Healthy thoughts for the fall season

I’m happy to be back at Ayurlab, with thoughts for good health during the transition to colder weather and regular routine.

Fall is a time of transition. We gradually change from hot weather to cold weather, from vacation time back to school or back to work, and it can feel like a new beginning for many people. For our bodies it is a time of adjustment, and sometimes, confusion. Its a time when it is easy to “fall” into ill health.

Hot Pitta summer begins to transition into cool autumn and brings out the Vata dosha. During the change of season, often difficult in many ways, it is a good time for a last detoxification program before the sedentary winter season sets in. The fall season is an especially good time to fortify your immune system in preparation for winter colds and flu. Stabilize your adaptation to winter by sticking to your health program, and living a disciplined, consistent life. Your autumn routine will vary a bit depending on where you live, but as the weather gets gradually colder, the Vata dosha gets more aggravated and our attention will be turned more and more towards preventing Vata from becoming excess. According to Ayurveda, during the fall we should get up early when the world is calm to prepare the mind for the day. Concentrate on a diet that is warm, moist and nourishing, such as well cooked steamed vegetables, rice with ghee and soft mushy soups, especially when the weather gets colder. Other warming and nourishing ingredients are radish, onion, garlic or ginger, as they keep the body warm and the endocrine and immune systems supported. Dry fruits are also excellent.

Try to keep your meals moderate and balanced. It is a good time to eat avocados and root vegetables such as carrots and beets. Warming herbs and teas are perfect for fall. Constipation tends to worsen during this season, so make sure that you eat enough fibre and lubricating vegetable oils to keep things moving. Soaked raisins keep the bowels moist and moving. Fall is dry, so you need to moisturize your skin and scalp with nourishing oils like Ayurlab Hair Force Lotion.

Ayurveda also suggests making a delicious night-time drink of almond or oat milk boiled with ginger, cardamom and nutmeg. It is important to care for your immune system, so I suggest Ayurlab Immunity to strengthen it.

Hope to meet you all again on my next post. Wish health and luck to everyone.

Enjoy your fall and make the most of the season with your own healthy routine!