HEALTH MANAGEMENT AND FOOD IN RAINY SEASONS

Managing your health and making appropriate food choices during the rainy season is important because this time of year can bring various health challenges, such as infections, waterborne diseases, and changes in appetite. As we know every individual dietary needs vary, and therefore, it is very important to listen to our body and consult a healthcare professional or nutritionist if have specific health concerns or dietary restrictions. Staying mindful of your health and making informed food choices can help you enjoy the rainy season while minimizing health risks. Here are some tips to help in stay healthy and active even in the rainy season-  

1. Stay Hydrated: Even though it's raining, you still need to stay hydrated. Drink clean and filtered water to avoid waterborne diseases. Carry a reusable water bottle with you.

2. Eat Fresh and Seasonal Fruits and Vegetables: Consume a variety of fruits and vegetables that are in season. These foods are typically fresh, and nutritious, and can help boost your immunity.

3. Avoid Street Food and Unhygienic Places: Be cautious when eating street food or at places with questionable hygiene standards. Rain can increase the risk of contamination, so choose food establishments carefully.

4. Boost Your Immunity: Eat foods rich in vitamins and minerals, such as citrus fruits, leafy greens, and berries, to strengthen your immune system and protect against infections.

5. Maintain Personal Hygiene: Wash your hands frequently with soap and clean water, especially before eating. This helps prevent the spread of germs and infections.

6. Be Prepared for Power Outages: Rainy seasons can sometimes lead to power outages. Stock up on non-perishable, healthy foods like canned fruits, nuts, and whole-grain crackers that don't require refrigeration.

7. Avoid Overeating: Rainy weather can sometimes lead to increased appetite, but try to avoid overeating. Stick to regular, balanced meals and control portion sizes.

8. Stay Active: Don't let the rain deter you from staying active. Engage in indoor exercises or find activities you can enjoy even in wet weather to maintain your fitness.

9. Protect Against Mosquitoes: Rainy seasons can lead to an increase in mosquito-borne diseases. Use mosquito repellents, sleep under mosquito nets, and wear long-sleeved clothing to protect yourself.

[Rainy season and food]

10. Avoid Excessive Fried Foods: - While it's tempting to indulge in fried snacks during the rainy season, excessive consumption of fried foods can lead to health issues. Opt for healthier snacks like roasted nuts or air-popped popcorn.

11. Include Warm Foods: - Rainy weather often makes people crave warm and comforting foods. Include soups, stews, and herbal teas in your diet to stay warm and cozy.

12. Stay Informed: - Keep an eye on weather forecasts and health advisories to be prepared for any potential weather-related emergencies.

 

Best foods to be eaten in rainy seasons:

During the rainy season, it's a good idea to focus on foods that help boost your immune system, keep you warm, and provide comfort. Here are some of the best foods to consider eating during this time:

Hot Soups and Stews: Warm soups and stews made with plenty of vegetables, lean proteins (like chicken or tofu), and legumes are perfect for rainy days. They provide warmth and hydration.

Herbal Teas: Hot herbal teas, such as ginger tea, chamomile tea, or green tea, can help keep you warm and provide antioxidants that support your immune system.

Root Vegetables: Root vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, and beets are in season during the rainy months. They are rich in vitamins and fiber and can be used in soups, stews, or roasted dishes.

Citrus Fruits: Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes are packed with vitamin C, which can help boost your immune system and protect against colds and flu.

Garlic and Onions: These aromatic ingredients not only add flavor to your dishes but also have immune-boosting properties. They can be included in soups, stews, and stir-fries.

Mushrooms: Mushrooms, such as shiitake and maitake, are known for their immune-boosting properties. They can be used in various dishes, including soups and risottos.

Oats: Oatmeal is a comforting and warming breakfast option. It's high in fiber, which can help keep you feeling full and satisfied on rainy mornings.

Whole Grains: Incorporate whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, and whole wheat pasta into your meals. They provide essential nutrients and energy.

Lean Proteins: Include lean proteins like chicken, turkey, fish, and tofu in your diet to support muscle health and overall well-being.

Nuts and Seeds: Snack on nuts and seeds like almonds, walnuts, and pumpkin seeds. They provide healthy fats, protein, and energy.

