Remember the good old days…When petrichor (smell of soil after it rained) was the most soothing aroma and when making the paper boats and letting it sail on terrace filled with water was the biggest adventure of life, when water getting splashed on school uniform while walking was the biggest fear and when getting drenched in rain was the biggest happiness.
When life was all about the hot pakodas cooked by mum and when turmeric milk was the best cure for the inevitable cough and cold and when accidentally switching on the fan was the biggest blunder of life…..!!!
Monsoon has always given us the best memories of life and you miss those days all the more when you realize that you are stuck in that 8 to 8 routine and the paper boats have no role to play in your excel dominated life. This yearning for childhood gets stronger when you see the rain pouring down on your window panes and to relive those good old days you head to the nearby gol Gappe thela or get the samosas packed while going home…..
BUT BEFORE YOU MOVE AHEAD TO RELIVE THOSE CHILDHOOD DAYS…..A WORD OF CAUTION…..YOUR MOTHER WON’T BE AT HOME TO GIVE YOU THAT TURMERIC MILK WHEN YOU FALL SICK…..:(
So, remember despite all the good things that rain brigs along, it also brings with it a series of infections and seasonal diseases and it’s better to take great care of yourself so that your mother doesn’t get bothered by your falling sick.
In case you are already feeling the cold here’s a desi nuskha for you , which will surely make you feel better overnight:
We also have for you a list of food that you should avoid this season and also the ones you can relish.
A careful note of these little things will help you in enjoying this monsoon season to the most…Have a look….!!!!
FOODS TO AVOID THIS MONSOON
1. LEAFY VEGETABLES
All our lives we have been taught the importance of green leafy vegetables but it is better to avoid them during monsoon specially lettuce, spinach, cabbage and cauliflower because during this season they are prone to little insects and worms due to dampness present in them and the soil in which they grow might be contaminated making it easier for the worms to get into the leaves and eating them might lead to diarrhea and other stomach infections.
2. SALTY FOOD:
Salty foods should in any way be avoided by people with high blood pressure but during monsoon, it is advisable to use salt moderately. Eating salty foods increases the chances of bloating and sluggishness and can also lead to uneasy hunger pangs and feeling tired all the time. Moreover, if you are a heart patient or suffer from high cholesterol or high blood pressure make sure to use salt in moderation.
3. SEA FOOD:
Rainy season is the breeding time for fish and other marine animals so it is best to avoid fish and prawns during this time of year. The possibility of water pollution also increases in the rainy days and the dirt and other germs get accumulated on the sea animals which increases the risk of infection and food poisoning. Hence, stick to chicken and mutton to satiate the craving for non-veg food.
4. MANGOES:
It is saddening but yes you should avoid this fruit during monsoon because it can cause acne and other skin related issues. However, if you have a kid who is adamant on eating it then make sure to clean his face very properly after eating. More so, if your child is prone to skin problems.
5. WATER FROM UNKNOWN SOURCES:
You should be very careful with water borne diseases during this time of year and it is better to carry your own water bottle filled with filtered water. In case you have forgotten to carry one it is better to buy filtered water since most of the time even water coolers are not cleaned poperly and regularly. But, if you are using office’s water coolers which you are sure is cleaned properly then always wash the glass properly before drinking.
6. ROAD SIDE FOOD AND DRINKS:
Generally, any food item that has been cut and kept for long should be avoided but during monsoon this should be a big thing to take care of. Fruits and other food items cut up well in advance come in contact with contaminated monsoon air and hence should not be eaten during this time. It’s best to have fresh juice prepared at home instantly and relish the rainy season.
7. SOFT OR FIZZY DRINKS:
Fizzy drinks reduce minerals in our body, which in turn leads to reduction of enzyme activity. With an already weak digestive system, this can be dangerous. So, always have some water or homemade nimbu paani with you, you can also sip some ginger tea to keep your digestive system healthy.
8. CURD:
Curd has cooling properties and in this season you might be prone to catching cold. Moreover, it can worsen sinuses so stay away from lassi, chaach, shrikhand and other products that use curd.
9. DAIRY PRODUCTS:
Drinking milk regularly is a good habit for enhancing calcium intake but during monsoon it is better to avoid it. Humid weather could suck the entire nutrient out of milk and make it perish faster than usual. Always check if the dairy product you are about to use is still good before you use it. Also be careful with the hygiene quotient if you are having cows or buffalo milk.
