. To maintain the delicate harmony and to stop pitta from flaring up, avoid sour, salty and pungent tastes. “Avoid sour and spicy items like vinegar and pickles. Eat lot of vegetables and fruits, mainly those with a high water content like cucumber and water melon. It’s also good to take a short nap in the afternoon,” says Dr Rashmi Vijayakumar.

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You will be tempted to reach out for those cold beverages and aerated drinks, but avoid all icy stuff as it will throw your metabolism out of balance. “Drink cool water in room temperature. It’s the time to indulge in seasonal fruits so drink oodles of fresh, sweet juices. Tender coconut is another easy option,” says Dr Meera. Milk and milk products are also ideal for the season and adding a pinch of cardamom will be really beneficial. “Cardamom helps to cool your body, so throw in some seeds into your lassi or juice,” she adds.

If you are into working out, complete your fitness regime in the morning itself. “Avoid outdoor sports in the sun. In summer, each passing hour will drain your energy, so opt for moderate exercise if you can’t do it in the early hours. Swimming is an excellent way to soothe pitta and you can always go for evening walks after the day heat subsides,” she says.

Dr Meera advises to keep sun exposure to minimum to prevent burns and tanning. “It’s always better to take precautions than going for treatment afterward. Use umbrellas and wash your face three-four times daily with herbal cleansers. Use masks made of papaya puree, sandalwood, curd, lemon and honey. Take bath in water infused with vetiver roots and camphor to avoid skin ailments,” she says. Proper flushing out of the toxins is equally important, adds Dr Rashmi. “Use purgatory medicines like avipathy churnam for all summer skin problems. It will keep your system cleansed and cool,” she says.