HOW TO STAY HEALTHY THIS SUMMER?

Summer season is best time of year for outdoor activities and fun but with increase in the temperature every day there is drop in energy and it also make person susceptible to rashes, skin itch, dehydration , fever, food poisoning etc. So to beat the heat and stay healthy in summer season precautions should be taken. As there is change in the season it calls for change in individuals routine, rebuilt of diet and change in exercise regime to suit the weather.

  TIPS TO SATY HEALTHY IN SUMMER :

Following simple tips and adjusting one’s diet and daily routine are very helpful to maintain the health of the body. Some of the tips includes :

• Stay Hydrated : High Temperature in summer season leads to continuous sweating and perspiration that causes dehydration in body. To overcome the dehydration and keep body nourished.
  • Increase intake of fresh fruit juices, butter milk, lemonade etc throughout the day to keep body hydrated.
  • Avoid consumption of fizzy drinks , alcohol beverages and coffee as they have tendency to cause dehydration that not only leads to nausea, fever, headache but also disturb the normal functions of body and weakens immunity of individual.
  • Water is essential during summers and individual is recommended to consume 2-3 liters of water daily during peak summer season. Water is the most underrated health tip for summer.
• Meals :
  • The food tend to get bad very fast during summers so to avoid the risk of contamination of food it is essential to store and refrigerate food properly to avoid eating bad or staled food and getting food poisoning.
  • It is advised to eat small quantity and light food rather than consuming huge portion in one sitting or eating food with high carbohydrates and fats content . This tends to generate heat in body and put stress on gut and hampering the digestive process.
  • Consumption of fibrous fruits and vegetables having high water contents like water melon, tomatoes, oranges etc are best to maintain the healthy digestive system.
• Maintain Good Hygiene : High Temperature causes excessive sweating which leads to development of body odor and provide favorable condition for growth of bacteria and other microbes. Regular showering, wearing clean clothes and maintaining personal hygiene not only relaxes the body and mind making individual feel relaxed but also safeguard against dust, bacteria and other harmful particles. Make a routine to start your day and end your day after hectic schedule with a quick shower to refresh and cool the body and mind.
• Take Care of Eyes: The UV Rays of sun have harmful effect on the eyes and leads to many eye conditions . Avoid direct sunlight exposure and wear sun-glasses to provide protection from UV rays .
• Watch Steps : Avoid exposure to scorching sun and heat waves which causes many problems . Prefer stepping outside before afternoon or in evening after sunset . Shift the exercise or physical routine to wee hours of the morning. Also indoor alternative for exercise should be explored for physical activities.
• Add Dietary Supplements : Added Vitamin-c and B-complex rich foods or supplements in diet to improve the immunity and boost overall health.

 RITUCHARYA OF GRISHMA RITU ( SUMMER)

In Ayurved there is detailed description of the seasonal regimen of lifestyle and diet according to changing seasons to maintain health and prevent development of seasonal diseases. The seasonal regime or ritucharya is based on the changes in bala ( strength), dosha and agin (digestive fire) according to different seasons.

The Grishma Ritu or Summer is said to be from Mid of May till Mid of July. It is the last season of Adana Kala and the body experience weakness in this period.

In this ritu there is excessive dryness in environment due to sun rays. Vata dosha slowly increase in this season due to excessive dryness and kapha dosha starts to naturally lower down during summer.

PATHYA AHAR IN GISHMA RITU :

• Cold and sweet churned curd
• Meat of wild birds and animals , milk and ghee with Shali rice
• Light to digest food having Madhur(sweet), sheeta(cool), snigdha(unctuous) and drava (fluid) properties.
• Drink plenty of water kept in earthen pots and different fluids like fresh fruit juice, buttermilk, mango juice, etc.
• Milk with sugar at bedtime.
• Water scanted with khaskhas grass, ushir etc .

PATHY VIHAR IN GRISHMA RITU :

• Sleep in cool shelter during day times
• Apply paste of chandana on body and sleep in airy terrace of house that is cooled by the rays of moon at night
• Go for a walk in evening time near beach, river or in garden full of scented flowers.
• Wear light , flowing and white cotton clothes.
• Sit on surface decorated with gems and pearls .
• Sprinkle of cold water scented with sandal wood and making use of fan made up of tala tree leaves or lily leaves .
• Bath with cold water twice daily

APATHYA AHAR-VIHAR IN GRISHMA RITU:

• Alcohol is contraindicated
• Intake of sour, salty, pungent and hot food is contraindicated
• Physical exercise should be avoided.
• Heavy to digest food should be avoided
• Leftover meat is contraindicated