Monsoons are a special time of the year that brings with them incredible joy, portraying the serene glory of nature and an extremely critical requirement for agriculture. It’s that season that people look forward to, for various reasons. Like most weather conditions, monsoons also have their pros and cons. And it is extremely important that each one of us stays healthy, especially during the rainy season. Monsoons, in particular, pose a challenge as the season is marked by viruses and bacteria that force a rain check on our unhindered daily habits.
CAUSE TO DETOXIFY
Research shows that the chances of viruses and bacteria causing trouble for us go up two times during the monsoons. The rate of infections is higher than in any other season as the higher content of moisture present in the air encourages the growth of microorganisms, which increase the risk of transmittable diseases. As several thousand tiny pathogens get circulated through the air, it sets off multiple air-borne infections. The flu, common cold, cough, and sore throat are all causes of this. The elderly and children are usually exposed to infections during the monsoons. The monsoons give us enough cause to detoxify. One must choose to detoxify just as we wash our hands, bathe, and brush our teeth. Detoxifying from the inside of the human body is necessary to cope with a cooler monsoon season that follows a hot summer. During the monsoons, we tend to face lower energy levels that end up weakening the immune system, leading to a weak digestive power that makes us increasingly prone to diseases. To keep our health in check during the monsoons, it is important to follow a detoxification routine. While there are many ways for the body to cleanse itself and stay healthy, it essentially means flushing out toxins from the body and replacing them with a nutrient-rich diet. Detoxification protects a person from diseases while helping us remain fit and healthy.
EATING RIGHT
We often forget that detoxification has been considered a therapy that has been used to offset imbalances in the body for several hundred years now. Ayurveda recognises that a change in temperature, barometric pressure, and unhygienic surroundings lead to a breakdown in the body. As discussed, detoxification is a way of internal cleansing, which is why what we eat becomes important. Tobacco, alcohol, cigarettes, fried food, refined sugar, processed food items, and so on are thought to indicate the success of body cleansing. Dairy products, maida, aerated beverages, and chocolates are best avoided if detox is on your mind. Seasonal fruits, dry fruits, green vegetables, whole grain wheat, and rice (both brown and white) are all necessary foods. There are also powerful antioxidants like lemon, ginger, curcumin, garlic that contain important vitamins and plant-based compounds called flavonoids, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and thus protect the body from damage. Those who have poor digestion capacity shouldn’t consume raw vegetables during this season. At least for dinner, choose a soup over a salad.
POINTS TO REMEMBER
Avoid outside food. Do not consume uncooked or raw foods. Use more ginger, garlic, and turmeric in your meals. You can also include Tulsi. Wash leafy vegetables thoroughly. Germinated sprouts are healthier. Finally, a detox is going to be incomplete without adequate consumption of water and exercise. While a healthy amount of water intake helps the body improve the circulatory, digestive, and respiratory systems.
The author is Medical Director at Dr. Hedgewar Hospital, BAVP. Aurangabad.