How to Eat this Summer to balance Pitta
The origin of word ‘Pitta’ is from the sanskrit root - ‘Tap santape’ meaning to heat, to burn or warm up. The functions of Pitta dosha is generally attributed to digestion, assimilation, thermogenesis and metabolism as per Ashtanga Hridaya.
In Ayurveda summer season is called as Greeshma Ritu. The sunrays are said to be powerful and the ody feels squeezed due to increased atmospheric temperature. In general Ayurveda advises to stay away from salty, pungent and sour tastes and use of sweet taste is recommended.
As per Ayurvedic classics -
Foods which are light to digest—those having Madhura (sweet), Snigdha (unctuous), Sheeta (cold), and Drava (liquid) Guna, such as rice, lentil, etc, are to be taken. Drinking plenty of water and other liquids, such as cold water, buttermilk, fruit juices, meat soups, mango juice, churned curd with pepper, is to be practiced. At bedtime milk with sugar candy is to be taken.
Lavana and food with Katu (pungent) and Amla (sour) taste and Ushna (warm) foods are to be avoided.
Avoiding heavy and fried foods in summer is ideal. Anything which are seasonal like cucmbers, basil, berries, cherries, cabbage, coconut oil, ghee, and green peppers can be considered summer super foods. Also, steering clear of onions, garlic, processed, and canned foods is important since they tend to aggravate Pitta.
Lifestyle - Staying in cool places, applying sandal wood and other aromatic pastes over the body, adorning with flowers, wearing light dresses and sleeping at day time are helpful. During night one can enjoy the cooled moonrays with breeze. Excessive exercise or hard work is to be avoided; too much sexual indulgence and alcoholic preparations are prohibited.
Here, a thing to remember is that different individual responds to each season differently because Human being is the conglomeration of five great elements, body tissues, and three humors. Two people are not identical depending on predominance of five great elements and three humors resulting into formation of various physical constitutions, namely, Vataja, Pittaja, Kaphaja, Dwandwaja, and Sama Pakriti.
Season has influence on different physiological parameters. Pitta and Kapha Prakriti individuals are more sensitive than Vata Prakriti individuals. So diet and life style should be modified according to season, especially in Pitta and Kapha Prakriti individuals.
