What Should be The Diet and Lifestyle During the Rainy Season?

The rainy season graces the Indian subcontinent, including Nepal, from Asar to Bhadra. According to Ayurveda, the rainy season is associated with the elements of water and air. This is a time for nourishment and transformation. It is believed that during this season, significant changes occur in the properties of the atmosphere and environment, which can affect our physical and mental health.

This season is considered a period of purification and detoxification, as rain is considered a natural cleanser, washing away toxins and impurities from the atmosphere and the earth.

Nepal generally has six seasons. Ayurveda science has a special discussion on routine and seasonal habits. Each season has a different diet and lifestyle.

The rainy season, which usually falls from Asar to Bhadra, is considered a very sensitive time for our body. According to Ayurveda, the environment is cold and humid during this time, which can be a major cause of imbalance in the Vata dosha in the body.

In addition, when the summer heat ends and the cold begins, our digestive power also weakens, which is called 'Mandagni' in Ayurveda. Therefore, during the rainy season, food is not digested properly, and gas, indigestion, joint pain, fatigue, laziness, skin diseases, colds, and other problems may appear.

Therefore, Ayurveda emphasizes the need to take special care during the rainy season. To keep the body in balance during this time, special attention should be paid to diet, sleep, exercise, and thinking. Keeping all these things in mind and following the seasons is called Ritucharya in Ayurveda.

What to eat during the rainy season?

Eating too oily, spicy, sour, or cold food is not good for our body during the rainy season. Therefore, light and digestible food should be eaten during the rainy season. It is considered best to use a diet rich in sweet, sour, salty, and fatty foods. It is good to eat foods made from old barley, wheat, and salty rice dishes like grains. Similarly, meat and meat juice processed with spices, khichdi, hot dal rice, dal soup, wine made from grapes, corn bread, hot vegetable broth, and greens are suitable.

It is beneficial to drink hot water. It is better not to eat raw milk, curd, chiura, ice cream, or cold drinks during this time, because such foods increase the problems of gas, indigestion, and vata and phlegm.

It is beneficial to use sesame oil, ginger, cumin, asafoetida, turmeric, pepper, etc. in food, which strengthens the digestive power and balances vata and phlegm. It is best to eat hot food as much as possible, on time, and in small quantities.

What to do from morning to night?

It is considered beneficial to wake up early in the morning during the rainy season. Massaging the body with oil improves blood circulation and reduces joint pain. It is beneficial to massage with sesame oil and take a warm bath. Then you can do light exercise or yoga, such as Vajrasana, Trikonasan, or Shavasana. Serious exercise, excessive intercourse, or running too much should not be done because the digestive power is weak.

Putting 2-2 drops of sesame oil or Amla oil in the nose in the morning can prevent a cold, headache, or allergy. To avoid an old one, it is necessary to wear warm, light clothes and keep the body dry. Sleeping during the day is not beneficial during the rainy season, as it weakens the digestive system even more. You should eat light food at night. Do not sleep immediately after eating; it is better to wait at least 2 hours. The bed should be clean and comfortable. To avoid back pain or a cold, you should sleep with your body covered.

Natural remedies and home remedies

Since the immune system decreases during the rainy season, it is beneficial to take some Ayurvedic medicines regularly. Triphala, Guduchi (Giloy), Haritaki, Dashamool, Hingwashtak powder, etc., help improve digestion and increase the immune system. Ginger and honey, basil leaves, turmeric water, pepper, etc., can be used at home. Boiling basil, ginger, and pepper in hot water once a day and drinking it can prevent colds, coughs, and infections.

Water, environment, and our behavior

Special precautions should be taken while drinking water in the rain. Drink lukewarm water that has been boiled and cooled as much as possible. Do not drink water from rivers, tanks, or mud. Furthermore, walking in water, getting wet, or staying in very cold places can cause diseases in the body.

If your clothes get wet, dry them immediately. It is advisable to carry an umbrella or wear a raincoat when going out to protect yourself from rain or getting wet. It is critical to keep the house clean, prevent dirt from accumulating, prevent water from stagnating, and prevent the spread of weeds.

Washing your hands regularly with soap and water, especially before eating, and keeping your surroundings clean can help prevent the spread of diseases. It is also important to avoid things like working excessively and staying in the sun for a long time.

Mental and emotional health

Due to less sunlight and increased incidence of asthma during the rainy season, some people may feel mentally exhausted, irritable, or sad. Therefore, keeping a positive mindset, engaging in laughter, meditation, and yoga, listening to music, or reading a favorite book can be a beneficial solution.

Advice for children, the elderly, and the sick

Children, the elderly, and people who are already sick should take special care during the rainy season. Keeping them warm, feeding them hot food, protecting them from the cold, and giving them regular oil massages can boost their immunity. It is important to consult a doctor first before using any medication.

Although the rainy season is a naturally pleasant time, it is challenging for the body. If we adopt a seasonal lifestyle as prescribed by Ayurveda, we can live a healthy, energetic, and disease-free life even during the rainy season. By following Ayurvedic seasonal practices and adopting cheap, easy, and home remedies, the body itself gains the power to fight disease.