summer beach
ARTICLE - 15 NOV 2021

Changes to expect in YOUR body this Summer and what Foods you should be eating!

Summer is the season of expansion, enjoying life and eating foods that promote our energy and activity. 

Summer and Heat

In Summer, the dominating energy in our environment and body is Heat. Heat speeds up metabolism, dilates blood vessels, activates circulation and moves up and out. Excessive heat can cause red, swollen and painful inflammation, rapid pulse, fever, thirst, dryness, constipation, difficult urination, nosebleeds, insomnia, restlessness and agitation. As heat moves up to the surface causing perspiration, it may cause acne, sores, ulcers, boils and rashes. Heat can enter our bodies from the environment, through exercise, disease, diet and excessive emotions. 

The seasons of nature may not always reflect the seasons of our bodies. In our bodies, Spring is the time to get up and do; the season of action. Summer is the time for expansion, with energy moving up and out with a lively brightness. Autumn is about harvesting and gathering; there is less emphasis on activity and more on nurturing, supporting and building the bodies resources. Winter is the season of hibernation, stillness and quit, with gentle celebration where food and family connection is promoted. For this reason, summer foods may not be appropriate for someone whose body is still in the season of Winter!

Summer Foods

In the summer, we want to gravitate towards foods that support the Heart, nourish the Kidneys, boost the Spleen and dry turbid fluids in the body. If you have a naturally strong build, it’s best to minimise heat-generating foods such as red meat, sea-food, spicy food, fried food, peanuts and alcohol, and consume more cooling foods, like avocado, mung beans, tofu, peppermint, strawberries, watermelon and kiwifruit. For someone with a thinner and weaker build that is sensitive to cold, it is best to avoid cooling and raw foods, and consume more root vegetables, ginger, garlic and small portions of red meat. 

Fun Facts

  • Relaxing will improve digestion, and improving digestion will help you to relax. It doesn’t matter which you start with, just start! 
  • Get rid of summer phlegm with strawberries, string beans or radish. For dry coughs, use mangoes or asparagus. 
  • If you have problems with energy and motivation, your Kidneys could use a boost – eat rice with kidney beans and vegetables
  • A general rule is that seasonal foods will often counteract diseases related that particular season. For example, summers fruits like pineapple, cherries, raspberries and bananas are COOL in nature to prevent excessive heat. 

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