Improve Your Immunity This Monsoon: Basic Hygiene Tips and Fortifying Foods for the Season

Come monsoon and the heart just wants to play out in the rain and munch on all-things deep fried. While the pitter-patter outside lures you to loosen up a bit and enjoy the season, what must be kept in mind is the fact that our immunity hits an all-time low during the turn in season. Monsoon is also that time of year when viral, bacterial and mosquito borne ailments are on rise. Experts recommend taking extra care of your immune system and paying close attention to your everyday hygiene in order to enjoy the rainy season to its fullest and steer clear of falling sick.

The monsoon diet

Some common ingredients lurking in our kitchen or pantry may go a long way in securing good health. Hot soups and cool monsoon evenings make the perfect team. Seasonal fruits and veggies should also find a way into your regular plate. Though green, leafy veggies are excellent for health all-round the year, you must be extra cautious in cooking with these as worm infestation is at highest during this time of the year. Dry fruits, nuts and seeds will not only supply essential micronutrients to your body but will also fortify it to withstand the change in season. Believe it or not, herbs and spices are excellent for bolstering up the immune system. Most of these including tulsi, neem, turmeric among others that come packed with anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial properties that are just about apt to fight monsoon woes.

Kids and monsoon

Undeniably, kids are always the first to fall prey to the changing season. While your little ones would be persistent to go out and play in the rain, don't spoil the fun for them by stopping them. Practice some basic hygiene habits and include some immunity boosting, nourishing foods in your kids' diet and let them have the most of the rains. Fermented foods, fresh poultry and vitamin c rich foods should be a must in your child's diet.

What Ayurveda suggests

Items like amla, bitter gourd (karela), ridge gourd (lauki) and giloy are excellent for fortifying immunity and fighting infections. The simplest way to add these to your daily diet would be in the form of juice that can be consumed right in the morning. According to Ayurveda expert Dr. Ashutosh Gautam of Baidyanath, something as simple as your drinking water can help you arm against monsoon woes. "Simply add few neem leaves or tulsi to your drinking water and sip on it throughout the day. It is better to ditch cold water and switch to lukewarm water during this time of the year. Turmeric is excellent, haldi doodh can easily be a regular part of your monsoon diet; just add a sprinkling of pepper to it," noted Dr. Gautam.

Hygiene in monsoon

Make sure that you and your kids wash hands regularly and thoroughly. Keep a hand sanitizer handy and use whenever, wherever possible. Ditch roadside food items and excessive oily or fried foods. Keep your nails trimmed and dry your hands properly. Carry paper soap wherever possible else use automatic soap dispensers. Use bottled mineral water when outdoors. Avoid sneezing or coughing into your hands, always keep a handkerchief handy. Stay safe, stay protected, keep healthy and enjoy the rainy season to the fullest.

Inputs from IANS