The monsoon season is always a boon after a hot, dry spell of summer. Every
human being, irrespective of age, gender or location, has fond memories
associated with rains. Some welcome them by cooking special food (In India, tea
with pakoras are major favorites), some get dripping wet in the showers, while
others celebrate at home with loved ones.
Why do diseases thrive in monsoon?
While it is the time to enjoy the cool downpour, it is also the time to
welcome host of diseases- arthritis, asthma, sinusitis, diarrhea, indigestion,
skin problems, gastrointestinal infection like typhoid and cholera etc.- that
plague us during the season. As the rainy season progresses, long queues in
front of hospitals and clinic become a common norm. Even though modern
medicines offer effective treatment for most of these ailments, Ayurveda highlights
the need for deterrent cure in order to keep the body healthy in monsoons.
Monsoons reduce the immunity of our body and make us vulnerable to diseases. During
this season, the body’s digestive power is unable to properly digest the food
that is consumed. This leads to formation of toxins in the intestines, which is
the primary cause of disease in the body. If the toxin is not cleared, it will
continue to build and can cause an imbalance of the natural forces at work in
the body.
Maintaining Health in the Rainy season
To maintain good health in this season, it is essential that you follow
a balanced diet and lead an lively lifestyle. This will guarantee that your
digestive system remains intact and the production of toxins is prevented.
Ayurvedic tips to boost body immunity and
prevent monsoon disorders
·
- Avoid salty food items as they lead to water retention and bloating in the body.
- Consume foods that are drying in nature like corn, chickpea, gram flour, oats, etc.
- Avoid heavy oils like mustard oil, peanut oil or sesame oil as they are known to increase burning and lead to infection. Instead, use corn or olive oil.
- Avoid sour food items like tamarind, chutneys and pickles as they cause water retention.
- Consume a lot of bitter vegetables like bitter gourd and herbs like neem, fenugreek seeds, turmeric etc. as they are known to prevent infection
- Drink loads of herbal teas, especially those with anti-bacterial properties such as holy basil leaves.
- Massage your body with sesame oil twice a week as it helps in controlling the production of toxins in the body. To avoid skin infection and itching, add 1 or 2 spoons of neem oil to half a cup of sesame oil and use this for massage before bath at least once a week.
- Make sure your drinking water is germ free. Boil the water at home before drinking and use mineral water outside home.
Taking preventive care with regard to eating healthy food and keeping
the body and surroundings clean will help you keep diseases at bay in the
monsoon. By doing so, you can ensure that the upcoming winter season proves valuable
in improving your health and vitality. Keep the aforementioned tips in mind and
you will be able to enjoy monsoons thoroughly.In critical condition you should consult with general physician.
