It's time to enjoy the cool monsoon showers as the oppressive summer heat is about to cease. No one can resist indulging in their beloved roasted bhutta or tucking into some crispy, steaming pakoras. But there are diseases unique to the monsoon season. During the monsoon season, seasonal diseases including stomach infections and the common flu are at an all-time high.
Your body is more prone to illnesses because of the air's high moisture content. Your body's reaction might be greatly influenced by your food. As a result, adopting good eating practices is crucial to ensuring a healthy body during this time of increased illness risk.
Small And Light Meals
Mostly due to the humidity, people can avoid eating nutritious foods and instead drink a lot of water. That's not a good idea. Eat frequent short, light meals as opposed to large ones. It will sustain your energy and provide you with the necessary nutrition. Your mood and energy levels will directly benefit from this.
Sufficient Hydration
High levels of moisture in the air are often associated with the monsoon season, but maintaining proper hydration is crucial year-round. Water consumption must be sustained throughout the day at regular intervals. In order to provide your body with enough water at this time, eat seasonal fruits like jamun, apple, pomegranate, cherry, and pineapple.
Drinking Boiled Water
During the monsoon, it is important to drink boiled water since this helps to eradicate hazardous bacteria and germs from the water. During the monsoon, it's crucial to maintain proper hydration since the body loses a lot of water through sweating in the humid weather.
Don't Eat Raw Or Pre-Cut Foods
There is a higher chance of bacterial development during the monsoon. Steer clear of raw salads, precut fruits, and other items that aren't fully cooked as they may contain germs. Cook meals thoroughly to eliminate any possible bacteria.
Stock Up On Whole Grains
During monsoon season, you should prioritise whole grains. Because of their high fibre content, they release energy slowly and steadily, maintaining energy levels. They contain a lot of insoluble fibre, which feeds the probiotic bacteria in your stomach.
Avoid Fried Foods
As much as the weather asks for it, you shouldn't indulge in fried foods throughout the monsoon mindlessly. The body's ability to digest food is diminished in these humid conditions. Fried food should thus be avoided since it might cause upset stomach and indigestion. Foods that are steamed, boiled, or grilled are ideal for this weather.
Prioritise Fermented Foods
Because they add probiotics to the food, even basic dishes like dahi, idli, dosa, and dhokla are excellent for the monsoon season. It has been demonstrated that the presence of living bacteria contributes to gut integrity maintenance, which boosts immunity and shields against common illnesses. Some fermented foods and beverages that can support healthy digestion include pickles, kimchi, sauerkraut, kefir, tempeh, and kombucha.
Avoid Packaged Sugary Drinks
High-sugar juices and drinks also make you bloated and gassy because the gut can't manage the excess fructose. When consumed often, this can raise the risk of diabetes and cause blood sugar spikes. Swap them out for fresh coconut or lemon water, which is excellent for digestion, especially in between meals.
Use Airtight Containers To Protect Your Food
Foods are more prone to mould growth and spoiling during the rainy season due to elevated humidity levels. This is why it's so important to keep foods like namkeen, dried fruits, spices, and cookies in airtight containers. Because they operate as a barrier against moisture, airtight containers restrict the growth of fungus and bacteria, which love moist environments.