Introduction
Imagine your body as a finely tuned instrument, delicately responding to the grand orchestra of the universe. Just as the moon pulls the tides and the sun nurtures the earth, the lunar and solar cycles cast a profound influence on how our bodies function. With each season, these celestial bodies orchestrate changes in our nerve system, mucous system, and blood circulatory system (Read more about Body systems). It’s like a dance of elements within us, perfectly synced to the rhythm of nature. But to keep up with this cosmic ballet, we need to adjust our diet. It’s not just about eating; it’s about harmonizing our inner world with the outer universe. By aligning what we eat with these seasonal shifts, we maintain the delicate balance of our bodily systems, ensuring our health stays in tune with the natural world’s ebb and flow.
Understanding Seasonal Variations Worldwide
Travel on a global journey and you’ll discover a fascinating tapestry of seasons that paint different parts of the world in unique hues. In the East, the year unfolds like a storybook with six distinct chapters: the gentle onset of the first winter, known as Hemant Ritu, followed by the deeper chill of the second winter or Shishir Ritu. Then the narrative warms up with the blossoming spring, Vasant Ritu, which leads into the sweltering tales of Grishma Ritu, or summer. The plot thickens with the dramatic rains of Varsha Ritu, the monsoon season, before calming down with the mildness of Sharad Ritu, the fall. Contrast this with the West, where the year is a simpler tale of four seasons: fall, winter, spring, and summer. This diversity in the seasonal script calls for a smart approach to our diets. Hence, the clever idea of breaking down the year into two-month periods, allows us to adapt our eating habits in tune with the rhythm of our environment, whether we’re basking in the eastern sun or bracing against the western winds.
Dietary Adjustments for Each Season
October and November
In October and November, the cold weather increases blood circulation inside the body while decreasing it in the extremities and on the body’s exterior. In other words, there is less heat on the outside of the body and more heat inside, particularly in the stomach region. These physical conditions boost appetite, enhance digestive power, and strengthen metabolism. Accordingly, foods should be provided to stabilize this strong appetite and maintain balance in the blood circulatory system. Generally, a heavier diet is needed, including more meat, fish, greasy foods, salty and sour preparations, sugar, molasses, dairy products, oil, alcoholic beverages, hot drinks, etc. For a mucous-natured person, however, such a heavy diet during these months can lead to mucous problems in spring; hence, including honey in their daily diet is recommended to prevent this effect. This season is beneficial for those with a blood circulatory nature, but less so for those with mucous and nerve natures. Particularly, nerve-natured individuals should be more cautious with their diet, as reduced blood circulation outside the body can lead to nerve issues such as joint pain, diarrhea, and arthritis. Additionally, mucous-natured individuals might develop respiratory problems like colds, coughs, and asthma.
December and January
In December and January, the cold weather affects the body in the same way as in October and November. The heavy diet must be followed in these months, more than any other season. High nutritive food must be provided in adequate quantity to avoid nerve defects.
February and March
In February and March, seasonal conditions lead to an increase in mucus exudation in the body’s duct systems, which can cause respiratory issues such as colds, coughs, and asthma. These conditions may also lead to a loss of appetite, conjunctivitis, increased urinary frequency, and sluggishness. To counteract these seasonal effects, the dry diet previously mentioned for those with a mucous-prone nature should be followed by everyone. Increased consumption of wheat, barley, beans, green leafy vegetables, light alcoholic drinks (such as beer), and honey with meals is necessary. This season is beneficial for individuals with blood circulatory and nerve-based constitutions, but it can be challenging for those with a mucous-prone nature. Consequently, they must be particularly careful with their diet.
April and May
In April and May, the hot weather causes blood circulation to decrease internally and increase externally. This change affects the body’s water balance, potentially leading to weakness, low appetite, and digestive problems. To counteract this seasonal effect, a diet high in liquids is recommended, featuring light, non-greasy, cooling, and sweet food preparations. Ideal foods for this season include rice, milk, butter, ghee, and sweet fruits such as papaya, cantaloupe, watermelon, muskmelon, and banana, as well as cucumber, carrot, lettuce, pumpkin, squash, and ice cream. Cold sweet drinks are also beneficial. However, sour, salty, and pungent food preparations, along with meat, alcoholic drinks, and hot spices, are not advisable. They can lead to blood imbalances in the fall.
June and July
In the West, the months of June and July have the same seasonal effects as April and May in the East, and the same rules apply. However, in the East, June and July mark the rainy or monsoon season. The humidity during the monsoon weakens the nerve and digestive systems. Consequently, this season, while not detrimental for individuals with mucous and blood circulatory traits, is challenging for those with nerve-oriented constitutions. To counteract the effects of humidity, diets should include sourer, salty, and greasy foods such as rice, barley, wheat, fish, milk, butter, ghee, yogurt, cheese, oranges, lemons, limes, mangoes, pineapples, garlic, onions, and tomatoes, among others. Including honey can aid in the digestion of greasy foods. Boiled drinking water and a small amount of alcoholic beverages can also be beneficial. In the West, these dietary guidelines can be followed whenever there is high humidity due to rain at any time of the year.”
August and September
In the months of August and September, there is an accumulation of excess bile in the blood circulatory system, which can lead to blood defects, including anemia. This season is particularly challenging for individuals with a blood circulatory nature. Therefore, it is important for them to follow the mixed diet prescribed for such individuals. Everyone should avoid yogurt, fats, oils, beef, pork, buffalo, and fish. Additionally, the amount of salt used should be minimal.
Geographical and Climatic Considerations
Just like a chameleon adapts to its surroundings, our bodies react uniquely to the diverse climates of our planet. It’s a fascinating dance between our internal systems and the external world. In the Alpine regions, where towering mountains meet the sky, summer and autumn gently pass by with little impact on our bodies. But when winter and spring roll in, they hit hard, demanding a stronger response from us. On the other hand, in the lush, sun-drenched Tropical areas, summer and autumn bring intense changes that our bodies can’t ignore. And then there are the Subtropical and Temperate zones, where the body experiences a more balanced, year-round interplay of seasonal shifts. This global patchwork of climates means that a one-size-fits-all approach just doesn’t cut it. Thus, to accurately adjust one’s diet for seasonal variations, an individual must rely on their own judgment in dividing the months into seasons. Whether bracing for a brisk Alpine winter or adjusting to a sultry Tropical summer, listening to our bodies and adapting our food choices is key to staying in harmony with the rhythm of the seasons.
Conclusion
As we journey through the seasons, it becomes clear that our diets are not just a matter of taste, but a vital part of living in sync with nature’s rhythm. The changing seasons bring a symphony of effects on our bodies, from the deep chills of winter to the balmy breezes of summer. By aligning our eating habits with these natural cycles, we don’t just eat; we nourish ourselves in harmony with the earth. This journey of seasonal eating isn’t just about following guidelines; it’s about tuning into the subtle cues our bodies give us and responding with mindfulness. As you embrace the ebb and flow of the seasons, let your diet be a reflection of this beautiful, ever-changing dance. Remember, every bite is an opportunity to connect with the natural world, and each season is a chance to rediscover the joy of eating in a way that nurtures both body and soul.
Author
Dr. Mana Bajra Bajracharya
PIYUSHABARSHI AUSHADHALAYA
Mahabouddha, Kathmandu, Nepal
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