Weathering the Gut Storm: A Guide to Digestive Health in Indian Monsoons

Weathering the Gut Storm: A Guide to Digestive Health in Indian Monsoons

Table of Contents

    We’re all a part of nature, made up of the ‘Panch Mahabhoot’ or five key natural elements, namely, Earth (Prithvi), Water (Jal), Fire (Agni), Air (Vayu), and Space (Akasha). Hence, our inner balance is interconnected with nature, and shifts in the natural environment around us, like seasonal changes, directly affect our mind and body. The ayurvedic concepts of Dosha and Prakriti are also based on our connection to nature. 

    According to Ayurveda, an imbalance in Doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) is the root cause of all diseases. And among the many causes of dosha imbalance, seasonal influence is also an important contender, affecting everyone’s Prakriti (constitution) differently and causing various issues like sluggishness, heaviness, or digestive discomfort. 

    “Ayurveda has many time-tested directions that can be helpful for an individual to maintain their internal balance amidst the changing seasons.”

    In this post, we will explore the influence of seasonal changes on our body and discuss some practical, time-honoured Ayurvedic principles and lifestyle strategies to support digestive harmony throughout India's diverse seasons.

    How Seasonal Shifts Affect Your Gut 

    Ayurveda proposes that the three main doshas in our body, Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, are also manifestations of the Panch Mahabhoot. While Vata is the combination of Vayu and Aakash element, Pitta is Agni element, and Kapha is the combination of Jala and Prithvi elements. Together, the tridosha are responsible for the origin, development, and upkeep of the human body and mind. They govern all bodily movements, metabolism, and transformations. They also determine an individual’s Prakriti, or constitution. 

    The relationship of doshas with Prakriti is a complex one. To understand it in simple terms, consider Prakriti as your inner climate -  it doesn’t change easily. Then the Tridoshas will be your daily weather. They can fluctuate or get imbalanced easily, affected by the changing seasons, diet, lifestyle, stress, and other factors. So, when the tridosha are imbalanced in the body, it’s like the weather going off-balance. It directly affects the climate, that is, your Prakriti. Hence, the balance of tridosha with themselves and with our surroundings is essential for good health

    Source

    Meaning - The movement of the Sun from one Rashi to the other is known as Rutu, a cycle of six seasons. Chaya (mild increase), Kopa (more increase), and Samana (decrease to normal) of Doshas occur in this cycle.

    Different seasons have different influences on the doshas. Depending on the property of the season, the related dosha in the body becomes predominant, which can then lead to various issues, especially related to the gut. Here’s a simplified table of which dosha remains predominant in which season (Ritu):

    Kaal (Solstice) Ritu (Season) Maas (Months) Seasonal Properties Dominant Taste Prevalent Dosha
    Aadaan (Northern Solstice) Shishira (Late Winter) Magha – Phalguna (mid-Jan to mid-Mar) Cold and Dry Tikta (Bitter) Pitta
    Vasanta (Spring) Chaitra – Baisakh (mid-Mar to mid-May) Cool and Light Kashaya (Astringent) Kapha
    Grishma (Summer) Jyeshtha – Ashadha (mid-May to mid-Jul) Hot and Dry Katu (Pungent) Vata
    Visarga (Southern Solstice) Varsha (Rainy Season) Shravan – Bhadrapada (mid-Jul to mid-Sep) Humid and Cool Amla (Sour) Vata
    Sharada (Autumn) Ashwin – Kartika (mid-Sep to mid-Nov) Hot and Moist Lavan (Salty) Pitta
    Hemanta (Early Winter) Margashirsha – Pausha (mid-Nov to mid-Jan) Cold and Heavy Madhura (Sweet) Kapha
    Source

    Ayurvedic Seasonal Timeline (Ritu and Dosha)

    Hemanta
    (Early Winter)    		 Dominant Taste: Madhura (Sweet)
    Prevalent Dosha: Kapha
    Shishira
    (Late Winter)    		 Dominant Taste: Tikta (Bitter)
    Prevalent Dosha: Pitta
    Vasanta
    (Spring)    		 Dominant Taste: Kashaya (Astringent)
    Prevalent Dosha: Kapha
    Grishma
    (Summer)    		 Dominant Taste: Katu (Pungent)
    Prevalent Dosha: Vata
    Varsha
    (Rainy Season)    		 Dominant Taste: Amla (Sour)
    Prevalent Dosha: Vata
    Sharada
    (Autumn)    		 Dominant Taste: Lavan (Salty)
    Prevalent Dosha: Pitta

    		Dominant Taste: Madhura (Sweet)
    Prevalent Dosha: Kapha
    Season Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Depending on your current Ritu, specific doshas are dominant, and your body 

    experiences specific changes. From the above table, it is clear that:

    1. Vata: It builds in Grishma, gets aggravated in Varsha, and subsides in Sharada. Vata vitiation causes dryness, pain, general discomfort, feelings of unease or restlessness, irregular bowel movements, etc.

