Why Do Indigestion, Constipation, and Heartburn Increase?

As we approach the end of summer, the internal fire in the body remains high, but the earth has dried and the winds begin to cool. This phenomenon in nature also reflects within us and may slow down the digestive system. Agni (digestive fire) becomes imbalanced. The result? Indigestion, heartburn, constipation, bloating…

All of these are related to the continued activity of Fire (Pitta) in the body and the simultaneous activation of Vata. Therefore, August is a month in which we must proceed by listening to the body—without suppressing the fire, but keeping it under control.

Most Common Digestive Problems and Symptoms in August:

• Indigestion: Delayed digestion, bloating sensation
• Constipation: Slowed bowels due to dryness
• Heartburn: Excess sun and Pitta irritate the stomach

These symptoms signal that Agni, the digestive fire, is weakening. Therefore, it is essential to protect the fire from being extinguished while also balancing dryness.

Ayurvedic Nutrition’s 3 Principles to Adapt in August

Cooling – Moisturizing – Grounding

Three core Ayurvedic principles emerge in August nutrition: cooling (to soothe Pitta), moisturizing (to prevent Vata), and grounding (to stabilize). Choices should favor cool, cooked foods—not overly cold or iced ones. Thus, foods prepared with light cooking techniques help restore the body’s balance. Ayurveda says: “Those who eat according to the season live in respect to their nature.”

Core Nutritional Principles in August:

• Cooling: Soothes Pitta
• Moisturizing: Calms Vata
• Grounding: Stabilizes body and mind

Since both heat and dryness exist in this period, cooling alone is not enough. One must also hydrate the tissues and balance the nervous system.

Recommended Foods for August

Boiled zucchini, pumpkin, purslane, coriander, almond milk…

Ayurveda suggests cooling, moisturizing, and grounding the body in response to dryness and heat in nature. Therefore, the foods we choose should have moist and soft qualities.
They should also be easy to digest, non-inflammatory, and calming for both Pitta and Vata. Hence, light, moist, nourishing, and cooling foods are ideal.

Top Recommended Foods for August:

• Vegetables: Zucchini, pumpkin, purslane, potato, green beans, asparagus, cucumber
• Greens: Coriander leaves, basil, parsley (in small amounts), lettuce
• Grains: Basmati rice, fine bulgur, oats, quinoa (in moderation), couscous
• Milk Alternatives: Almond milk, rice milk (warm and unsweetened)
• Fruits: Sweet peaches, watermelon (alone in the morning), banana (ripe and limited), pear
• Fats: Ghee, olive oil, coconut oil (for its cooling effect)
• Nuts & Seeds: Almonds (soaked and peeled), sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds
• Spices: Coriander, fennel, cardamom, turmeric (in small amounts)

These foods help keep the body balanced against the drying and heating effects of late summer without extinguishing Agni. Proper cooking methods further enhance their benefits.

What to Avoid

Dried fruits, fried foods, coffee, dry legumes. In August, the weather is both hot and dry. This increases the heating impact of Pitta while triggering the dryness of Vata. Some foods may overheat, dehydrate, or burden the digestive system. They may also weaken Agni and contribute to the accumulation of âma (toxins). Avoiding certain foods is critical for maintaining balance. Otherwise, symptoms like indigestion, irritability, or fatigue may worsen.

Specifically Avoid:

• Dried fruits (especially in excess)
• Fried foods, fast food, processed food-like products
• Coffee, dark teas, energy drinks, alcohol
• Dry legumes such as chickpeas and lentils (may cause indigestion)
• Excessive spices, vinegar, pickles

Instead, opt for moisturizing and soothing alternatives.

Spices to Support Digestive Fire (Agni)

Fennel, cardamom, coriander, small amounts of ginger

In August, although heat increases, the digestive power (Agni) may weaken. The body lowers its internal fire intentionally to preserve coolness. Heavy or overly spicy foods can extinguish Agni, while gentle spices help keep it balanced. That’s why it’s essential to use the right spices in the right amount. Agni should neither flare up too strongly nor go out. Balanced digestion brings lightness to both body and mind.