Dark Chocolate: A small piece of dark chocolate can be a comforting and satisfying treat during the rainy season. It's also a source of antioxidants.

Yogurt: Probiotic-rich yogurt can help maintain gut health, which is essential for a strong immune system. Top it with seasonal fruits for added flavor.

Honey: Natural honey can be added to teas, yogurt, or oatmeal to soothe a sore throat and provide a sweet touch to your dishes.

Warm Spices: Use warming spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves in your cooking. They add flavor and warmth to your meals and have potential health benefits.

Disclaimer: This article supports readers with just health guidelines and references. This may sometimes not be applicable for all age groups as the body's nature and diet vary from person to person therefore, consult a good Physician and dietician before practicing the aforesaid guidelines especially if you have some restrictions in diet. 

Decoction increases immunity; but it is necessary to use the decoction in the right way and quantity.....

Herbal tea or decoction is considered one of the natural remedies to strengthen immunity. The use of the decoction helps in preventing the common cold, cold, and many other health problems. According to a study published in 2015 by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), herbal remedies like decoction strengthen the body's immune system, which can help the body fight off infectious viruses. 

Since the start of the coronavirus epidemic, the practice of drinking decoction has increased rapidly in the country to increase immunity. From the Ministry of AYUSH to the Ministry of Health, the use of decoction has been advised to strengthen the immune system during the epidemic, but many times health problems have also come to the fore due to excessive use of the decoction by the people. That is, it is necessary to use the decoction in the right way and quantity. And most importantly, take the decoction only after consulting a doctor. 

Although, decoction has been used in India for centuries, since the outbreak of the corona epidemic, especially during the last two years, the trend of using decoction as an immunity booster has increased rapidly among the people. Union Health Ministry Has also advised the use of decoction as part of immunity-boosting measures to protect against the Kovid-19 epidemic. 

A 'kadha' or herbal concoction is a mixture of herbs and spices. Ginger, lemon, turmeric, black pepper, carom seeds, giloy, cloves, cardamom, honey, and a pinch of salt are usually boiled in hot water to make the decoction. 

According to the government's guideline, "Drink herbal tea/decoction made from basil, cinnamon, black pepper, shunthi or dry ginger (dry ginger) and dry grapes once or twice a day." If needed, add jaggery and fresh lemon juice to it for taste. 

The use of the decoction is beneficial only if it is taken in the right quantity and with the right dosage. According to the Ministry of Health and Ministry of AYUSH, a healthy person should drink the decoction only once or twice a day. For this, it is right to take one cup or two cups (about 50 to 100 mL) of decoction in a day. 

For this, the substances mixed in the decoction should be boiled in 100 mL of water until it remains 50 mL. According to health experts, most of the mornings should avoid using the decoction on an empty stomach. The use of decoction is more beneficial for people suffering from phlegm because the risk of viral infection is also high in such persons. On the other hand, people with Vata and Pitta body types should avoid adding black pepper, cinnamon, and dry ginger to their decoction. It is considered better for such people to drink decoction in the evening. 

Although the decoction usually strengthens the immune system, if it is taken in excess or used more often then it can also have many side effects. During the second wave of corona in the country in April-May 2021, the craze of drinking decoction increased a lot. As a result, many people had health problems due to drinking too much decoction. Due to drinking excessive decoction, people had problems like indigestion, diarrhea, and anal fissure. These problems were seen in both types of people who were infected with Kovid and not infected with it. 

Health experts believe that excessive use of the decoction can cause problems like hyperacidity, burning, and pain in the stomach and intestines in the person. Drinking more decoction can also lead to problems like stomach ulcers or mouth ulcers. Actually, the material used in making the decoction produces a lot of heat in the body. Due to excessive use of the decoction, it affects the stomach and intestines, causing problems of indigestion, diarrhea, and gas, which gradually become anal fissures. 

Anal fissure An anal problem, which is a wound or tear in the thin, delicate lining of the anus. For the benefits of the decoction, it is necessary to use it in the right amount, but if your body is being harmed due to excessive use of the decoction, then its many side effects start appearing. Bleeding from the nose, ulcers in the mouth, excessive acidity, dyspepsia or dyspepsia, problems with urination. If you see any of these problems due to drinking the decoction, then stop drinking the decoction immediately and consult a doctor.

Stay healthy, stay safe...