Sudden changes in temperature and high humidity during rainy season makes one susceptible to many viral infections causing cold and flu. Taking a nutritious diet and immunity-boosting foods during this time can be helpful. A proper meal should include steamed and boiled veggies, milk products like buttermilk and yogurt, fresh fruits, including herbal teas, avoid spicy foods and consume bitter vegetables. These foods are healthy and contain a lot of fiber, proteins, and other nutrients.
The food we like to eat during the rainy season is hot tea with bhajjis and vada pav, local street food, freshly cut fruits, and many other food items sold on the street lanes like panipuri, bhel & chat. Avoiding all types of outside food, junk food, raw food as it may contain viruses and bacteria leading to severe illnesses like food poisoning, loose motions, and other stomach infections. Consuming plenty of water goes a long way in protecting against viral infections. Herbal teas and warm honey water also acts to protect the upper respiratory tract.
Adequate sleep & rest is equally important for health in mansoon. On average, an adult needs 6-7 hours of undisturbed sleep. This is because good sleep can help to boost your immunity levels and prevent you from getting infected from the common cold and flu. So rather than watching web series all night, try to understand the importance of sleep and have proper rest.
Physical exercise are sure shot ways to boost immunity. Exercise is good for your health, helps to lose weight, and the best for boosting your immunity level. It also helps to improve blood circulation, balances cholesterol levels, and triggers the production of happiness hormone. This all strengthens your immune system to fight against microbes and bacteria. The best exercise for monsoon can be planks, squats, practicing yoga, jumping rope, and more.
It is the favourite breeding season of mosquitoes and mites, which can transmit diseases like dengue, malaria and scrub typhus. Keep the home & surrounding area dry. Avoid any stagnation of water in and around your homes and encourage others to be mindful of it, too. In case of a febrile illness, contact your doctor immediately.
Typhoid and Hepatitis A due to contaminated food/water also become more prevalent during this time. Use only filtered or boiled water and do not use water stored for more than 24 hours.
Consume freshly-cooked, light meals. Avoid raw vegetables, salads, especially the leafy ones, and check all vegetables and fruit for mud, larvae, rot etc., before consuming. Thoroughly wash all farm produce.
Fungal infections in groin, especially of the feet are another problem specific to this season. Clean and dry your body thoroughly every day. Avoid wearing wet undergarments & cloths. Dry washed cloths in open properly. Avoid wearing wet shoes for long. Get warm water bath specially after getting wet in rain.
Wash your clothes regularly and dry them in the sun whenever possible and/or iron them before using. This kills the fungal spores and prevents fungal infections of the skin.
For persons prone to allergies, asthma the monsoon season may precipitate or exacerbate their symptoms. Avoid exposure to known allergens and keep prescribed regular medicines handy at all times for emergency.
