Staying Healthy in Summer

Milk-Free Milkshake to Keep You Cool in Summer

- Dr. Venkatraman Hegde

When summer arrives, many people suffer from issues like weakness, insomnia, acidity, and headaches. However, by maintaining a proper daily routine, we can prevent these problems.

1. Morning Drink: At night, boil water in a pot and add two teaspoons of coriander seed powder and one teaspoon of ginger root powder. Once it boils, turn off the heat. In the morning, drink a glass of this water on an empty stomach. This helps keep the body cool throughout the day.

2. Abhyanga (Self-Massage): Many people experience burning sensations in the eyes, throat, stomach, hands, and feet during summer. To combat this, massage your body with coconut oil (a cooling oil) in the morning. This also reduces headaches and fatigue.

3. Pranayama & Mudra: Practicing cooling pranayama techniques like Sheetali, Sheetkari, and Anulom Vilom is highly beneficial. Additionally, Varuna Mudra (joining the tip of the thumb and little finger) helps lower body temperature.

4. Diet & Hydration: Consume cooling foods and liquids such as:

• Milk, butter, basil, bitter gourd

• Bottle gourd, fenugreek, amla (gooseberry)

• Raisins, dates, sapota, custard apple, melon These foods help reduce body heat and weakness.

5. Avoiding Digestive Issues

• • Reduce salty, sour, and spicy foods.

• • Limit excessive sun exposure.

• • Avoid alcohol, gutka, and smoking, as they worsen health in summer.

6. Energy Tonic for All Ages: Summer heat often causes weakness. A date milkshake (blending soft black dates with milk) is highly beneficial, especially when consumed at noon. This is excellent for elderly people and young children.