The monsoon season is a welcome change after 3-4 months of scorching summer heat. However, while monsoon offers respite from the heat, it comes with its share of health risks. The damp & filthy conditions in the monsoon play a host for many disease-causing germs, which cause some serious health attacks like dengue, malaria, conjunctivitis, typhoid, viral fever, GI disturbances, etc.
In today’s time, it is not just the monsoon that should be concerning but also the novel virus which has been plaguing the world. Hence the ideal thing to do would be to enhance one’s own lifestyle & boost the immune system.
Healthy Diet Regime for Monsoon
- Consume light and easily digestible foods; considering that the human digestive system is weak during monsoons, consumption of easily digestible foods is recommended. Fruits & vegetables properly washed green leafy vegetables, and pulses are good options for the same. Avoid fried oily & spicy foods.
- Include seasonal fruits & vegetables: Maintain good energy levels throughout the day with seasonal fruits such as apples, pears, pomegranates, Jamun. Cucumber slices will help you with the iron & phosphorus. Keep a safe distance from infection by including bitter gourd, ginger & fenugreek in your diet. Also, practice good food handling practices like washing your hands & vegetables properly before cooking.
- Stay Hydrated: To stay immune to the infections that could spread during the rainy season consume a sufficient amount of water. Water aids in boosting your immunity as they negate the building of toxins in your body. Drink at least 8-10glasses of water. Buttermilk, juices, coconut water are healthier options for the same.
- Include dry foods; Enjoy the rains with corn popularly known as Makka(corn) & similar dry food such as chickpea or oats. This helps to avoid swelling or bloating of the body otherwise caused due to watery food items.
- Avoid carbonated beverages; Carbonated drinks reduce mineral levels in our body & also reduce enzyme activity leading to indigestion. Hence it is better to avoid them, especially during monsoons, where digestion is weak.
- Garlic & turmeric is a healthy option; Taking good care of immunity & metabolism, garlic does a great job for your body. As turmeric is a natural antibiotic agent, you can protect yourself from primary monsoon illnesses like cold & cough by drinking turmeric-infused milk.
Enjoy the rainy season for as long as it lasts. Eat healthy to make sure a stomach infection or food poisoning doesn’t spoil the monsoon season for you. Avoid eating stale or roadside food. Have a healthy & safe monsoon.
Mrs.Swati Awasthi
Chief Dietician & Nutritionist
