Monsoon season brings respite from the scathing summer heat but is also accompanied by food and water-borne diseases. Typhoid, cholera, and flu are some of the common health concerns in this season. But what makes the season more complex is the unhealthy cravings it brings along, which compromises our immune health.

As per Ayurveda, the change in season also leads to the change in the energy of our body. This change makes your digestive and immune system weak. To keep yourself healthy in this season, one must include nutrient-rich food in their diet. We talked to Dr Deepa Apte, an Ayurvedic doctor to know more about the kind of food one should eat in monsoon to stay healthy and fit.

Immunity boosting chutney

Dr Deepa says that it is important to strengthen your immune health in this season. A healthy immune system will protect you from illnesses and support your digestive health. She recommends eating a special ginger and honey chutney for boosting immunity.

Ingredients:

2 inch grated Ginger

2 tbsp lemon juice

Some honey or jaggery

A pinch of salt

A pinch of black pepper

How to make it: Mix all the ingredients and store in an airtight container in your refrigerator.

How to have it: Take one spoon of chutney and mix it in some water and have it 3-4 times a day for boosting your immune health. In case you do not like to have the chutney, then you can drink ginger and lemon tea, which is equally beneficial.

Foods to avoid

In monsoon, it is best to avoid any food items which are too cold, dry or raw. Foods like raw salad, ice-cream, cold juices and cold yoghurt may weaken our immune system. Besides, Dr Apte also recommends reducing the amount of fish and meat intake. “Some nightshade vegetables like raw tomato and bell pepper can also cause problems in this season. They produce Vata gases and weaken the immune system,” the doctor said.

Foods eat

Including more cooked and nourishing food is preferred in monsoon seasons. If possible try to follow a vegetarian diet. Vegetarian food helps to stimulate digestive fire and strengthen the immune system. Cooked dal, preferably moong dal (green gram), rice, vegetables are the best options. This is the best season to have rice pudding and kheer.

Fasting

Fasting during monsoon is also good for health. Fasting helps to boost your immune health and digestive system. When you are fasting, try to include seasonal vegetables and fruits. Dr Apte said that fasting also helps to stimulate your digestive fire.

Beverages

We always associate monsoon with a hot cup of tea. It is one of the popular drinks in this season. Dr Apte recommends making a small tweak in it and have masala tea instead. She said that adding ginger, cardamom, cinnamon in your tea can prove beneficial for your health.

Another beverage that you should have in this season for your immune health is turmeric milk also known as golden milk. Apart from boosting your natural immune health, turmeric milk also helps to nourish and lubricate the tissue.

Above all, remember that do not overindulge in this season. Eat only when you feel hungry.