Spices are not only for flavor but serve as digestive medicine. They should always be activated with oil and added during cooking. Choose simple spice blends over complex mixes.

Spices Highlighted in August Ayurveda:

• Fennel (cooling and soothing) – Reduces bloating, cools the body
• Cardamom (relieves bloating and balances) – Soothes the stomach, clears the mind
• Coriander seed (cooling and Pitta-soothing) – Calms Pitta, clears toxins
• Fresh ginger – in small amounts (prevents Vata without increasing Pitta) – Supports Agni, balances coolness
• Turmeric: Balances gut flora, anti-inflammatory

Sample Ayurvedic August Menu

The key to August nutrition is incorporating light, cooling, and moisturizing foods into your routine. But digestion is shaped not only by what we eat—but also when and how we eat.

This sample menu is designed to nourish without burdening Agni and to cool and balance both body and mind throughout the day.

• Morning: Oatmeal cooked in almond milk, warm jasmine tea
• Lunch: Boiled zucchini + basmati rice pilaf + coriander buttermilk
• Evening: Light vegetable soup (fennel, zucchini, carrot) + linden or chamomile tea + 1 tsp ghee in warm water

This menu provides cooling and hydration without extinguishing Agni.

Liquid Supports: Herbal Teas and Buttermilks

Jasmine tea, coriander buttermilk, aloe vera beverage.

As the summer heat increases, the body loses more fluids. In August, hydration is not just about drinking water, but supporting the body with nourishing liquids.

Quantity is not everything—quality of the fluid matters just as much. Choose drinks that don’t extinguish Agni, but rather cool and balance it.

Recommended Liquids:

• Mint–lemon water: Light cooling
• Coriander seed buttermilk: Eases digestion – Cooling, supports electrolyte balance
• Aloe vera drink: Soothes Pitta – Cooling for digestion and skin
• Jasmine tea: Calms the nervous system – Relaxes the mind, antioxidant-rich
• Fennel tea: Relieves bloating

Choose mildly cool beverages over iced ones.

Meal Timing and Routines

When, how, and how often to eat?

Ayurveda is the science of rhythms and routines. Eating at the same times supports the body clock—circadian rhythm. According to Ayurveda, not only what we eat, but when and how regularly we eat is essential for health. There should be at least 4 hours between meals to ease digestion. Dinner should be taken before sunset.

• Morning: Breakfast between 08:00–09:00
• Noon: Main meal between 12:00–13:30 (strongest Agni time)
• Evening: Light dinner between 18:00–19:30

Nourish Your Soul in August

Nutrition isn’t limited to the stomach: Sensory and mental nourishment suggestions
Not just physical hunger, but emotional and mental hunger also affect the body’s balance. According to Ayurveda, true nourishment happens through everything we see, hear, and feel with our hearts. Therefore, in August’s inward-turning energy, don’t forget to nourish your soul with soft sounds, cool colors, and compassionate awareness.

Foods nourish not only the body but also the spirit. As the longing for calm and introspection grows in August:

• Listen to soothing music
• Balance with aromatherapy (e.g., sandalwood, lavender)
• Practice gratitude meditations at sunset
• Rinse eyes with cool water
• Try silent eating practices

Balance is not just on the plate—it exists in every layer of life.

• Nature walks: Barefoot on earth soothes the nervous system
• Sunset meditations: Slow down the day
• Aromatherapy: Jasmine, lavender, and sandalwood incense provide balance

Emotional detox: Release social overload and digital fatigue

Scientific Articles

Adopting Seasonal Regimen (Ritucharya) to Modulate Seasonal Variation in Gut Microbiome
This study discusses how Ritucharya balances the digestive system, especially in the context of microbiota sensitivity during seasonal transitions—making it especially valuable for transitional months like August. https://journalofethnicfoods.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s42779-021-00078-4

Ayurvedic Daily Regimen Practices (Dinacharya): A Scientific System Model Approach Suitable as a Quaternary Prevention Strategy for Non-Communicable Diseases: This article explains the scientifically based protective effect of Ayurveda’s Dinacharya routines against chronic diseases.
https://www.tmrjournals.com/public/articlePDF/20220727/cf9a6278ac2f59376893f8d3a24194a0.pdf

