Balancing doshas during summer

Doshas' are biological energies found in our bodies and minds made up of five major elements (Panchabhutas), which are linked to our five senses and subtle actions. Doshas govern our physical, physiological, mental, and emotional processes and define our optimal health.

Each of the 'doshas' — Vata, Pitta, and Kapha — has a specific function in our body and is supposed to be present at an optimum level to determine perfect health, and any imbalance in these 'doshas' can harm our health. Because of the scorching heat outside, our bodies feel hotter internally as well. During this time, our digestive fire and vitality are also at their lowest. Because summer is the season of Pita aggravation, one should consume more pitacalming foods during this time. Foods that are cooling, liquid in consistency, sweet in taste, moist and oily are recommended to calm Pita. Avoiding foods that are spicy, hot, sour, or salty should be avoided. During the summer season, milk, ghee, naturally sweet foods, coconut water, jeera water rice preparation, and so on are recommended to balance the 'doshas'.

Excess Pita 'dosha' is managed during the summer by foods with three prominent tastes in our food that are sweet, bitter, and astringent in nature. Milk, root vegetables, most grains, fresh yoghurt, and other naturally sweet foods are excellent pita pacifiers. Aside from these bitter foods, other pita-friendly foods include kale, dandelion, dark chocolate, and spices such as cumin, neem leaves, turmeric, and others. Beans, fruits, vegetables, apples, berries, broccoli, and other cruciferous vegetables, in addition to these, help to reduce summer stress.