Make a Healthy Fall Transition

​Not so fast, my friends: Even though the signs of fall are surely arriving, summer isn’t through with us yet. So today we offer the tenth and final installment in our “Yoga and Ayurveda Summer Series.” Over the past couple of months we’ve tried to explain how the hot, wet weather of summer transitions into the cold, dry weather of fall. Here in the northern hemisphere the earth is making this transition, and our bodies must make this shift too.

Ayurveda teaches about “thermal accumulation,” an interesting phenomenon that happens at summer’s end. As the summer progresses the earth heats up internally. And because we are earth-bound people, we also heat up internally. If the heat accumulates unchecked, we put ourselves at risk for poor health this fall and winter. This is why Ayurveda teaches us to take care of ourselves in the current 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. If the immune system is weak, even more serious illnesses can arise. 

Ayurveda also teaches that prevention is the key. We are still under the influence of pitta, the hot season of the year. Eat cooling foods: cucumber, cilantro, fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains. Favor Pitta-pacifying foods that taste sweet, bitter, or astringent. Avoid foods that are pungent, sour, or salty. 

The two best foods for easing thermal accumulation are apples and watermelon. And both are abundantly available in stores right now. Eat one or both every day.

To reset the digestive system you might consider doing a four-day kitchari cleanse in September to coincide with the change of seasons. Kitchari is a mixture of basmati rice and mung dal cooked with spices. Here’s a recipe to get you started

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!