Monsoon is at its peak now in most part of the country. The rains are very welcome after the hot summer months and even the plants and animals eagerly wait for this time. It’s a season worth enjoying and planning a trip to hill stations is a must.
But along with the good there is a small downside too where most people fall sick due to the change in weather or their immunity decreases which makes them prone to infections. So here are a few health tips to take care of yourself:
- One should increase the intake of Vitamin C, and by doing so immunity increases. In other seasons it is ‘love is in the air,’ but during monsoon it is ‘viral infection is in the air.’ Keep fit and exercise so that your body can fight with these viruses and bacteria, as working out also increases your immunity.
- Choose healthy homemade food over street food. Avoid consumption of raw vegetables as they may contain bacteria and viruses which can lead to severe stomach infections, food poisoning, or diarrhea. Boiled and steamed veggies are the healthiest option. They are high in protein, fibre and other nutrients. We may get cravings for hot and spicy street foods like samosas, pakodas, chaat among other things. But fulfilling this craving is risky as roadside vendors use contaminated ingredients and follow poor standards of hygiene leading to a variety of food-borne diseases and gastrointestinal infections
- It is advisable to have bitter food as it is healthy. Bitter gourd, neem, fenugreek, or methi seeds can remove toxins from the body. These foods are also high in vitamins and minerals like calcium and iron which help in building a strong system which can fight against viruses.
- At times it is a combination of heat and moisture in the atmosphere. This can cause skin allergies itching or rashes. It can also lead to a speedy bacterial growth caused by sweating in areas with folds such as the back of the knees, inside of the elbows, the space between the toes or fingers and intimate areas. So wash yourself regularly with soap and keep your body dry.
- We might love walking in the rain or diving into a puddle in the field, but it is very harmful for us. There may be rats or water eels and snakes which may bite and cause leptospirosis so make sure you have proper covered footwear.
- During the monsoon, allergies may worsen. Therefore, you must wear a mask when you go outside if you are aware that you respond poorly to dust, fumes, or pollution. Always have your prescribed allergy medication with you. Stay away from already sick people to protect your good health.
- In a media interview, Dr. Yuti Nakhwa, Consultant Dermatologist and Cosmetologist at Parel Mumbai’s Global Hospital, revealed that excessive humidity in the atmosphere leads to a lot of moisture retention on the skin. It causes an increase in infections like fungal infections on the body. Hence one needs to keep their skin dry and should avoid very tight clothing or denim. She suggests going for loose light cotton clothing which would really help. Too much humidity can increase sweating and the face gets very oily. Hence to keep the skin clean she suggests using a gentle cleanser which will take care of skin and remove the excess oil and sweat.