    2. Pitta: It builds in Varsha, gets aggravated in Sharada, and is pacified in Hemanta. Vitiated Pitta triggers excessive internal heat, digestive discomfort, high sensitivity and irritability in the skin, etc.

    3. Kapha: It builds in Shishira, gets aggravated in Vasanta, and is pacified in Grishma. Kapha vitiation leads to feelings of heaviness, weight gain, fluid retention, lethargy, and discomfort and fullness in the respiratory passages.

    Monsoon: 

    Since, majority of the country is enjoying monsoons currently, let’s talk briefly about Varsha ritu and its effect on doshas and the body. For Monsoon, or Varsha ritu, Vata is aggravated, and Pitta is accumulated. The warm and humid weather dulls the digestive fire (Agni). A weak digestive fire affects your digestion, metabolism, and bowel movements, affecting the proper nourishment of the tissues (dhatus) and further contributing to Vata vitiation. 

    Symptoms:

    1. Irregular appetite, occasional bloating or flatulence.

    2. Feeling stiffness, dryness, or reduced flexibility in joints and limbs.

    3. Feeling restless, overthinking, or irregularity in sleep.

    4. Low stamina, fatigue, and laziness.

    5. Dryness in skin or scalp, heightened skin sensitivity.

    Stoking Your Agni: Ayurvedic Wisdom for Gut Balance in Varsha Ritu 

    As the digestive fire (Agni) is low in Varsha Ritu, the body experiences reduced appetite, impaired digestion, and irregular bowel movement. Vitiated Vata also affects mobility and lubrication in the joints and limbs. That’s why we feel low on energy, lazy, and fatigued in this season. To regain energy and strengthen the gut, Ayurveda offers various insights that are discussed below:  

    Hydration: 

    During the Monsoon, the air is warm and humid. So, it’s natural to feel less thirsty. However, it’s important to stay properly hydrated and drink boiled or warm filtered water. But more importantly, you can use your water intake as a chance to kindle your low Agni (Mandagni) through various time-tested Ayurvedic infusions. Adding ginger, cumin, curry leaves, fennel seeds, lemon juice, tulsi leaves, or honey to the water can help kindle the digestive fire and regulate bowel movements.   

    Mindful Eating (Ahara Vidhi):

    Your body reacts to the food you eat, so to maintain a healthy gut in monsoon, it’s essential to eat food that is Amla (sour), Lavana (salty), and Sneha (unctuous) in taste (Rasa), as these qualities help balance Vata and support Agni in this season. 

    “It’s also important to eat only according to hunger and chew the food properly to improve breakdown and digestion.”

    Here’s a helpful list of dietary practices for the monsoon:

    1. Use Saindhava Lavana in food preparations in Varsha Ritu. Saindhava lavana has tridoshahar and deepan properties, which support gut health.

    2. Try consuming food like old barley, rice, wheat, and other cereals. 

    3. Eat warm and freshly prepared home-cooked meals.

    4. Also, eat less spicy, lighter, easily digestible foods like seasonal vegetables like carrots, beets, spinach, zucchini, etc., sweet and astringent fruits like apples, pomegranates, etc., and well-cooked grains and legumes. 

    5. Use oil, ghee, or olive oil in moderate quantity to nourish the body, stimulate Agni, and balance Vata dosha.

    6. Avoid cold and raw food and drinks, raw salads, meat, and fermented foods like pickles, vinegar, etc., as they can disturb digestive balance and aggravate Doshas like Pitta and Vata. 

    7. Reduce consumption of oily and fried foods, sweets and sugary foods, and dairy products like cheese, yoghurt, etc.

    Spices for Agni (Deepana & Pachana): 

    Ayurveda also recommends adding spices like ginger, cumin, carom, fennel, turmeric, and asofoetida to food preparations. These spices are more than culinary aids to add flavour. They are traditionally valued for their profound benefits in balancing digestion. 

    “These spices can reduce Ama (toxins) in the body, help kindle the Agni (also called Deepana property in Ayurveda), and support digestive functions (Pachana property).”

    Traditional Herbs for Digestive Support 

    Beyond daily practices and lifestyle changes, Ayurveda also recognises many herbs for their role in supporting digestive health, balancing the doshas, and maintaining energy levels. One such ingredient is Haritaki or ‘Terminalia Chebula’, also known as ‘Harde’ and ‘Chebulic Myrobalan’. 

    “Revered as a mother, Haritaki is frequently mentioned in Ayurvedic texts for its versatile properties, notably as ‘Tridoshahara’ - that which balances all three doshas.”

