Shravan, the fifth month of the Hindu calendar, is a time of devotion and abundance for Shiva followers. With a whole month dedicated to fasting and prayer, it’s no wonder Shravan is considered highly auspicious.
But did you know there’s a scientific reason behind fasting during monsoons? Fasting is an effective method for detoxing your body in a healthy way. It revolves around consuming light, fresh, and wholesome foods.
Find out why detox is an absolute must during this rainy season and discover how it can bring a wave of refreshing energy to your mind, body, and spirit.
Why Is Monsoon Detox Important?
Ayurveda recognizes the monsoon season as spanning from mid-June to August, with the potential to disrupt both our health and skin through imbalances in the Doshas. Despite the cool atmosphere brought by the rain, the humidity levels rise significantly.
This increase in humidity weakens the digestive fire (known as Agni), resulting in a heightened accumulation of toxins (referred to as Ama) within the body. It is crucial to understand and address these effects to maintain optimal well-being during this period.
Ayurveda advises us to adjust our lifestyle and diet according to the changes in seasons, particularly during monsoon. This is because our body’s doshas also change during this time. The Ayurvedic approach to eating during monsoon focuses on eliminating toxins from our body, essentially providing detoxification.
During the monsoon season, there is a noticeable increase and buildup of doshas, leading to various effects on our bodies:
1. Vata:
During the dry and dehydrating summer heat, Vata dosha tends to accumulate. This accumulation is further aggravated during the monsoon season, resulting in various issues such as weakened digestion, acidic atmospheric conditions, and flatulence.
When Vata becomes aggravated, it can negatively affect the nerves, bones, muscles, and joints, resulting in a range of musculoskeletal, neuro-muscular, rheumatic, and arthritic conditions.
2. Pitta:
During the rainy season, the atmosphere becomes more acidic, leading to the accumulation of Pitta. This aggravation worsens in autumn when the heat returns after the cooling spell of the rain. Imbalanced “Pitta” Dosha can result in various issues in the digestive system, skin health, liver function, and blood.
According to Ayurveda, this seasonal shift is a major cause of various diseases as it results in the aggravation of Vata and the accumulation of Pitta. To maintain a healthy balance, it is essential to adopt a diet and lifestyle that helps in balancing Vata and Pitta. By doing so, you can minimize the risk of these diseases and promote overall well-being.
Diet For Monsoons
During the monsoon season, it is important to include a variety of food groups in your meal plan. These food groups will not only provide essential nutrients but also help boost your immune system to stay healthy.
1. Fluids
Drinking an ample amount of clean, drinkable water is just as important as enjoying comforting and freshly prepared kadha, concoctions, herbal teas, broths, and soups. These beverages effectively rehydrate your body, balance electrolytes, cleanse your system, and contribute to the development of a strong immune system.
2. Seasonal Fruits
Boost your nutrient intake with a variety of seasonal fruits like jamun, pears, plums, cherries, peaches, papaya, apples, and pomegranates.
These power-packed fruits provide essential vitamins A, C, antioxidants, and fiber, supporting your overall health. Not only do they aid digestion and promote healthy gut flora, but they also strengthen your immune response.
3. Monsoon Vegetables
During the monsoon season, a wide variety of nourishing vegetables becomes abundant, including gourds like bottle gourd, and bitter gourd, as well as cucumbers, tomatoes, beans, okra, and radish. Incorporating these vegetables generously into your daily diet can greatly enhance gut health and strengthen immune function.
4. Natural Spices
Packed with an impressive array of anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antiviral, antimicrobial, and antibacterial properties, natural spices such as turmeric, ginger, cardamom, cinnamon etc also possess the ability to bolster your immune system.
Through their unique ability to regulate T-cells, which are essential for defending against harmful pathogens, these spices offer a delicious solution for overall well-being. Embrace the season by generously incorporating these flavorful ingredients into your regular cooking, and experience the amazing benefits they bring.
5. Probiotics in Monsoon Diet
Foster a flourishing gut microbiome with the aid of probiotics found in nourishing fermented foods such as yogurt, buttermilk, and pickled vegetables.
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that effectively combat disease-causing pathogens and harmful bacteria within your body. By incorporating these probiotic-rich options into your diet, you can support a robust immune system and maintain optimal gut health.
6. Vitamin C
Elevate your monsoon diet with the remarkable benefits of vitamin C found in lemons. This potent antioxidant is essential for strengthening your immune response, effectively warding off infections. Incorporating lemon juice, lemon zest, or a refreshing glass of lemonade into your meals ensures you receive the nutritional support your body needs to maintain optimal health.
Foods To Avoid In Monsoons
1. Street & Fried Food
In humid weather, consumption of fried food or street food can lead to undesirable digestive issues. It is advised to avoid indulging in street food treats like gol gappa, where water is often used. The monsoon brings a higher risk of bacterial contamination and insect infestation, which can potentially result in severe infections.
2. Avoid Excessive Salt
Elevated salt intake can result in water retention, causing unwanted effects like sluggishness, increased hunger, and a feeling of heaviness. To avoid these issues, it is advisable to consume salty foods in moderation.
3. Say No To Seafood
During the monsoon season, it is advisable to refrain from consuming seafood such as fish and prawns. This is mainly due to two reasons.
Firstly, the water becomes home to various pathogens and bacteria that can infect the fish, ultimately affecting anyone who consumes it.
Moreover, the breeding season brings about significant changes in seafood, which can potentially pose harm to individuals. It is therefore recommended to exercise caution and opt for safer alternatives during this time of the year.
4. Avoid Mushrooms
During the monsoon season, it’s advisable to avoid consuming mushrooms due to their tendency to grow in damp soil and potentially host bacterial growth. This can elevate the risk of infections. To prioritize your well-being, it is recommended to steer clear of mushrooms in the monsoon.
5. Skip Leafy Vegetables
During the monsoon season, it is advisable to refrain from consuming leafy green vegetables. Although they are typically part of a healthy lifestyle, the increased moisture in the air creates a breeding ground for bacteria and harmful microorganisms.
How to Stay Healthy and Happy During the Monsoon?
When it comes to your well-being, a healthy diet is just the beginning! To truly live your best life during the monsoon season, it’s important to adopt a wholesome lifestyle.
- Avoid daytime sleeping.
- Be mindful of overexposure to the sun.
- Keep your surroundings clean and prevent any water accumulation, which helps deter pesky insects.
- Stay warm and cozy.
- Incorporate regular exercise into your routine, with yoga being particularly beneficial. Additionally, Ayurvedic Panchakarma and sukha chikitsa treatments can provide immense value.
- Boost your immunity with specialized therapies.
- Don’t forget to keep your feet dry for optimal comfort!
