However, the season comes with its share of challenges. The warm and damp weather gives rise to different types of viruses, bacteria and fungi, as well as visible devils like houseflies and mosquitoes. Thus, a wide range of illnesses, including infections, fever, allergies, and digestive issues, as well as skin and hair problems are common during this time.
The human body is an extension of mother nature and works best when kept in sync with its rhythm. For this reason, it's critical to adjust our food and way of life to reflect the changing seasons in order to maintain optimal health. During the monsoon, making a few little dietary and nutritional changes will help you avoid illness and maintain your health and fitness.
It is recommended to eat warm, freshly prepared, home-cooked meals that are low in fat and spices as these are hygienic and easy to digest. Avoid eating outside as far as possible and steer clear of street food given the low level of hygiene and poor quality of food products used. Limit your consumption of animal products like milk, eggs, fish and meat, as there is a high risk of contamination. Purchase these products only from trusted sources. Cook them well and eat them right away. Avoid storing leftovers.
Savour locally grown seasonal vegetables, as these are fresh, flavourful, and loaded with vitamins and nutrients. Try new dishes inspired by regional and global cuisine with the wide variety of fresh veggies available during the season.
Moreover, fruits are a fantastic source of vitamins, minerals, dietary fibre, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds. Fruits please the palate, satisfy hunger and help replenish the body’s fluids. Further, you must include fermented foods and probiotics in your diet, such as pickled vegetables, idlis, dosas, dhoklas, yoghurt, etc. for good gut health. A healthy body and mind depend heavily on having a good gut.
Rain and piping hot tea are a match made in heaven. Relish a wide range of tea blends, from your favourite masala chai to the endless options of green and herbal tea. A hot cup of tea not only satisfies the senses but also keeps you warm and protected from the flu and cold.
A cup of warm turmeric milk before bed can work wonders for your health, given the extensive health benefits of turmeric. You can also add spices like clove, cinnamon, cardamom and black pepper to enhance the taste as well as the potency of the drink.
Dates; nuts like almonds, walnuts, pistachios and peanuts; dry fruits like raisins, dried cherries and figs; and seeds like pumpkin seeds, flax seeds, sesame seeds, and melon seeds are all superfoods that help reduce inflammation in the body, boost cell regeneration, and can cure all your skin and hair woes. You can make a great tea-time snack by mixing different seeds, nuts, dates and dry fruits. Give the mixture a light roast and season with salt and pepper.
While eating a nutritious diet is essential throughout the year, the monsoon season necessitates taking additional precautions because there are chances of food contamination and waterborne diseases. It may take weeks for the body to fully recover from an illness or, infection and return to optimal health. Thus, the adage "prevention is better than cure" needs to be carefully adhered to.
Eat well, get enough sleep, work out regularly, and spend some time in the outdoors. Your health will flourish in harmony with nature, thanks to the therapeutic energy of Mother Nature.
