Ayurveda aims to achieve holistic approach of the mind, body and soul of any individual who abides by this age old practice. Ayurveda principles are closely connected with nature. It has mentioned Ritucharya where ritu means seasonal , charya means regimen i.e the lifestyle and Ayurvedic routine according the season.
Ayurveda segregates winter season as the early winter (Hemant) and late winter (Shishir). Balancing the dosha’s is the key for being healthy. Winter’s are dry, the cold weather aggravates vata which leads to joint pain, indigestion, and other issues. Ayurvedic winter diet aims to pacify both vata and kapha in winters.
The key to be warmer is to incorporate hot potency food in the diet .
- Various warm spices, root vegetables,turmeric, jaggery, ghee.
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- Eating warm and cooked food helps the body keep warmer .
- In winters it’s beat to have sweet , sour and salty food in diet.
- Adding spices like pepper, chillies, asafoetida basil, cardamom, carrom seeds, cinnamon, clove, fennel, ginger, lemon, mustard seed, nutmeg, thyme , sage and turmeric.
- Ghee or white butter will give the lubrication to the joints which is needed due to excessive dryness.
- Turmeric milk with a pinch of ginger is the best drink for these season.
- Vegetables like beets, carrots, avocado, corn, cooked eggplant, pumpkin ,radishes and onions. green like fenugreek, spinach.
- Meats like chicken, beef, pork, eggs, duck, turkey ,lamb, lobster , pork.
- Dry fruits like pistachio, almonds walnuts and dates should be included.
- Fruits like apples,apricots,blueberries, bananas,figs ,papaya, peaches , strawberries.
- Avoid packaged food and processed food. Apart from diet lifestyle habits like doing Abhyanga (body massage with oils ) should be included. Doing Yoga or exercise to generate heat in the body.
Dr Aishwarya Ghotane
( India )