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‍July, Issue 3

‍Dear Visitor,

When the weather warms up, it’s natural to crave something cooling – a bowl of yoghurt, a milk shake, or that ice cream calling your name. While they feel refreshing at first, these foods can be a shock to your system and may leave you feeling heavy, bloated, or sluggish.

From an Ayurvedic perspective, this happens because raw or chilled foods dampen our digestive fire (called agni). In summer, as the body’s heat rises, our agni naturally weakens - especially when overloaded with rich, heavy, or cold foods.

‍Why Your Digestion Struggles in Summer

When it’s hot outside, your body cleverly redirects more blood to the skin to help keep you cool. This is why you might notice a rosier glow – but it also means less blood is available for digestion.

Think of agni like a campfire. In winter, it burns strong and steady. In summer, it’s like trying to keep that fire going in a breeze – sometimes it flares up (hello, heartburn), and sometimes it nearly goes out (cue bloating and sluggish digestion).

‍The "Healthy Food" Trap 

It’s easy to think, “I need something cooling and healthy,” and reach for cold smoothies, raw salads, or yoghurt with fruit - but these can be more challenging for the gut than we realise.

The problem is that yoghurt made from cow’s dairy is heavy and difficult to digest – especially when eaten cold or combined with fruit. Pasteurised cow’s milk has larger molecules that don’t pass easily into the bloodstream, and if your digestion is already compromised (as it often is when we’re grieving), cow’s dairy can make things worse.

Lassi: A Better Summer Choice

Lassi has all the gut-friendly benefits of yoghurt but in a lighter, more digestible form. Whisking yoghurt with warm water and a pinch of digestive spices transforms it into a nourishing drink that keeps you cool, supports digestion, and feels much kinder on your body than ice cream or chilled dairy.

‍Why This Works Better:

• Cumin: Rekindles your digestive fire without ‘overdoing’ it
• Cardamom: Helps break down mucus and improves digestion
• Rock salt: Adds trace minerals and helps retain fluids
• Lime: Encourages the secretion of digestive enzymes and bile
• Warm water: Prevents shocking your already weakened digestion

‍When Grief Disrupts Everything (Including Your Gut)

Grief doesn't just affect your emotions – it throws your entire digestive system off course. Eating patterns change, stress levels spike, and suddenly foods that used to agree with you suddenly don't, especially in summer.

The key during these times is gentleness:

• Choose simple, easy-to-digest meals.
• Avoid foods that don’t feel good right now.
• Stay hydrated with room-temperature or warm drinks.
• Trust your body rather than what’s labelled “healthy” (even if I recommend it!).

‍📖 Want More Summer Digestive Support?

I’ve put together a guide with delicious summer drinks that cool you down without compromising digestion – perfect substitutes for coffee, alcohol, or iced teas. 

‍🔍 When Digestive Issues Need Deeper Attention

If you’re dealing with persistent digestive problems – bloating, severe constipation, or inflammatory conditions like gastritis or Crohn’s – it may be time to look deeper. 

‍Remember: your body is doing its best under difficult circumstances. Be gentle with yourself, and listen to your gut. It will whisper before it will roar.

If you try this lassi or any of the other approaches, I’d love to hear how they work for you – simply reply and let me know.

Much love,

Sabine

‍Sabine Horner
77 Millfield Lane
York YO10 3AW
United Kingdom

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