    Haritaki is traditionally valued for its role in helping to promote overall gut health, reduce the feeling of heaviness, and support healthy bowel function. In fact, Ayurveda also offers a seasonal guide to consuming Haritaki, called ‘Ritu Haritaki’, which discusses which adjuvants should be taken with Haritaki in each season for maximum benefits. For example, in monsoon, Haritaki should be taken with rock salt as it helps maintain internal balance in the moist and humid environment. For a deeper understanding of Haritaki and its proper consumption in various Ritus, you may explore our article on Haritaki and its unique qualities. 

    Many other herbs like Amalaki, Guduchi, Pippali, etc. are also helpful in improving digestion and supporting a healthy gut. Punarvasu is always there to support you through the journey of maintaining good health in monsoon and other seasons. From various churnas like Pippali, Amala, and Haritaki Churna to different Kwatha, Avaleha, and tablet formulations, Punarvasu’s wide range has many offerings to help you maintain a healthy and happy gut throughout the year. 

    However, each individual has their specific constitution (Prakriti), and the effects of the season and individual bodily needs may vary accordingly. Always seek the proper guidance from a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner before altering your routine, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions.

    Make Your Gut More Weather Resilient 

    Ultimately, keeping your gut healthy in the humid months of the Indian Monsoon comes down to maintaining dosha balance and supporting digestive functions. Altering your daily routine, food habits, and lifestyle according to the changing seasons can help your body stay in harmony with nature. 

    “Ayurvedic practices like Dinacharya and Ritucharya, alongside the wise incorporation of traditional herbs, can help strengthen the gut and regulate digestive functions.”

    Ayurvedic texts offer helpful insights for Varsha Ritucharya, like staying hydrated, eating light and easily digestible food, and adding spices and herbs to your food to facilitate easier breakdown of food and regular bowel movements. With these helpful insights, you can nurture your digestive fire (Agni), enhance energy levels (Ojas), and achieve overall physical and mental well-being. 

    Don't just weather the gut storm – thrive through it! Begin your journey to balanced digestion with these Ayurvedic principles and Punarvasu’s wide range of formulations today.

    References / Further Reading 

    [1] Thakkar, J., Chaudhari, S., & Sarkar, P. K. (2011). Ritucharya: Answer to the lifestyle disorders. Ayu, 32(4), 466. Link: https://doi.org/10.4103/0974-8520.96117 

    [2] Priyanka, P., Jakhar, Y., Kaur, J., & Pathak, A. (2020). A review on Ritu and Ritucharya. World Journal of Pharmaceutical and Medical Research, 6(2). Link: https://www.wjpmr.com/home/article_abstract/2582

    [3] Kumar, S., Sharma, A. K., Sharma, K. L., Meena, R., & Nigam, A. (2023). Ritucharya – Prevention of lifestyle-related disorders. Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences, 1, 118–125. Link: https://jaims.in/jaims/article/view/2228

    FAQs: Your Gut Questions Answered

    How do India's changing seasons impact our digestive health? 

    Different seasons have different influences on the doshas. Depending on the property of the season, the related dosha in the body becomes predominant, which can then lead to various issues.

    What is 'Agni' in Ayurveda, and why is it so important for digestion, especially seasonally? 

    Agni is the digestive fire, which helps break down food and assimilate nutrients in the body. Seasonal changes affect the digestive fire, either dulling it or kindling it. This can also have a direct effect on digestion and bowel movements.

    Are there specific Ayurvedic tips for eating and living during the Monsoon (Varsha Ritu) to support digestion? 

    Yes, this article discusses many helpful seasonal tips like eating warm, home-cooked meals, drinking boiled or filtered water, using spices that help in improving digestion, and eating light and easily digestible grains, legumes, and seasonal vegetables and fruits.

    Can traditional Ayurvedic herbs play a role in maintaining gut well-being, and how should they be approached? 

    Yes, traditional Ayurvedic texts highlight numerous herbs that are valued for their role in supporting overall digestive well-being and balancing the Doshas. Ingredients like Haritaki, Amalaki, and Guduchi are traditionally recognised for their properties that help promote comfort and healthy function.

    When should I seek professional medical or Ayurvedic guidance for digestive concerns? 

    While Ayurvedic principles offer valuable insights for general wellness, they are not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should always consult a qualified medical doctor or a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner for proper diagnosis and treatment if you experience persistent symptoms like intense abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, chronic changes in bowel habits, or high fever.

    Beyond specific issues, how can Ayurveda help foster overall digestive harmony year-round? 

    Ayurveda emphasises a holistic approach to health, focusing on aligning our lifestyle with nature's rhythms, also known as Ritucharya. By changing lifestyle, adjusting diet and routine to the changing seasons, and supporting your Agni (digestive fire) through appropriate spices and habits, you can build lasting digestive resilience. This proactive approach helps maintain Dosha balance, nurtures your energy levels (Ojas), and contributes significantly to your overall physical and mental well-being throughout the year.