Kapha Summer Tips

Kapha types tend to be loyal and loving people with a slight lean towards being sluggish and overindulgent. They tend to be a bit overweight and hold onto their energy. Like water they are cool, wet and soft.

The change in seasons can have a big effect on our body-mind type and therefore our health. Ayurveda has many helpful tips for how we can stay healthy all year round. With summer finally here, it’s important to make adaptations to our diet and lifestyle so we can keep our dosha balanced and enjoy the summer sun. 

Summer is a great time for kapha types. The natural heat in the environment reduces kapha’s tendency to accumulate extra weight and fluids in the body, resulting in a feeling of lightness. 

Digestion is generally not as strong in the summer months so kapha types must take care not to overeat and graze. Avoid sweet, sour and salty foods such as ghee, rice, quinoa, oats and too many sweeteners. Sweet fruits such as, berries, grapes, plums, melons, avocado and yoghurt increase moisture (kapha) in the body so should also be avoided. Unfortunately tomatoes are not good for kapha either so keep them to a minimum to help balance kapha.

Stick to foods that are a bit drying such as black tea, asparagus, broccoli, celery, barley and corn with bitter foods such as spinach, turmeric, rocket and watercress as these help dry up any excess moisture in the body. 

Try to rise early (before 7 am) to avoid feeling lethargic in the mornings. Kick start the day with a cup of Revitalise tea and an invigorating 5 -10 minute massage with Revitalise oil before showering. If you start to feel sluggish during the day, Green Chai or Lemongrass & Ginger will give kapha a little boost. Kapha people can enjoy the more vigorous styles of yoga and exercise as they tend not to ‘burn out’ as quickly as vata or pitta in the summer.

Recommended kapha balancing herbs:

• Guggul Plus - a favourite of every kapha 
• Gymnema Plus -  for balancing kapha

Enjoy the summer sun!