One of the most difficult times of the year for me is summer time. It used to be when I was growing up everyone from my village used to come to my city for keeping cool in summer. I remember the evening baths with semi-hot water running from the taps, the white pleated frocks, the summer bob cuts--it was a big deal of course. Ladies wore white cotton sarees with light starch to keep themselves cool. Jasmines were in full bloom. Men usually wore loose white pants with cotton half-sleeve shirts. And then there was lemonade, watermelon, cantaloupe, ice cream, cold tamarind juice, and butter milk. We hardly ever drank cold water from the refrigerators. There were new mud pots bought and filled with water. Guavas were our favorite fruit for summer. Mangoes of all kinds were brought in baskets. Mango juice was served with every meal.Evenings were filled with excitement of making cotton beds upstairs on the terrace under the moon light with lots of water sprinkled over the bed sheets to keep us cool.
Every effort was made to keep ourselves cool with as many natural products as possible.
There are several reasons for us to feel the heat as we do now, so fierce and tiresome. Air conditioners, intake of sugar and starchy products, intake of fatty products, wearing synthetic materials such as nylons, polyester, spandex, silks etc., drinking less water, lack of exercise, stress, pollution, and lack of nutritious foods, among other things.
There are several ways to enjoy our summers without getting sick and escape the scorching heat:
Air conditioners: During summer people tend to decrease the temperature settings on the air conditioners in hope of keeping themselves cool. As a matter of fact this very act results in discomfort and summer colds that very many people suffer from. When the temperature on the a/c is kept at a low setting, our bodies get used to it and when we get out of the cool rooms or cars because of the fluctuations in temperature, our bodies tend to react differently. We confuse our own bodies as to how they should react to outside heat. This leads to decreased immune systems and summer colds. It is always better to keep the a/c settings close to normal body temperatures as to avoid heat fluctuations in the body.
Sugar, starch and oily foods: Intake of these products increase dehydration and water retention. Oily foods tend to raise our body temperatures while increasing our thirst. Sugar products should be kept to a minimum as sugar dehydrates the body.
Synthetic materials: Wearing synthetic materials, polyester, nylon, spandex, etc., make our body temperature rise up and cause discomfort. One hundred percent cotton products are recommended as they tend to keep the bodies cool and also absorb heat and keep the body dry from sweat. White is the color that is believed to absorb heat and keep the body heat to a minimum.
Water: Eighty percent of our bodies are made up of water. We are water-based organisms. Therefore, we need water to survive whether it is extreme heat or cold temperatures. Most people do not drink sufficient water for several reasons that include:
a. Lack of thirst because of air conditioning.
b. Cold sodas or juices with added sugars are substituted for water.
c. Young people and children do not like the taste of water or do not care for water.
d. Water is something that is free, hence no need to think about it seriously.
e. Most people associate water with exercise.
Drinking water brings the body temperature down whether in summer or after exercise. In winters water aids in body insulation. Drink eight to ten glasses of water every day. Drink water at moderate temperatures as to increase the intake. Water flushes out the toxic wastes in the body while reducing the heat caused by them. It increases body flexibility during exercise and keeps it cool through out the day in summer.
Exercising: Physical activity during summer is very important since it decreases the body temperatures. Exercising exerts the body while bringing up the energy levels. An exercised body constantly spends the energy that is being stored by burning up the calories that are added in the form of sugar, oil and starches. Exercise also keeps one alert during the hot summer days when people usually are tired and tend to sleep more in the day time.
Nutritious foods: Substituting starchy foods with green leafy vegetables, beans, natural yogurts, butter milk, cucumbers, cabbage (one hundred percent water based, good source of water) is always helpful in keeping from getting sick.
Fruits: mangoes, grapes, watermelon, cantaloupe, guava and kiwi are all called summer fruits. Any one of these could be made into juices or shakes with minimal amount of added sugars. They tend to keep the body temperatures down. Tow to four glasses of watermelon juice is great in summer. Lemonade with less sugar could be taken any time of the day especially during the summer afternoons.
Lassi: A cool recipe for hot summer drinks. Could be made as a sweet drink or salt drink. Here is the recipe.
Salt Lassi: 1 cup of thick butter milk or plain yogurt
1 bunch finely chopped cilantro
2 tbsp lemon or lime juice
1/4 tsp salt
8 ice cubes or 1/2 cup crushed ice
1/4 tsp black pepper
10 leaves of smudged mint to garnish
Mix all the ingredients, blend, and enjoy the drink. Great for summer.
Sweet Lassi:
1 cup natural yogurt
1/4 cup mango pulp or
1/4 cup vanilla ice cream
2 tbsp lemon or lime juice
1/2 cup crushed ice
10 leaves of mint smudged
Mix , blend and serve. Can substitute mango pulp for 1/2 water melon juice, 2 carrots, 1 cup tomato, 1 cup orange juice(natural) or any fruit you desire. Enjoy!
There are very many ways to enjoy summer as long as you reduce the final reason for summer heat and that is stress. The kids are home, and we don't know how to entertain them. The days are long, we can't get out of work early enough, the heat is unbearable and tiresome we don't know how to deal with it. Doing yoga, listening to soft music, going out to summer concerts, having picnics in the parks, taking the kids to library or dollar movies can not only reduce stress but bring joy and memories of summer days for us and our loved ones, because OUR LIFE MATTERS.