Monsoon Health Tips: The scent of wet earth, cool breezes, and the sound of raindrops make the monsoon season delightful. This season brings relief from scorching heat and introduces a pleasant coolness to the air. During the rainy days, people tend to crave fried foods; enjoying pakoras (fritters), samosas, and kachoris with tea is a favorite pastime. However, you may not realize that this season also brings a higher risk of illnesses and infections. Food prepared outside spoils quickly during this time, making it easy to fall ill. Consequently, certain street foods can pose a threat to your health. While piping hot pakoras, tea, and roasted corn on the cob can make your day during the monsoon, doctors point out that the season brings changes that affect your body. It is important to understand these changes first. The monsoon brings humidity and coolness to the atmosphere. According to Ayurveda, this season causes an imbalance of Vata and Pitta doshas in the body.
Vata Imbalance: Humidity and cool winds increase Vata levels in the body, leading to joint pain, stiffness, body aches, and fatigue.
Pitta Imbalance: Following the summer heat, the rain causes the ground to release vapors that are acidic in nature. This increases Pitta in the body, causing heartburn and acidity, which directly impact your digestion and slow down the process of digesting food.
Kapha Imbalance: If you suffer from a cold, cough, or congestion even with a mild chill, it is likely due to an aggravated Kapha dosha.
What should you avoid eating during the monsoon?
You need to exercise special caution during this season to enjoy the rains without falling ill. You can stay healthy simply by improving your diet and keeping a few important points in mind. Avoid fried and oily street food—Ayurveda classifies such food as abhakshya (unsuitable for consumption). This category includes fried and oily items. Food sold openly on the streets poses the highest risk of infection during this season. It can also lead to acidity, gas, and heartburn. Therefore, avoid buying and eating street snacks like chaat, pakoras, gol-gappas, roasted corn, and sweet potatoes during the monsoon.
Avoid non-vegetarian food—Refrain from eating meat during the monsoon, as high humidity promotes bacterial growth. Digestion also slows down during this season. Consuming excessive meat or spoiled seafood increases the risk of severe stomach infections and food poisoning.
Avoid cold foods and beverages—You should stay away from cold foods during this season. Digestion can become sluggish, making it difficult to process food properly. Therefore, avoid cold drinks or chilled meals. Instead, consume warm items like herbal tea, ginger water, or soup to improve digestion.
Avoid spicy food—Spicy food can irritate the stomach lining and aggravate digestive issues, especially during the monsoon when digestion naturally slows down. Instead, opt for light, easily digestible food with minimal oil and spices to keep your digestive system healthy.
Avoid leafy vegetables and pre-cut salads—Moisture in green vegetables can harbor insects and bacteria, potentially causing stomach upset. Flies may also settle on pre-cut salads or juices sold outdoors. Always consume fresh salad prepared at home.
Taking care of yourself during the monsoon is crucial. Germs thrive in the environment during this season; therefore, avoid outside food and stick to pure, sattvic (wholesome and light) home-cooked meals. Ensure the food you eat during the monsoon is fresh and served warm. Additionally, drink fennel and cumin water to cleanse your stomach and prevent infections.
