The monsoon season brings much-needed relief from the scorching heat, but it also comes with a host of health concerns. Increased humidity and fluctuating temperatures can lead to a weakened immune system, making us more vulnerable to infections, digestive issues, and general malaise. Adopting a well-balanced diet and incorporating multivitamins can play a crucial role in maintaining health and vitality during this season.
The Importance of a Monsoon-Specific Diet
- Boosting ImmunityDuring the monsoon, our immune system often takes a hit due to the sudden change in weather. Consuming foods rich in vitamins and minerals can help strengthen our defenses against common monsoon ailments like colds, flu, and gastrointestinal infections. Ayush Aggarwal, Founder, Rasayanam Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of foods rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants to sustain immunity during this season. Fruits like plums and sweet limes, along with sprouts, soups, probiotics, and herbal teas, should be part of our daily diet.
- Maintaining Digestive HealthHigh humidity can affect our digestive system, leading to issues such as indigestion, bloating, and food poisoning. A diet rich in fiber, probiotics, and easily digestible foods can keep our gut healthy and functioning properly. According to Ayush Aggarwal, the monsoon slows down our metabolism, making it essential to consume a light and semi-solid diet rich in fiber instead of indulging in heavy meals. Avoiding outside junk food is also recommended due to the risk of food spoilage.
- HydrationDespite the cooler temperatures, it’s crucial to stay hydrated during the monsoon. Drinking adequate water and consuming hydrating fruits and vegetables can prevent dehydration and keep energy levels up. Ayush Aggarwal advises maintaining hydration and electrolyte balance with coconut water and lemon water, which play a key role in keeping electrolytes stable.
Multivitamins: A Helpful Addition
While a balanced diet should ideally provide all the necessary nutrients, multivitamins can be beneficial during the monsoon for several reasons:
- Nutrient GapsEven with a well-planned diet, it can be challenging to meet all nutritional requirements. Multivitamins can help bridge these gaps, ensuring that your body gets the essential vitamins and minerals it needs. Ayush Aggarwal suggests that multivitamins containing vitamins C, D, and zinc can boost your immune system, helping you stay healthy and fight infections.
- Enhanced ImmunityMultivitamins are particularly useful in enhancing immunity. The combination of vitamins C, D, and zinc is known to strengthen the immune system, making it easier to ward off infections and illnesses that are common during the monsoon season.
Tips for Monsoon Health
Nutritionist Arooshi Aggarwal recommends restricting daily non-vegetarian consumption during the monsoon, as it is more prone to bacterial infections and food spoilage, which can cause gastrointestinal issues. Additionally, a 30-45 minute workout is essential to keep the metabolism and body’s circadian rhythm going, as the lack of sunlight and cold, damp weather can cause stiffness.
Instead of indulging in heavy meals like chai and pakoras, consider healthier alternatives like chai and makhanas or soups to keep yourself warm in this unstable environment. Coconut water and lemon water play a key role in maintaining electrolytes.
Avoiding outside junk food is also recommended due to the risk of food spoilage. Consuming foods rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants helps sustain immunity during this season; fruits like plums, sweet limes, sprouts, soups, probiotics, and herbal teas should be part of our daily diet.
The monsoon season requires a specific approach to diet and nutrition to ensure optimal health. By focusing on boosting immunity, maintaining digestive health, staying hydrated, and incorporating multivitamins, you can navigate this season with vitality and well-being. Both Ayush Aggarwal and Arooshi Aggarwal provide valuable insights into how to adapt your diet and lifestyle to stay healthy during the monsoon.