DINACHARYA (DAILY REGIMEN) IN AYURVEDA: A PREVENTIVE HEALTH PERSPECTIVE
This paper focuses on Dinacharya’s regulatory effects on immunity, stress management, and biorhythms. Perfectly complements your August nutrition + lifestyle articles. https://ijariie.com/AdminUploadPdf/DINACHARYA__DAILY_REGIMEN__IN_AYURVEDA__A_PREVENTIVE_HEALTH_PERSPECTIVE_ijariie26987.pdf

Common Imbalances in August

• Physical: Dry skin, burning eyes, joint pain, constipation, stomach sensitivity
• Mental: Absentmindedness, forgetfulness, decreased sleep quality, impatience
• Emotional: Inner restlessness, feeling of loneliness, loss of focus, burnout
• Spiritual: The sense of “I haven’t enjoyed summer enough,” blurred purpose, low motivation.

These imbalances are natural reflections of a period where Pitta is still active, but Vata is slowly beginning to take over.

Ayurvedic Perspective on August

August is a crossroads where two seasons collide:

• Pitta remains warm but starts to lose strength.
• Vata enters quietly, especially with morning and evening winds…
• Kapha is still suppressed, yet the lack of earth’s moisture challenges tissue balance.

Ayurveda says: “Wind can both fuel and extinguish fire… Timing is life.”

Missteps during this period can make the transition from summer to autumn traumatic. But with the right steps, this passage can be as gentle as a leaf falling from its branch.

What Happens in Nature and in Our Bodies?

• Air: Still hot but drier; cool breezes begin in the morning and evening.
• Earth: Semi-cracked, tired, seeking fertility.
• Body: Water loss continues; dry eyes and weakened digestion become evident.
• Mind: Aimless running, unplanned urgency, desire to do much but unable to focus.
• Spirit: A longing for simplicity yet unsure what to let go of.

Body Channels (Srotas) and Dosha (Constitution – Temperament) Dynamics

• Rasa Vaha Srotas: Sweat decreases but thirst increases. Cells crave hydration.
• Rakta Vaha Srotas: Blood remains warm, but inflammation gives way to dullness.
• Majja Vaha Srotas: The mind slows, but focus scatters. The sleep–wake balance is challenged.
• Prana Vaha Srotas: Vata activates, breathing becomes shallow, the nervous system stays alert.

Mental and Emotional Waves

As summer’s joy fades, August creates a sense of void. An inner unease emerges, like “I didn’t make the most of it, it’s not over yet…”

Signs include:

• Postponed decisions, anxiety about uncertainty
• Social fatigue, desire to withdraw
• Inability to concentrate, sleep disorders
• A feeling of meaninglessness or mild depression tendencies

Instead of suppressing these emotions, Ayurveda says: “Sit in the shadows. Observe.”

Elements, Gunas, and Keys to Balance

Dominant Elements: Fire (Tejas) + Air (Vayu)
Weakened Elements: Water (Jala) + Earth (Prithvi)
Dominant Gunas:
• Hot (Ushna)
• Dry (Ruksha)
• Mobile (Chala)
• Light (Laghu)

Ayurveda’s Balancing Suggestions for August

• Moisturizing: Ghee, almond milk, boiled zucchini
• Cooling: Aloe vera juice, jasmine tea, fresh cilantro buttermilk
• Grounding: Sesame oil foot massage, sunset walks
• Structuring: Eat and sleep at the same time every morning and evening

Daily Lifestyle Suggestions for August

Morning: Warm shower, gentle massage with jasmine or lavender oil. Begin the day with a cooling seated meditation

Noon: Light, cooked vegetables – zucchini, pumpkin, purslane. Buttermilk with yogurt or herbal tea with coriander

Evening: Early dinner, warm milk + cardamom or fennel. Reduce screen time, create a sunset calming ritual

What to Avoid in August
• Fried foods, overly dry snacks, excessive coffee
• Staying up late
• Sleeping under air conditioning
• Excessive socializing, constant planning

The Spiritual Map of August: Simplify, Pause, Retreat: This is the month to listen not to inner noise but to inner silence. Plan stillness. Don’t blame withdrawal. Listen to your thoughts and your body.

