Based on the movement of the sun, Ayurveda divides the year into six seasons. According to science, the beginning of the monsoon season is the best time to regain strength lost during the summer. The abrupt onset of temperature and humidity changes weakens the digestive system, resulting in digestive disorders such as bloating, constipation, gas, acidity, and indigestion. Ayurveda suggests a few dietary changes you can make to improve your health this monsoon.
Less Leafy Greens
Because the rainy season is also microbe breeding season, it is important not to overdo leafy greens. Choose Karela, Lauki, Parwal, Tinda, Ash Gourd, Pumpkin, Ivy gourd, Yam, and sweet potatoes instead of leafy green vegetables.
Less Salt and Oil
Spicy, salty, and oily foods should be avoided during the monsoon season because they cause digestion problems, resulting in more indigestion, bloating, and water retention.
Seasonal Produce
The emphasis should be on boosting the immune system and gut health. Seasonal fruits can thus be consumed. Fruits such as papaya, pear, and pomegranate, as well as apples and cherries. Jamuns, guava, and other fruits are excellent additions to your diet. Summer fruits like musk melon, watermelon, and cantaloupes should be avoided.
Cut The Junk
Because the monsoon season is prone to the development of foodborne infections, one should avoid eating and drinking unhygienic foods and beverages. Junk food and eating at inappropriate times can make the digestive system even slower. Poor diet and lack of exercise can further disrupt our gut microbiome, affecting all bodily functions. People who consume poorly handled roadside food and water frequently experience nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain.
Drink Plenty Water
Drink plenty of water to help flush out toxins from your system. Water can also help to improve your digestive system. Ayurveda believes in the concept of Ama, which are the toxic metabolites produced during digestion. Water consumption significantly reduces this. However apart from that, one can use monsoon-specific herbs such as ginger, clove, garlic, cumin seeds, fennel seeds, Ajwain, lime, and so on.
Eat Light
Foods that are too heavy, oily, deep fried, spicy, or acidic should be avoided because they cause vata and pitta imbalances in the body. Instead, eat foods that are good for digestion and your overall health, such as honey, wheat, lentil soup, spiced buttermilk, and so on. Garlic, hing, pepper, ginger, turmeric, cumin, and coriander are some easy-to-digest spices during the monsoon season. They are also extremely nutritious.
Herbal Tea
Natural and herbal teas with antibacterial properties include lemon, ginger, and green tea. They boost your immune system, relieve sore throats, and fight off other health issues. An Ayurvedic herbal tea made with mulethi, pepper, long pepper, and ginger is ideal to drink. It also helps with digestion.