10. FRIED FOOD:
We all crave for samosas and pakodas in this season but you should try to avoid these since the humid weather during this season causes our digestion process to slow down and eating fried things can lead to gastric issues like bloating and upset stomach. Fried food from street vendors is a big ‘NO’ because they keep using the same oil again and again and this can turn to be utterly dangerous. Moreover, too much fried food can lead to obesity.
THINGS TO DO IN MONSOON
To enjoy this season to the fullest follow these simple but beneficial tips:
1. TAKE CARE OF YOUR HYGIENE:
Monsoon brings along the most refreshing weather but there are full chances that you might step in a grimy puddle or moving vehicles splash some dirty water on you while you are taking a stroll, so be cautious with your personal hygiene. Make sure to take a good bath the moment you enter the home and don’t wait to wash your clothes either. Use an anti-bacterial solution or soap to clean the clothes nicely.
2. EXERCISE REGULARLY
The rainy season might make you lazy but remember once a routine is broken it’s difficult to realign it into your life. I understand that going to the gym or reaching a park could be difficult but a simple workout at home can be sheer bliss. So, try out these simple indoor exercises and avoid that lazy mood and potentially harmful bacteria.
- Spot jogging.
- Pilates
- Dance workout
- Skipping
- Zumba
- Yoga
3. AVOID A HEAVY MEAL AND HAVE A LIGHT DIET
Make sure to eat fruits like pomegranates, apples, jamuns, plums, cherries, litchis, pears, peaches, papayas to improve the immune system. Make sure to wash fruits and vegetables properly before eating. While buying fruits or vegetables look for tiny holes in the fruit, if you find one then it is a sign that is infected and a worm has got inside the fruit or vegetable. Always wash vegetables well and keep them clean especially if they are taken raw.
4. GARGLES:
In case you have caught cold or you are feeling choked due to excessive cough then Gargle your throat with salt water, salt water is a safe disinfectant and is a proven formula to get rid of the infection, try gargling atleast thrice a day and feel the benefit almost instantly.
5. USE SANITIZER
Carry a hand Sanitizer at all times and use it if your hands touch places touched by others. For e.g. door knobs, bus and metro handrails. Make sure to not make it a regular habit because using too much of it can make your skin dry and itchy.
6. TAKE CARE OF YOUR EARS:
Most of the people are prone to ear infections in this season so in order to avoid it try the following tips:
- Keep your ears clean and dry. In case you have got wet then dry your ears with a clean dry cloth.
- Also clean your ears after a shower
- In case your ears itch, avoid using cotton ear tips or your fingers, put some drops suggested by the doctor.
- Check for earwax. Clean your ears regularly. But be careful while doing it and don’t use too sharp thing for it.
- If you use headphones or Bluetooth then make sure you use a disinfectant to clean the earpiece properly and regularly.
- If you have problem in your ear hole then always use a little cotton dipped in some oil and put it in your ear especially if you are going out in the rain.
7. KEEP DRINKING WATER:
Drinking too much water might get difficult at times and increase the urge to urinate but remember it is advisable to keep your body hydrated else it will be easier to catch infections due to drop in immunity. Water loss can also make you lethargic, so keep sipping water. One wonderful known ‘nuskha’ is for people who suffer from arthritis—–drink warm water with tulsi and dalchini (cardamom) on an empty stomach in the morning. It will improve bowel syndromes and also lessen joint pain.
8. TURMERIC MILK:
Turmeric is an amazing immunity-boosting spice. ‘Curcumin’ present in turmeric makes it a good antioxidant. Use one fourth spoon turmeric in a glass of hot milk and drink it before going to bed at night it will give you a good sleep and also improve your immune system.
9. KADHA (HERBAL DRINK)
Boil some herbs in water and drink it to boost your immune system. Add spices such as tulsi, ginger, cinnamon, fenugreek, cumin and peppercorn. A little honey can also be added to satiate your sweet tooth. Drink it if you are feeling cold to get instant relief.
10. GINGER AND BASIL TEA
So, what better than a hot cup of adrak-wali-chai in rainy season. It is not only a mood enhancing drink but also helps in relieving stress and curing sore throat and nausea. There are immense benefits of a warm cup of lemon and ginger tea. The antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties of ginger and turmeric can keep your immunity strong and keep the sniffles at bay.