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Rainy Season and its health relate issues Rainy season is very dear, awaited and relieving for every living being. When the drops of rain touch us they act as soothers. No wonder pictures of this season with different varied subjects so much in demand almost every media. There are some everyday issues coupled with the rainy season and some quick ways to deal with them. Monsoon is known to bring many changes along with it. Changes in weather, systems, storage, body, crops, clothes etc. The two most important physical changes which are responsible for some problems include weaker immunity system and reduced digestive capability which makes us susceptible to diseases associated with this season. Heed to these seven (7) mantras and youll be happier in this season health-wise. 1. Avoid Eating Outside Food Increased chances of getting contaminated (Dita) food Increased chances of illness Avoid stale (Bs) food 2. Drink Safe Water Water borne illnesses are on higher side in rainy season like Typhoid, Malaria, Diarrhea, etc. Drink boiled water and make sure that it is consumed within 24 hours of boiling, if not consumed then boil again. Do not drink uncovered water. But, drinking plenty of water is always a good idea as it keeps skin hydrated and supple. Monsoon is time when you should drink lots and lots of water to keep your body hydrated. You might be wondering the reason behind it, well here it is, your body heat has to be dispersed from your body in some or the other way, since you dont sweat much during the monsoon seasons so drinking more water will drain your body heat and other toxins. Hence, you get a healthier body with fewer toxins. 3. Consume clean fruits and veggies In rainy season, moisture (Nam) and growth of microbes are on higher side therefore one should take extra care to wash fruits and veggies thoroughly. Make sure veggies

and fruits you use are fresh and they do not have cracks / broken skin. Soak them in water for 5 to 7 mins. before use. Rinse thoroughly with fresh water. - It is advisable to have cooked food rather than food in raw form and steam veggies and sprouts well before consuming them. - Opt for seasonal fruits like mangoes, bananas, apples, litchees, cherries and pomegranates as the non- seasonal ones may be infested with worms. - Do not eat when not hungry. Eat in moderation as the body finds it harder to digest food during the monsoon. - It is better to opt for non-leafy vegetables such as gourd vegetables like snake gourd (Parwal), bottle gourd (Lauk/ dudhi), bitter gourd (Karela), Torai, cluster beans (Sma), French beans, etc. - Choose food items like corn (Maka'), chickpeas (Chl), oats (Jai) and gram flour which are drying in nature. Moong dal is easy to digest and should be the dal of choice for the season. - Non-vegetarians should opt for lighter preparations like soups, stews, tandoori and grilled rather than heavy curries (Bhr kar). - Avoid excess salt in the diet to prevent water retention and bloating. Go slow on pickles, chutneys and packaged and canned foods. 4. Use herbs like Tulsi, Lemongrass Mint Ginger Turmeric

- According to Ayurveda, problem of gas also persists in this season. For this reason, digestion capacity of the body is reduced. - Alternatively, dry ginger powder (Sonth) can also be used when ginger is not available. - Dry ginger powder, tulsi, lemongrass can be used freely in tea preparations. - Mint can be used with curd (raita) and it is a special ingredient for Biryani. 5. Boost Immunity with citrus fruits Include Orange, lemon, gooseberry (Aml), etc in your sick days.

(Vitamin C rich fruits help in boosting immunity.) Use garlic, asafoetida (hing), coriander (dhaniy) and jeera powder, help enhance digestion and improve immunity. 6. Maintain personal hygiene - Maintain healthy Hair. Take care of hair fall during this season. Try frequent oil and wash cycles. - Wash eyes and feet after coming from outside. - Skin diseases are the most common in rainy season because of the humid weather. Skins get affected as it becomes greasy and oily in this season. There can be fungal infections like dandruff on the scalp, hair loss due to humidity, insect bites, allergy, acne and boils. Best solutions possible are to use: 1. Antiseptic soap for hand washing and bathing. 2. Neem water for bathing. (Boil Neem leaves in container and then added concentrated water to the bathing water.) 7. Try steam inhalation before going to bed Take steam inhalation before going to bed. Cup of hot soup or ginger syrup will help in managing sore throat. Drink warm beverages like soups and herbal teas; add mint, basil or ginger to tea to get relief from cold and phlegm. In the end, Id like to say that we have to protect ourselves Protect yourself from rain water Stagnant rain water puddles are ideal places as breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Try to avoid those places or get them filled. Use mosquito repellants, creams and nets if you live in mosquito- prone areas and avoid mosquito bites. Wash and dry feet well with a soft, dry cloth when you return home. Massage with mustard oil, neem oil, or coconut oil (preferably with also add camphor).