What Does Ayurvedic Wisdom Say?

• “Dryness softens not with moisture, but with awareness.”
• “Emptiness is not to be feared, but space to be created.”
• “Retreat into the shade in August; hydrate your body and your intention.”

Scientific Articles

Possible Measures to Assess Functional States of Tridosha: A Critical Review: Reviews practical and theoretical measures that may be used to understand the functional states of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. The effects of seasonal changes on these three fundamental biological forces are presented with scientific references. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18047449

Ritucharya: A review of its effectiveness in adopting seasonal regimens for optimum health and well-being: Examines the impact of Ritucharya, Ayurveda’s seasonal lifestyle guide, particularly on disease prevention, health preservation, and maintaining dosha balance during seasonal transitions. https://www.thepharmajournal.com/archives/2024/vol13issue4/PartB/13-4-26-639.pdf

Ayurvedic Benefits of Beetroot and Tomato Soup
✔️ Balances Vata & Pitta: Beetroot’s sweet and earthy qualities soothe restless Vata, while tomatoes offer a mild cooling effect for Pitta, making this a perfect Ayurvedic soup recipe for balance.
✔️ Supports Circulation & Vitality: In Ayurveda, beets are known for enhancing Ojas (vital energy) and stimulating blood flow, making this soup an excellent choice for Ayurvedic diet for heart health and overall rejuvenation.
✔️ Aids Digestion: Cumin and black pepper act as natural digestive stimulants, preventing bloating and enhancing nutrient absorption—ideal for those looking for Ayurvedic recipes for digestion.

Beetroot & Tomato Soup: A Heartwarming Ayurvedic Elixir
Serves: 1 | Preparation Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients:
● 120 g beetroot, cut into thin cubes or strips
● 1 small carrot, sliced
● 1 tomato, sliced
● 2 garlic cloves
● 1/2 tomato, finely diced
● 3 tbsp cooked rice
● A pinch of black pepper
● 1 tsp ghee
● A pinch of cumin
● Lemon juice and salt to taste

Preparation Steps:
1. Wash the vegetables and boil them together with the garlic cloves for about 45 minutes until the beetroot softens. Puree the mixture using a hand blender.
2. In a separate pot, heat the ghee, add black pepper, and stir for 30 seconds.
3. Add the pureed vegetable mixture to the pot and simmer for 2 minutes.
4. Stir in salt, lemon juice, diced tomatoes, cumin, and cooked rice.
5. Serve hot, garnished with coconut milk or cream, or topped with fried shallots for an extra touch.

Chef’s Tip: Garnish with fresh herbs or add a swirl of yogurt for added richness and flavor.

A Feast of Love and Wellness
Close your eyes and savor the warmth of this immune-boosting Ayurvedic food. The earthy sweetness of beetroot, the citrusy zing of lemon, and the deep aroma of cumin awaken your senses, making each spoonful a gentle embrace.
Cooking this dish together turns a simple meal into a romantic Ayurvedic meal, a shared ritual of connection. Ayurveda teaches us that food prepared with love becomes a gift of healing, not just for the body but also for the heart.

Who Should Enjoy This?
✔️ Best for: Vata & Pitta types, anyone needing warmth and circulation support.
✔️ When to eat: Ideal for a cozy, romantic evening or a grounding winter meal.
✔️ Pair with: A warm cup of ginger-tulsi tea for a complete Ayurvedic detox food experience.

A Valentine’s Day to Remember
Let this day be a reflection of Ayurvedic principles: love, balance, and mindful living. With every sip of this Ojas-enhancing food, you’ll celebrate not just the day, but the deeper connection you share.

Nurture your bond, one vibrant and wholesome bite at a time.

Published By: Hande Mistili, Türkiye
Recipe from: Diet & Ayurveda Book, Savour Your Food with an Ayurvedic Cognizance by Dr. NITHA GOPALAN