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An Ayurveda-based diet can do wonders for your health round the year, but especially in the monsoon season. Monsoon is that time of the year when the body’s ‘pitta dosha’ is aggravated. Pitta dosha is the functional energy of our body, dominant in the fire element, and is responsible for the metabolism and digestion of food. With intensified pitta, the body is at a higher risk of developing ailments, such as hyper-acidity, indigestion, skin disorders (boils, eczema, and rashes), hair loss, and other common infections prevalent during the monsoon season (gastroenteritis and viral fever).
The rainy season is also the time when atmospheric humidity is high, causing a reduction in the levels of vital body fluids. Moreover, due to inadequate oxygen in the air, people often complain of breathlessness and weakness. These factors may lower the immunity levels. While the monsoon season may bring us a sigh of relief from the summer heat, it also signifies a high risk of catching infections.
Therefore, taking care of one’s health and following a wholesome Ayurveda-based diet is important during the monsoon season. In today’s time, having a strong immune system is as important as stocking up on groceries in the house. The immune system, during the monsoon, could be boosted through mindful eating habits, working out, and being hydrated.
Here are four Ayurveda-based diet tips ideal for the rainy season
1. Plant-based foods
Include plant-based foods such as spinach, broccoli, garlic, tomato, cauliflowers, and kale. A plant-based diet is rich in nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, and the antioxidant and beta-carotene content can help reduce inflammation and improve heart health. Garlic, in particular, is rich in allicin, and helps to fight cold and flu. Also, the fibre in these foods helps feed the good bacteria in our stomach. These foods work together to strengthen our immunity.
2. Protein-rich foods
Protein acts as a macro-nutrient and plays a key role in defining the strength of one’s immune response. Important immune cells like phagocytes, lymphocytes, and cytokines are made up of protein. Protein-rich foods are also critical in developing antibodies, which is an important consideration for our overall health. Foods such as soy, dairy products, chicken, eggs, legumes, lentils, whole grains, nuts, and seeds, are rich sources of protein.
3. Antioxidant-rich foods
Consider having foods that are rich in antioxidants. The main function of antioxidants is to neutralize free radicals. These free radicals are produced in the body during day-to-day activities like eating, exposure to the environment, and stress. The oxidative burst of antioxidants could also help eliminate certain bacteria and virus. The best way to consume antioxidants is by incorporating various coloured food items into one’s diet. These include fruits like berries, grapes, strawberries, oranges, and certain vegetables like broccoli, spinach, tomatoes, lettuce, and eggplant.
4. Pulses
You could also include pulses like moong and split moong beans (green gram), toor dal (yellow lentils), and masoor dal (red lentils). These pulses are easy to digest and nourish the body. To get the full value from pulses, they should be eaten along with grains (especially rice). Grains include rice, oat, rye, maize, millets, amaranth, quinoa, and polenta.
By including the above-mentioned food items in your daily routine, the pitta dosha can be balanced. So, be a little mindful of your diet!
