Ayurveda has always emphasized to maintain the health and prevent the diseases by following proper diet and lifestyle according to the Ritucharya (seasonal regimen) as mentioned in the classics of Ayurveda as prevention is always better than cure. The adaptation according to the seasonal changes is the key to survival; therefore the knowledge of Ritucharya or seasonal regimens is very important. Ritucharaya is prominently discussed in the first few chapters of most of the Ayurvedic Samhitas (Ayurvedic texts).

According to Ayurveda, there are six seasons and a year is divided into two kaals (time period). Each kaal is composed of three seasons which gives a total of six seasons in a year. Each season lasts for 2 months and these seasons are precisely found in Indian sub-continent.

The period of Grisham Ritu or Summer Season is in between Mid-May to Mid-July. This season is intensely hot and have debilitating effect on environment, by which human beings are also affected.

Reference: Ashtang Hridyam Sutrasthanam, Chapter No. 3, Shlok No. 26 &27

Meaning: According to this shloka, in Greeshma (summer) season, the rays of sun become more powerful and appear to be destructive. Kapha starts to decrease day by day and Vata increases consequently, hence avoid the use of salt, pungent and sour foods, heavy physical exercises and exposure to sunlight during this season.

According to Ayurveda, the cool liquids help to pacify the Pitta dosha but carbonated and ice-cold beverages should not be preferred as they can disrupt the digestion.

HOW TO KEEP YOURSELF HYDRATED DURING THIS SUMMER?

There are many delicious and healthy fruits & beverages that serve as excellent alternatives to a plain glass of water while fulfilling your hydration needs as well:

1. Sattu (Roasted black chick pea flour or Bengal gram flour)

It is one of the most indigenous protein sources of India and has the near-instant cooling effect on the body. It is a rich source of protein, calcium, iron, manganese, magnesium etc.

1. Apart from its cooling effect, sattu provides energy to the body, it is high in insoluble fiber, has low glycemic index.
2. To prepare sattu, add 2 tablespoons of sattu powder in a glass of water, mix a pinch of black salt and lemon to taste. Stir well.

2. Coconut Water

Coconut water is considered as elixir in summers which not only helps to rejuvenate the body system but also keeps us hydrated during summer season.

1. It is considered as one of the best electrolytes during summer season.
2. It is rich in essential minerals like zinc, calcium, potassium, magnesium.
3. Drinking fresh coconut water in summer season helps in keeping the body hydrated and rejuvenated.

3. Water Rich Fruits

In summers, water rich fruits such as water melon, grapefruit, peaches, pineapples are abundantly available.

1. These fruits will keep you hydrated and refreshed.
2. These fruits can be blended to make fresh juices to enjoy a relish drink.

4. Jaljeera

Jaljeera is a traditional Indian Drink which is made using mint leaves, roasted cumin seeds powder, black salt, tamarind pulp, jaggery etc. The drink can be prepared by blending all these ingredients with water.

1. It is a refreshing drink which is mainly consumed by the people to help in the digestion process, to get relief from intestinal gas and to maintain the pH level.
2. It protects the body from dehydration and useful in digestion related complaints as well.
3. It aids digestion, keeps hydrated, rich in iron, detoxifies the body and helps to lose fat.

5. Lemonade or Neembu Paani

It is one of the healthiest drinks during summer season. Everybody loves to drink this refreshing drink in summer season. Just add one more ingredient to it to double its benefits i.e. Gondh kateera or edible gum. It is popularly known as Tragacanth gum.

1. It can be prepared quickly at home. Take 200 ml water and add 2 teaspoons of rock sugar, lemon juice, a pinch of black pepper and black salt to taste in it.
2. This refreshing juice reduces weakness and gives strength from within.

6. Cucumber Drink

Cucumber is cooling in nature, fiber rich, high in vitamins, minerals, anti-oxidants, helps in reducing body fat and beat the heat.

1. Take chopped cucumber, add lemon juice, rock salt according to taste, roasted ground cumin and add water. Blend all these ingredients.
2. This spiced cucumber juice tastes so refreshing.

7. Bael Juice (Aegle Marmelos)

Bael Sharbat or Bael Juice is one of the most popular drinks in India.

1. It is useful in diarrhea, constipation, cholesterol etc.
2. To prepare bael juice at home, break open bael fruit, scrape out and mix water into it thoroughly.
3. Strain it and add jaggery according to taste.

8. Buttermilk

Buttermilk is easy to digest and useful in variety of conditions such as edema, urine retention, ascites, anorexia etc.

1. Apart from its health benefits, it is cooling and refreshing drink in summer season as well.
2. Take 30-40 ml milk and add 1 tablespoon of rock sugar into it.
3. Now add 250-260 ml water into it.
4. It is easy to make and cooling in nature.

Apart from these refreshing drinks, one should consume water-rich fruits and foods for staying hydrated such as green leafy vegetables, cucumber, and fresh coconut water which acts as a natural electrolyte, fruits such as papaya etc.

Our stomach tends to secrete gastric juices during the process of digestion which help in the breakdown of food. Due to unhealthy eating habits, the acidic level of the body increases which leads to acidity and acid refluxes. So, to reduce the chances of increased levels of acid formation, include vegetables that are alkaline in nature such as radish, snake gourd, pumpkin, banana stem etc.