While the monsoons may bring some much needed respite from the unrelenting summer heat, it is also a time for bacteria and germs to thrive and spread a host of contagious diseases. With our immunity levels down, our bodies become highly susceptible to the flu and viral fevers. It isn’t enough to just avoid getting wet anymore; we have to pay special attention to our diet to avoid certain foods and increase the intake of others.
Avoid Green Leafy Vegetables
This may seem like odd advice given that we’ve always been told to eat more vegetables, not less, but the rainy season make vegetables like cabbage, cauliflower and spinach veritable Petri-dishes of germs. Therefore, it’s best that one takes special care to eat only fresh, thoroughly washed vegetables.
It’s also a good time to avoid raw salads and eat boiled vegetables instead. Boiling the veggies in water kills the germs and bacteria, thus making for a much healthier option during the monsoons.
Situated close to puddles of stagnant rainwater, these stalls are dangerously close to the breeding grounds of most water-borne disease causing germs. So resist the temptation to indulge in roadside pakodas this monsoon. If it’s too tall a task for you, stick to shallow frying your food with olive oil at home and enjoying the home made snacks with a cup of green tea in your balcony as the monsoons pour down over the city.
It is equally important to remain hydrated during the monsoons even though you may not feel exceptionally thirsty. Water intake helps with general blood circulation and in keeping your immunity at a healthy level. With a general drop in immunity on account of the monsoons and a general increase in germs in the atmosphere, it is doubly important that water intake remains at an acceptable level.
Avoid Oily and Spicy Food
Spicy food is another thing you had best avoid during the rainy season. The heat from the food raises body temperature and results in high blood circulation. This is known to causes skin irritation and allergies, which is especially problematic considering that higher levels of oiliness result from the humidity in the atmosphere. Switch to lighter food option like oats and olive oil instead.
Monsoons are not only the season for germs and bacteria to thrive in, but also the time when the fish in the seas, oceans and rivers reproduce rapidly. The general increase in contamination makes fish a poor dietary choice during the monsoons. The water bodies experience a rise in bacterial levels and the fish that are drawn from the water are equally prone to spreading disease upon consumption. Flaxseed capsule on the other hand, contain all the nutrients that one derives from fish consumption. So Omega-3 is a healthier option during the monsoons.
Drinking Green Tea
Green tea is the perfect cure for all your monsoon woes. Being a natural anti-bacterial agent, it helps keep immunity levels up and helps combat bacterial contamination during the monsoons. Ginger tea is the perfect remedy for a sore throat and it also has beneficial effects on skin and blood pressure. Make sure to have a nice warm cup of green tea this rainy season!
