With the onset of monsoon, rain showers help cool the environment from the scorching heat of the summer season. Rainy season brings humidity in the air and hydrate the dried Earth. Temperatures fluctuate fast and many times during a day, making individuals vulnerable to catch a flu.
With high levels of humidity, it is imperative to stay protected from water and air borne diseases. Some of the commonly observed ailments in the rainy season are:
- Viral fevers – Highly prevalent
- Bronchial asthma
- Frequent migraine attacks
- Joint Pains and general Body aches
- Rhinitis
- Digestive disorders
If somebody is already suffering from above disorders, they need t take special caution to avoid aggravation and complications.
The rainy season usually arrives from Mid-July till Mid-September on Indian subcontinent. One needs to adapt food habits and lifestyle practices that would enhance the immunity and help to prevent health disorders and mental stress.
Monsoon Season – Varsha Ritu in Ayurveda
- According to Aurvedic principles, Vata Dosha gets aggravated and Pitta Dosha is accumulated in Varsha Ritu. Since, rains just follow summer season in India, Kapha Dosha is least affected, for it was cleared up in the high heat of summer.
- Seasonal attributes or gunas are considered to be Cool and Damp.
- Digestive Fire or Agni is weak in this season, hence making one prone to health disorders related to digestive system.
- Strength of the body or Immunity is also weak in the rainy season.
Skin and Digestive system disorders prevail in Monsoon Season
While viral infections like cough and cold are common in such days, bacterial infections such as typhoid, cholera, and diarrhea also start to get a stronger hold as humidity increases in the air.
Ayurveda acts as a strong hold to the awry minds of people in such situations. Ayurveda curative and restorative principles prescribe lifestyle and food habits for the betterment of mental, physical and spiritual health. These seasonal regimens are termed as Ritucharya and should be practiced to avoid health disorders related to seasonal changes.
Preventive measures towards health upkeep must be taken along with intake of Ayurvedic herbs to stay healthy and productive. In this post, we share with you some of the lifestyle tips and food guidelines that you should practice to make this amazing season of rains an enjoyable one.
Ahara – Foods Habits for Health in Monsoon Season
Wholegrains
Whole grains provide one with proteins, fiber, Vitamins, and Minerals to keep bodies nourished. Polished and processed grains lose essential nutrients and micronutrients. It is necessary to provide all nutrients to the body for strong immunity during rainy season.
- Brown Rice – It is rich in fiber, selenium, manganese and anti-oxidants. It is a whole grain.
- Millets
- Quinoa
- Amaranth
- Buckwheat
Hydration
Hydration is necessary to prevent toxin build up due to low digestive fire.
- Herbal Teas such as Ajwain (Carom Seeds), Lemon Grass, Ginger, Cumin, or Fennel teas should be consumed on regular basis to kindle digestion.
- Stop consumption of water foods such as watermelon, melon, and cucumbers during the rainy season as it aggravates Kapha Dosha.
- Consume warm water and boiled water only. Stay away from cold drinks and cold water.
- Increase intake of spiced lassi, made from yogurt. Reduce milk and heavy dairy products such as cheese and paneer.
Herbs
Herbs can help to promote digestion, boost immune system functioning, and also provide the right micronutrients to nourish your body.
- Garlic – It is packed with anti-oxidants, has many anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties that promotes a strong immunity. Allicin, a Sulphur containing compound helps in lowering blood sugar and blood pressure levels. Garlic must be taken raw or semi-cooked and not whole cooked because cooking spoils its medicinal values.
- Ginger
- Cumin
- Carom Seeds
- Fennel Seeds
- Turmeric
Vihara – Lifestyle Practices for Health in Monsoon Season
Against bacterial diseases
Our deep affinity for junk or street food must be strictly abandoned during monsoon. Major diseases like cholera and typhoid infects on consumption of food that is exposed to open air and unhygienic. The rate of infection from such food increases during this season.
Against Viral Diseases
Viral infections are the most prevalent during rainy season due to reduced immunity.
- Cough, cold, running nose, sore throat, migraines, and body aches are commonly observed symptoms.
- Prolonged viral infection invites bacterial infections, making matters worse. It can trigger chronic health conditions.
- Avoid exposure to wet areas and wearing moist/wet clothes.
- Warm and unctuous foods must be taken.
- Maintaining a proper hygiene to prevent spreading of contagious diseases.
Against mosquito borne infections
Mosquitoes are the major celebrity of the disease world during monsoon. Dengue, malaria, chikengunia are at its hike. Collection of water near your house and on roads results in breeding of mosquitoes and spread of infections.
- Assemblage of water must be checked as much as we can.
- Prevention from mosquito biting is extremely important, use nets and mosquito repellent creams.