An Apple a Day

Fall is arriving this month, but summer isn’t over yet. Ayurveda teaches about “thermal accumulation,” an interesting phenomenon that happens at summer’s end. As the summer progresses the earth heats up. And because we are earth-bound people, we also heat up. If the heat accumulates in the body unchecked, we put ourselves at risk of poor health this fall and winter.

This is why Ayurveda teaches us to take care of ourselves in the previous season so that our immune system can be strong in the next one.

Here are some of the symptoms of thermal accumulation: diarrhea, inflammation, hot flashes, skin rashes, poor digestion and allergies. As the weather begins to turn cooler, these symptoms can change to constipation, dry skin and fall colds.

Remember that prevention is the key. This is Pitta season, the hot season of the year. Eat cooling foods: cucumber, cilantro, fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains. Favor Pitta-pacifying tastes sweet, bitter, astringent. Avoid foods that are pungent, sour, or salty.

The three best foods for easing thermal accumulation are pomegranates, apples and watermelon. All are available in stores right now. Eat one of these every day.

Also stay hydrated, even when it’s humid. Drinks should be room temperature or hotter. Never drink cold drinks because they douse digestive fire. Strive to drink ½ of your body weight in ounces each day (150lbs = 75 oz or about 9 cups)

Follow these guidelines and you’ll glide into Fall with a strong immune system!