Seasonal Changes

Autumn is a major transition time from the heat of summer into the cool of winter.  As we are part of nature, if we pay attention, we can notice changes in our bodies as well as the environment.  Toward the end of summer, the body accumulates heat causing dryness in our skin and mucous membranes.  Since we are moving into a season that is characterized by being dry, we need to remedy this now so we don't continue to create more dryness. The crazy thing is, when our mucous membranes dry out, it creates an environment perfect for cold and flu bugs and the sinuses react by producing more mucous.   There is a reason we call this cold and flu season! Our best defense, according to Ayurveda, is to have a seasonal routine to balance the effects of each season.  It is considered a cornerstone of health all year long. 
Some ideas to counter the cool, dry, erratic, windy days of fall are:
     Eat more foods that are warm, cooked and moist - eat less foods that are cold, raw, or dry foods like chips and crackers
     Consume plenty of good fats like ghee and olive oil.  You can cook with them liberally and also add them to your grains and soups
     Drink plenty of water - room temperature or warm is best
     Eat foods that are in season. This is exactly what the body needs.  Apples for example are ideal fall food as they help to dissipate heat in the body.  Sweet potatoes, squash and beets are excellent foods to add nourishment, moisture and a sense of groundedness to the mind and body.
     So, if you have the good fortune to be near a local farmers market, stock up on the seasonal vegetables and fruit, buy some tasty olive oil and ghee and enjoy the beauty of the change of season!