Seasonal changes bring about changes in our bodies and the environment. It is important that with the change of season we change our diet and lifestyle regimen to maintain a healthy body and mind.

The changes in the season entail elemental changes in the doshas. Read below to understand how with a change of season, one must change their diet and lifestyle to remain healthy.



From Spring to Summer :
From the middle of spring season to through the summer is the time when Pitta (fire + water) dosha is predominant in the atmosphere and in the bodies. Therefore, it is important that we adapt a diet and lifestyle that keeps the pitta in balance. A healthy Pitta ensures good metabolism, and a productive lifestyle.

Spring is to detoxify, and rejuvenate. It is a time to let go of the old and embrace all that is new, the body is naturally detoxifying, the skin is exfoliating, and our body is acclimatising to the increased temperature and changing weather conditions. The cycle of development of body tissues (formation of dhatus) and  excretory wastes (malas) is also reforming. It is a good time to resort to massages, rejuvenation therapies, and focus on detoxing the liver to restore the body's balance, and the pitta.

As the heat of summer kicks in, the pitta heightens. Staying in the sun or out in the open for long periods could lead  to a heat stroke, dehydration, fatigue or even diarrhea. Eating very heavy, oily or spicy foods may also cause digestion problems. It is important to stay hydrated and avoid excess intake of hot potency foods.

Some tips to keep healthy and balance pitta  in this changing season :

~ Ensure that you are not drinking too much tea or coffee, or indulging in fermented or very hot and spicy food.
~ Stay covered in the beginning of spring to ensure that the change of season does not get to you.
~ Moderate workout is essential for the body to keep the tridoshas balanced.
~ A short nap after lunch during the peak of summer afternoons can prove to be very rejuvenating.
~ Drink buttermilk, lassi and sharbat or juices such as pineapple to keep the heat of the summer season at bay and release toxins from the body. Brahmi juice is excellent for the summers for its cooling properties and helps keep the head cool.
~ Including herbs like cardamom, fennel and mint in your diet or in tea could be very good for the change.
~ Freshly prepared salads work really well during this season. However, one must be cautious of washing the vegetables and leaves properly before they are put to use.
~ Our herbal infusions like Tummy Love  and Love your body are special detox herbal teas that taste great, and also help with balancing Pitta and weight management.

From Fall to Winter :
From the start of the rainy season, through the fall and to the middle of winter, the Vata dosha ( Air + Space) tends to aggravate in our bodies and is also predominant in the atmosphere. During this time we must ensure our digestive system is kept warm and is regularised.

Fall brings about change. It heightens the air element in the atmosphere, and shakes up everything that is around. At this time, the body becomes vulnerable and is prone to pain, gas related problems,  infections, any kind of flu, acidity, indigestion, etc. One must eat freshly cooked foods, stay well hydrated since vata could cause dryness, and also remain covered to stay protected from the winds. During this time, one must focus on building the immunity of the body.

Here are some tips to balance the Vata during the fall and the winter :

~ Stick to wholesome and cooked meals that help build strength.
~ Soups can be very soothing and rewarding for the digestive system
~ Ginger tea helps ground the excess Vata.
~ Meditation and movement synchronised with breath can be very helpful.
~ Our herbal teas such as Shubh Saanjh Chai, are packed with goodness of mint, fennel, and shankhpushpi that help restore Vata imbalance.

From Winter to Spring :
From the mid of winter to through the spring season, the Kapha dosha ( Water + Earth) is predominant in the bodies and the atmosphere. Kapha dosha is a watery dosha, it helps us to relax, and have an easy- going attitude towards life. However, an imbalance of kapha can make us lazy and sluggish. The body tends to feel heavy and lethargic.

Winter, at its peak, is a time of rest, a time for all of us to recover from our hectic schedules and work life imbalances. It is also important for us to ensure a healthy regimen that includes moderate exercise and a diet rich in kapha pacifying foods to prepare the body for the upcoming spring.

During this period one is prone to excess phlegm formation, throat troubles, recurring cough, cold and sinus issues. Most of the time these result as a build up of ama ( toxins) that has taken place in the body during the latter seasons, due to our inability to cope with corrective diet and lifestyle measures at the right time.

Here are some tips to keep Kapha in balance during the winter and the beginning of spring :

~ Give the needful rest to the body, however, try to wake up 15 minutes earlier than usual.
~ Indulge in strenuous to moderate workout to sweat out toxins, once in a while.
~ Avoid excess intake of milk products to prevent phlegm and mucus formation.
~ Include spices in your food to stimulate your mind and body.
~ Including spices like black pepper and red chilli once in a while can be very good.
~ Sticking to warm soups - in vegetarian or in meat - is a good choice.  
~ Our Suprabhat Chai, a blend of tulsi, brahmi and mulethi is great for restoring Kapha imbalance and boosts liver and brain function.

Usually the two out of three doshas undergo variation or have a tendency to accumulate that exacerbate health issues during the changing season. It is, however, pertinent that one must resort to lifestyle changes gradually and not adapt to them suddenly, since the body may not be able to cope with the same and may fall sick.