Monsoon Diet Tips by Anjali Mukerjee | Foods to Eat for Better Health

Moonsoon is a relief from the scorching summer sun. But with all the fun, comes a palate full of diseases that only come around only during the monsoon. We have your basic monsoon queries cleared in this week’s column.

Q1. Is there a list of nutrition-related do’s and don’ts that we must follow during the monsoons at home?

Yes, most definitely. We need to be very careful about the food we eat and the water we drink during monsoon. During monsoons, our digestion gets weakened and the dosha, which is most likely to go out of balance is Vaata. Vaata aggravation leads to gas formation and indigestion, which most of us unknowingly experience during monsoon. Hence, following these few dos and don’ts will help us enjoy the rains without worrying about diseases.

• Wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly, particularly leafy ones and cauliflower, which not only contain larvae and worms but also collect dirt from the streets.
• Eat moderate quantities of food as the body finds it harder to digest food during the monsoon.
• Drink warm beverages; add mint or ginger or dry ginger powder to tea.
• Moong dal is easy to digest and should be the dal of choice for the season.
• Garlic, pepper, ginger, asafoetida, sonth, turmeric, coriander, and jeera enhance your body’s digestive power and improve immunity.
• Non-vegetarians should go in for lighter meat preparations like soups and stews rather than heavy curries
• Avoid eating food straight out of the fridge. Fresh foods are the best, but if you like to store cooked food in the fridge, heat it gradually and thoroughly before eating
• It is a known fact that we need to drink only boiled and filtered water but care should be taken that the water is consumed within 24 hours of boiling.

Q2. What kinds of fruits and vegetables would you prescribe?

The cardinal rule about eating during the monsoon is that you should never eat when you are not hungry. You can eat something in the winter just because you find it appetizing. Doing this in the monsoon is an invitation to indigestion and accompanying illnesses.

• Vegetables recommended during the rains are the non-leafy ones such as-: turi, dudhi, parwal, suran, gavaar, tinda, and karela.
• It is better to stick to seasonal fruits because non-seasonal ones tend to get infested with worms during monsoons. Pomegranates, mangos, bananas, apples, leeches, and cherries are ideal for the monsoon

Q3. How can I protect myself from monsoon-related ailments like malaria and jaundice?

During monsoon, malaria and jaundice are common due to stagnant water and contaminant food. Use mosquito repellants, creams, and nets, if you stay in mosquito prone sites or places with stagnant water. Wash vegetables with clean water and steam them well to kill germs. Avoid eating uncooked food and salads unless it is organic and clean well. Do not allow kids to play in stagnant polluted water filled puddles. Dry your feet and webs with a soft dry cloth whenever they are wet. If you are prone to mucus and cold try freshly prepared radish juice. It is the best remedy for cold. A pinch each of pipli (available at most ayurvedic shops) and rock salt mixed in warm water reduces mucus formation.

Q4. What foods should I be wary of if I am eating outside, in restaurants?

• Avoid eating chaats, pakoras, snacks, cut fruits and juices from roadside vendors. If you are eating out, make sure the place you have chosen conforms to some basic standards of quality and hygiene or you can acquire serious infections like viral fever, diarrhea, and other water-borne diseases.
• Raw vegetables are to be avoided during monsoon as the uncooked foods can contain various disease agents.
• Avoid fried food and large meals, purely because they bring about indigestion.

A few precautions coupled with care really help you to enjoy monsoon. Have a healthy and safe monsoon.

(As published in Hindustan Times dated July 15, 2019)

Monsoon is a season of beauty and joy, but it also brings with it a set of health challenges. As the article rightly points out, being mindful of what we eat and drink during the rains is crucial to keeping ourselves healthy. The digestive system tends to weaken during the monsoon, making us more susceptible to indigestion and illness. In addition to the suggestions already mentioned, it’s vital to incorporate foods that help boost immunity and support digestion.

During the monsoon, the body requires extra care. Foods rich in vitamin C, like citrus fruits, berries, and bell peppers, help strengthen the immune system. Turmeric, with its potent curcumin content, can also play a key role in preventing inflammation and fighting infections. Healthy fats, such as those found in ghee and coconut oil, not only enhance digestion but also promote better absorption of nutrients. It’s advisable to stick to freshly prepared, easily digestible foods and avoid heavy, oily meals that can cause discomfort and further strain your digestive system.

In addition to choosing the right foods, it’s important to maintain a healthy routine to avoid seasonal ailments such as malaria, jaundice, and common viral infections. Ensuring that you have enough rest, stay hydrated with boiled and filtered water, and follow a balanced diet can make a huge difference.

Health Total’s Immunity Booster Plan is a holistic solution to help you stay strong and healthy during the monsoon. With a combination of Ayurvedic remedies, nutrition-based interventions, and homeopathic therapies, the plan supports your immune system, ensures proper digestion, and keeps seasonal illnesses at bay. By taking a proactive approach to your health, you can enjoy the rains without worrying about falling ill.

Sign up for a FREE consultation with Health Total experts to more tips on how to enhance your health during monsoon or managing any other health condition. Call toll-free at 1-800-833-171709 and book an appointment!