Share
Now that the sweltering heat of the summer has given way to the leisurely arrival of the monsoon, it has also heralded the flu season, meaning an increased propensity to contract coughs, colds, and stomach infections. As the season changes, so does the body's ability to contend with the rising humidity. During monsoons, metabolism becomes sluggish, and there is a greater tendency to suffer from bloating, acidity, constipation, and gut sensitivity. At such times, avoiding excessively spicy foods and those dishes that are too heavy to digest can prevent seasonal allergies and infections and boost the immune system. These foods can always be replaced with probiotics, boiled water, and hearty home-cooked meals.
Read on below to find out about some foods to avoid during monsoons:
Seafood
The monsoon is the breeding season for fish, which means there is a dearth of fresh catch and almost all the seafood available in the market is frozen, canned, or preserved. There is also a fair chance of finding eggs in the fish's abdomen, which can cause stomach infections during the rainy season. Avoiding fish in monsoons is also nature's way of ensuring that a new stock of healthy fish breeds in seas and fresh waters to make for an abundant catch after the rains subside. The rising water levels are a great breeding ground for fish, and it's best to let them be in the rainy season!
Leafy vegetables
While green leafy vegetables are rich in vitamins and antioxidants, during monsoon months, they are best avoided. Their propensity to attract harmful bacteria and other microbes from the soil can contaminate the produce and further take a toll on our immune system. Leafy vegetables will also not readily be available at your local greengrocer or will be priced higher because the monsoon does not guarantee a good season for the healthy growth of fresh, crunchy green vegetables. Abiding by the farmer's clock, leafy greens are best avoided in monsoons. Yet, if you do need to add leafy vegetables to your diet, wash them well before use.
Chaat treats
Nothing tempts the taste buds in the monsoon season like the tang of a good tamarind chutney and the crunch of a minty pani puri. But during rainy seasons, the ragada in the chaat can cause bloating or acidity, and the risk of contaminated water that makes for the tikha paani is higher than ever. Chaat items like bhel, pani puri, and ragada patties, readily available as favourite street foods, should be passed by without a second glance during the monsoons.
Stale foods
In monsoons, with the immune system always at risk of contracting an infection, it is best to opt for freshly cooked, homemade foods instead of eating stored, preserved, or stale food. High humidity means more moisture retention, leading to the growth of harmful fungi and bacteria in cooked food. While avoiding raw salads and opting for steamed or stir-fried vegetables is a sound choice, it is also important to keep cooking food in fresh oil each time to ensure that the gut remains healthy and free of toxins.
Curd
While eating curd or dahi is a great way to improve the health of gut bacteria, Ayurveda has long recommended avoiding this fermented food during monsoons. This is because, in already cooling, humid climes, curd can aggravate mucous production, which can make the body sluggish and increase inflammation. So, if there's a risk of contracting the flu, the curd will only enhance the seasonal illness. Ayurvedic studies have also recommended avoiding other fermented foods like idli, dosa, or dhokla in rainy months.
Fizzy drinks
These are rather obvious items to avoid while it's pouring outside. They have the tendency to slow an already sluggish metabolism and affect enzyme activity in the body, stressing out the liver and affecting its ability to filter toxins out of the body. Sometimes, while carbonated drinks can aid an iffy digestive system, during monsoons, it is best to replace them with jaljeera or a good old mug of steaming masala chai.
