Winter, the season of the best fresh fruits and vegetables, is fully here. As the days have become shorter and nights colder, it is essential to take care of your health in the changing season. If you are unable to manage the demands of this season, then you would likely have problems that will continue throughout this season.
Winter is a predominantly Kapha season. the cold aggravates the Kapha nature. however, if you are living in an area that is extremely cold as well as dry, then you would also be experiencing Vata qualities. As per Ayurveda, you must be focusing on opposites in order to balance the dominant Dosha.
Therefore, when you are considering diet and lifestyle choices during winter, you must focus on warmth, hot foods, and places, and a lifestyle that will increase the warmth of your body. This is the reason why you should avoid cold food items during winter and focus on foods that create more heat, like peanuts, certain legumes, and savories.
Remember, the digestive fire burns the brightest during winters. As a result of this, it is easier to digest such heavier foods.
During winter, it would be better to protect your body against the cold winds and the chilly climate by wearing warmer clothes. You should not keep wearing summer clothes during this time as the chances of catching cold are very high. so start wearing mufflers, sweaters, etc. Even when you find the day sunny enough.
Keeping yourself insulated with woolens will help you manage the core body temperature and keep you away from health troubles as well. Apart from this, you should start including a few spices like ginger, cardamom, cinnamon and black pepper in your diet. these herbs have the potential to pep up your constitution, which is a great help when it comes to combating your winter blues.
Since like begets like, you should be avoiding foods that may aggravate Vata and Kapha. Instead, your food should be sour or salty. Such food will balance Vata and give a way to the Pitta fire to burn. You must also include fats in your diet during winter. Ghee and olive oil are considered to be your best choices.
As Vata and Kapha both have drying qualities, fats help you get ample nourishment for the body. Fats can eradicate any abnormalities associated with Vata and Kapha. Chyawanprash is also a healthy food supplement choice for keeping your immune system robust in this season.
More tips and tricks to stay healthy in winter in the upcoming posts. Keep watching this corner, visit your ayurvedic specialist for the best advice, and stay nirog!