I firmly believe Australia does Summer like no other continent on Earth – long, dry, hot and intense. Therefore anyone living or visiting this beautiful country during Pitta peak time, needs to be aware of how to monitor hydration of the body effectively. Almost everyone, including myself, struggle to keep on top of water intake throughout the day. Let’s face it, we are all occupied with our day to day routines and often, hydration is on the back burner. However, left unattended, our urinary systems can be negatively effected due to lack of the right fluids and this long term, can cause numerous infections, blockages and is a precursor to many chronic conditions.
The good news is, hydration is actually more simple to keep on top of than what we think. And actually drinking a tonne of water isn’t always the answer. When we sweat strongly, we lose a lot more than just water. Our sweat contains electrolytes like sodium, chloride, potassium, magnesium and calcium*. All of these minerals are vital for healthy functioning of the body and need to be replaced in order to truly hydrate properly. Water alone is not enough and for many of you out there, downing 2 or 3 Gatorade’s or Hydralyte’s is not the answer either.
In Ayurveda, there are some very simple, tasty and effective drinks you can introduce into your diet alongside water consumption to manage dehydration and keep your elimination systems happy.
CORIANDER SEED WATER
Magic stuff honestly. Coriander seed is cooling, sweet and a natural diuretic that flushes through the kidneys and bladder keeping them happy and nourished during the hot seasons. Coriander seed water diminishes the effect of hot flushes, dehydration and infections of the bladder. So simple to make and you can access the recipe here.
COCONUT WATER
Cooling, sweet, hydrating and great for the skin. Naturally contains many electrolytes also.
ALOE VERA JUICE
An amazing plant with so many health benefits, mainly its ability to alkalise the body with powerful anti-inflammatory properties. If you are someone struggling with excess heat with an acidic stomach, acid reflux, heartburn or excess heat, some aloe vera juice daily can help. Follow the directions on the bottle and consult your Ayurvedic Practitioner or Doctor for guidance.
THE AYURVEDIC “GATORADE”
If you have had a day of hard work, exertion or been unwell, it is important to have a drink that contains some extra salts and sugars to replace electrolytes. The lovely little drink is quick to settle and nourish an overheated system.
WHAT YOU WILL NEED
Juice of 1/2-1 lime
A good pinch of Himalayan pink rock salt
1 tsp of jaggery (unrefined cane sugar available at Indian supermarkets)
METHOD
Put all ingredients in a glass and dissolve in warm to hot water. Allow to cool to room temperature and sip slowly.
Please do give some of these drinks a try and keep an eye on your hydration this Summer. It is actually more important than you realise and can be a tasty adventure in the process!
*REFERENCE
https://www.acefitness.org/certifiednewsarticle/715/electrolytes-understanding-replacement-options/
DISCLAIMER
The sole purpose of these articles is to provide information about the science of Ayurveda. If you have an acute or chronic health concern, please consult your chosen trained health care professional who can fully assess your needs and address them effectively. If you are seeking the medical advice of a qualified Ayurvedic Practitioner, contact The Sattva Centre directly - info@thesattvacentre.com