Monsoons bring with them a lot of things—a respite from the heat, the lush beauty of nature, and cravings for everything hot and tasty. However, monsoons also bring with them changing temperatures and humidity, which can have an impact on the immune system. 

Monsoons account for some of the highest cases of common waterborne diseases such as cholera, malaria and typhoid. The combination of heat and humidity may also weaken the skin barrier, making it prone to damage. These may affect the immune system and, as a consequence, affect people’s ability to enjoy this season to the fullest. Hence, to make the best of this season, it is important to stay healthy and happy.

Ayurveda For A Healthy Monsoon?

Ayurveda is a traditional healing method. This means that more than treating superficial wounds and diseases, it believes in healing the body from within or enabling the body to heal itself. During a certain season, too, Ayurveda describes how one must behave to maintain optimum health. 

How To Stay Healthy During Monsoons With Ayurveda 

As per Ayurveda, monsoons are a time for aggravated pitta (heat). This makes the body sluggish with slow digestive abilities. This also makes the skin dehydrated, which may compromise its protective abilities. Both of these areas are important in keeping the body's immune system active and balanced. Any disturbance can lead to a weakened immune system. 

Therefore, for staying healthy during monsoons, it's important to keep your skin and body healthy. Some of the most important suggestions recommended by Ayurvedic practitioners include:

  1. Avoid heavy foods

Due to increased heat circulation in the body, the digestive system may not be able to digest heavy, greasy foods. While very tempting, deep-fried, spicy, or acidic foods can aggravate your digestive problems as they lead to water retention, acidity, and indigestion. If you’re looking to still get your fried food fix, use lighter, organic cold-pressed oils such as groundnut, mustard, or the best option cow ghee. 

Proteins are complex foods. This means they are slow to digest and, hence, keep you fuller for longer, essentially preventing cravings. Including rich protein-packed pulses like moong, chickpea, or foods like oatmeal can help you fulfil your nutritional needs. Consider alternatives to carbohydrate-rich wheat flour by replacing it with organic bajra flour or cassava flour. If you're having trouble creating recipes from scratch for such ingredients, consider incorporating ready-to-make mixes like bajra moong dal or moong dal dosa mix to get that quick satisfaction. 

   3. Include Immunity-Boosting Ayurvedic Food

Ayurvedic food has been propagated for many years. Thankfully, this practice has ensured that we include immunity-boosting ingredients like organic turmeric powder, organic black pepper, honey, etc. in our diets. However, these ingredients may not be enough, especially during the monsoon. Including external supplements, like Ayurvedic tablets for immunity may go a long way in keeping your body up to date with the antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds it needs to keep your cells healthy and prevent damage to them. A good option can be incorporating neem giloy tablets, or triphala capsules. 

If you're not a fan of supplements, you can always check out Ayurvedic kadha recipes online, which make use of immunity-boosting ingredients like ginger, honey, lemon, and turmeric. The best organic turmeric powders are available online or choose ready-to-make mixes of mixed herbs. 

By incorporating immunity-boosting Ayurvedic foods, you can not only prevent infections but also help your body combat the weather changes by getting the body temperature regulated through Ayurvedic food. 

   4. Keep Yourself Hydrated

Just because it’s monsoons, it does not mean that your body does not need hydration anymore. Due to the fluctuating humidity of the air, your skin might actually be unable to find a decent balance of moisture for itself, leading to dry, dehydrated skin. This may cause it to become more prone to breakouts (due to excess oil production to compensate for the lack of moisture), flakiness, fine lines, eczema, and allergies.

Include foods that are rich in anti-inflammatory substances and provide your skin hydration, and also combat any cellular damage to the skin. Examples include pomegranates, papaya, oranges, berries, grapes, etc. You can either consume them whole or use them on your face like in the form of papaya face packs, or body scrubs to get rid of dry, dead skin cells.

Drinking enough water will also keep your digestive system going, and prevent any indigestion or bloating.

   5. Avoid raw, uncooked, and unhygienic foods

Monsoons tempt us to eat outside food, which can be harmful as many diseases during the rainy season are water-borne. Ayurveda also suggests that due to the seasonal imbalance in the digestive tract, eating raw and uncooked food like green leafy vegetables may cause more difficulty for the digestive system and for the body in general. It is recommended by Ayurvedic texts to avoid consuming raw foods and opt more for plant-based foods rich in vitamins, minerals, beta-carotene, and other compounds that can strengthen the immune system. Selectively using ingredients like ginger, garlic, etc, in the food can also help boost the immune system, keeping the body healthy and active.