Living in Dubai means getting used to long, hot days and dry weather that can leave you feeling tired and uncomfortable. The heat can mess with your energy, make your skin dry, and even affect your mood and sleep. Drinking more water helps, but what you eat can make a big difference in how your body handles the heat.
At Dr. Jasna’s Ayurveda Clinic, the best Ayurveda clinic in Dubai, we always remind people that food is one of the best ways to stay cool and healthy in this kind of weather. In this blog, “Eating Right with Ayurveda: Best Foods for Hot, Dry Climates,” we will show you the best foods and habits to keep your body calm, cool, and balanced all summer long. These are easy, natural changes anyone can try!
In Ayurveda, every season and environment impacts your body in a specific way. Hot, dry climates are known to aggravate the Pitta dosha, the fire which is responsible for metabolism, digestion, and transformation in the body.
When Pitta gets too fired up, you might notice:
Skin flare-ups or breakouts
Increased irritability or short temper
Acid reflux, ulcers, or loose stools
Difficulty sleeping
Feeling overheated even in shade
And that’s exactly where the food on your plate comes into play.
Instead of reaching for iced drinks and processed snacks, Ayurveda recommends naturally cooling and hydrating ingredients to bring the body back into balance. Let’s break it down by food group.
Sweet, ripe fruits are both tasty and help cool the body naturally during hot weather. In Ayurveda, they are highly recommended for balancing Pitta, the heat-related energy that rises in summer.
Best summer picks:
Watermelon: Eat it by itself, not with other meals
Ripe mangoes: Ripen mango lassi is a Pitta-pacifying drink
Pomegranate: Balances heat and promotes digestion
Grapes (red or black): Naturally sweet and deeply cooling
Pears & figs: Great for mild constipation caused by dry weather
Keep fruit as a stand-alone snack between meals, not right after lunch or dinner.
If rice sounds boring, think again! Some grains do more than just fill you up. In Ayurveda, certain grains are known to have a cooling effect on the body, especially helpful during dry, hot weather.
Ayurvedic favorites for dry heat:
White basmati rice: Soft, easy to digest, and neutral in taste
Oats: Cooked with dates or cardamom makes for a balanced breakfast
Quinoa and amaranth: Light alternatives to heavy wheat
Keep it simple: Steamed rice with ghee and sautéed vegetables can work wonders.
We often think of spices as warming, but not all of them turn up the heat. Some spices actually have a natural cooling effect that helps the body stay calm in hot weather. They also bring out amazing flavors, turning simple meals into something refreshing and satisfying at the same time.
Top Ayurvedic spices for hot weather:
Fennel: Add to tea or boil in water
Coriander seeds: Great for detox and digestion
Mint & cardamom: Perfect in drinks and desserts
Cumin: A cooling digestive used in almost every Indian dish
Avoid too much garlic, onions, chili powder, and sour pickles, especially in the afternoon heat.
Forget sugary sodas and opt for drinks that actually nourish and hydrate your body. Refreshing, natural options can cool you down and promote better digestion and overall well-being.
Buttermilk (chaas): Spiced with cumin or mint
Coconut water: Straight from the shell if possible
Coriander seed water: Soak overnight, strain, and sip
Rose or vetiver-infused water: Soothing for the senses
Remember that ice-cold drinks may feel like so good when drinking, but they can disturb your digestion. Room temperature or slightly cool is best.
Yes, Ayurveda values dairy, but not all types are ideal for the hot, dry climate. Choose lighter, more easily digestible dairy options to keep your body cool and balanced:
Go for:
Warm milk with turmeric or cardamom
Homemade paneer in fresh salads or hearty stews
Buttermilk after meals for digestion and hydration
A spoon of ghee in rice or dal will support digestion
Avoid heavy or cold dairy products like:
Cheese which can feel too rich and hard to digest.
Yogurt at night may cause discomfort due to its cooling, heavy nature.
Store-bought milkshakes and ice cream after meals, which are often loaded with sugar and can overload the digestive system.
Let’s keep it simple: if it’s heavy, cold, or fermented, it’s best avoided, especially when the weather is dry and hot.
Food is just one part of staying healthy in the heat. In Ayurveda, your daily habits matter just as much as what’s on your plate to keep you cool and balanced.
Smart adjustments:
Avoid the midday sun (11 AM–3 PM)
Try to wear light cotton clothing in white or light pastel shades
Apply coconut oil or sandalwood paste to soothe the skin
Practice sheetali (cooling breathwork) in the morning
Sleep before 10:30 PM to avoid aggravating Pitta during the night
Are you craving a dessert? Well, here are some healthy and refreshing options to try in summer.
Try:
Rice pudding with ghee and cardamom
Coconut-based sweets
Jaggery and sesame treats (in moderation)
Rose sherbet (homemade is best)
Let’s be honest. We all have cravings, but certain foods just don’t sit well when temperatures soar.
Foods that can worsen Pitta:
Deep-fried snacks
Salty chips or processed foods
Red meat and eggs in large quantities
Sour fruits like pineapple or tamarind
Alcohol or energy drinks
Staying cool in Dubai’s intense heat is not just about air conditioning, it is about what you eat and how you live. With simple Ayurvedic food choices and mindful habits, you can support your body naturally through the season. At Dr. Jasna’s Ayurveda Clinic, we offer personalized Ayurvedic treatment in Dubai to help you stay balanced, healthy, and energized all year round.
