With the onset of the monsoon, everybody has a smile on their face. Irrespective of age, everybody enjoys the rainy season. But this is also a season of illness. So make sure you eat a nutritious and healthy diet and follow basic hygiene to stay safe.
The rainy season often leads to sewage overflowing and mixing with drinking water. This leads to gastrointestinal disorders. The season also sees the onset of waterborne diseases such as typhoid, diarrhoea and jaundice.
There is also a chance of respiratory problems being aggravated. People may experience problems in breathing, as the air is extremely humid. The high level of humidity also leads fungal growth, which can lead to exacerbation of allergies like allergic rhinitis, bronchial asthma and bronchitis. Due to the change in weather, people are more prone to viral fevers.
What you can do
Nutritious foods is essential to build up resistance. The items on your diet should be packed with nutrients and multivitamins. Incorporate salads and fruits of different kinds.
Be careful about the food you eat and the water you drink. Eating out is not advisable, especially if it is street food. It could be unhygienic and easily contaminated.
Try to eat freshly cooked food. If stored in the fridge, warm before eating.
Ensure that vegetables and fruits are thoroughly washed. Leafy vegetables and cauliflower not only contain larvae and worms, but also dirt and mud.
Despite the flood outside, the body can get dehydrated. So remember to drink 8-10 glasses of water. Boil or filter the water before you drink.
Those who like their cup of tea can add mint, ginger or dry ginger. This helps detox the body and soothe the stomach.
Fats and carbohydrates should be eaten in the right proportion. Avoid oily and deep fried foods. Vegetarians should include proteins in their diet through dal, milk and milk products and soya products. Moong Dal is ideal for this season as it is easily digested. Non-vegetarians should avoid red meat and go for lighter items like soups and stews.
Spices like garlic, pepper, asafoetida (hing), jeera, turmeric and coriander help enhance digestion and improve immunity.
Now you are set to enjoy the season.
