We are currently experiencing the transition season from monsoon to winters, it brings a host of health problems like gastrointestinal disturbances, diarrhoea, indigestion, colds, flu, viral fever and other infections, etc. Since, it is the season when the body is most vulnerable to infections, strengthening our immunity is important.
During monsoon, there is also a rise in humidity, due to which our digestive system gets sluggish. So, working on improving your gut health and eating the right kind of food is needed the most to prevent yourself from falling ill.
Foods to avoid this season:-
- Street food - Pani puri, chaat
- Fried food - Pakoras, samosas
- Avoid non-vegetarian food
- Unfiltered water and beverages in the market like fruit juices
- Consumption of leftover sliced fruits and vegetables
Foods that provide better health:-
- Herbs - Plenty of garlic, pepper, ginger, asafoetida, turmeric, coriander and jeera, all of which enhance digestive power and improve immunity.
- Include these cereals - Makka (corn), jow, oats, millets, soya flour
- Another kind of flours - Besan (gram flour), banana flour
- Include legumes and pulses like horse gram, moong dal
- The gourd family - Karela (bitter gourd), ridge gourd, bottle gourd are rich in antioxidants, vitamins A, C, minerals and fibre.
- Stay hydrated and include hydrating beverages as well, but very less sugar.
- Fruits - Pomegranate, plum, pear, jamun and citrus fruits like guavas, mausami, lemon.
- Probiotics - Opt for yoghurt, curd along with your lunch as probiotics work in improving your gut health.
- Snack on coconuts or have chutney, a source of good fat.
- Nuts- Peanuts, almonds and walnuts should be included in your diet.
- Herbal Tea- Include tulsi, ginger, cinnamon and honey tea to avoid viral fever or other infections. Also, try including these spices in dishes to improve immunity.
- Add a few cloves of garlic to soups, stir-fries and curries.
- Add roasted seeds to your breakfast options or beverages.
- Drink boiled or filtered water to avoid water-borne infections.
- To avoid any skin infections boil neem leaves in water and take a bath with it.
To summarise, including seasonal foods during monsoon help build resistance against infections and diseases. Stay healthy and happy this season!