Rainy season is fraught with the danger of illnesses caused by bacteria and viruses. Temperature fluctuations, pollution and water contamination jointly contribute to the spread of water-borne diseases. What’s even worse is the fact that during this time of the year, intestinal functions as well as the digestive system becomes weak resulting in low metabolism and increased fat storage.
Underactive or Poor performing immune system can make the body susceptible to a host of gastrointestinal problems and monsoon related ailments. Under these circumstances, keeping your immunity levels high could be the only way to stay healthy & fit while enjoying the rains.
Did you know…?
Many organic herbs and natural ingredients sitting in our kitchen closets are in fact one of the finest immunity boosters.
For Ex- Turmeric powder, Neem and Fenugreek seeds are natural antibiotics which are known to enhance the metabolic rate, promote digestion and improve immunity.
Here are a few tips to boost your immunity during Monsoon.
- Keep yourself hydrated. As compared to summer season, people tend to feel less thirsty during monsoon therefore do not consume sufficient amount of water throughout the day which is bad for the body. Drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of water per day. Drink boiled or filtered water. You can also increase your fluid intake by having more of water-based fruits & veggies. They are not only nutritious but will also help in fulfilling the body’s daily water requirement
- Make smart food choices. Avoid junk food & aerated drinks. Add more of green leafy vegetables, fresh fruits and fibre rich foods like oats, whole grains, beans, nuts and seeds to your diet. Spicy & salty food causes water retention which in turn results in bloating. Prevent stomach ailments during monsoon by opting for home-cooked, light meals as compared to oily & heavy meals which are harder to digest. If you still want to treat yourself to some lip-smacking monsoon munchies, use corn or olive oil instead of heavy cooking oils like mustard or sesame oil for frying purposes.
- Quit bad habits like drinking (alcoholic beverages) & smoking (exposure to nicotine). Secondhand smoke is known to trigger asthma attacks and aggravate symptoms in people with allergies.
- Get sufficient sleep. Just like the battery of your mobile, the human body too requires recharging on a daily basis. Sleeping for at least 8 hours per day is the best way to revive the body in order to ensure that it functions properly the next day.
- Participate in some or the other form of physical exercise. Immune system certainly benefits from physical activity. Any kind of workout spikes the body temperature which like a fever, could help fight infections too. Some studies have also indicated that increased blood flow while exercising helps in pumping antibodies throughout the body.
- ) Maintain a high level of personal hygiene. Infection and bacteria multiply at an alarming rate especially during rainy season when the surroundings are already polluted, dirty and contaminated. Stay away from mosquito infested areas and avoid walking through puddles of water. Make it a habit to wash your hands frequently. Shower with warm water. Use an antiseptic soap & hand wash
- Do not stress yourself too much over work or family related issues. Every problem has a solution. All you need to do is stay calm & think positive. Studies have proved that chronic stress impacts every part of the body without sparing the immune system
Despite following these tips, if you have still somehow contracted an infection, do not postpone the treatment by practicing self-medication. Dengue fever, Jaundice, Typhoid, Malaria & Leptospirosis are some of the most common monsoon related ailments which can have serious outcomes if detected at a later stage. If high fever persists for more than 3 days, get yourself tested at the earliest
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