Monsoon, the rainy season, in India is like a festival. After severe heat people are waiting for rain and when it comes, people can be seen dancing in rain and rejoicing in many ways. But due to sudden change in temperature, the immunity of our body becomes low and makes us susceptible to many diseases, infections and health problems.

According to Ayurveda rainy season is also the time for aggravation of Pitta, which the functional energy of our body dominant in fire element, and is primarily responsible for metabolism and digestion of food. Digestion is weak during this time. Diseases caused by Pitta like hyperacidity, indigestion, skin disorders (boils, eczema, and rashes), hair loss, and infections are common in this season.

The Dosha – Ritu Connection

As we already know, our diet, activities and routine have a direct impact on our health. The environment we live in and the changing seasons also affect our health. The doshas keep changing according to the season. Hence it is important to make some changes in our diet and regimen according to the season. Following the respective Ritucharya(Ritu means. Season and Charya means moving or following) builds body’s immunity and checks the adverse impact of seasonal changes on body. The following table illustrates the dosha activity in each season.

[Vasanta Ritu (Spring Season)

Greeshma Ritu (Summer Season)

Varsha Ritu (Rainy Season)

Sarat Ritu (Autumn Season)

Hemanta Ritu (Winter Season)

Sisira ritu (late winter Season)]

It is the time when the humidity levels in the atmosphere are high, which also leads to lack of ojas, the vital fluid. Due to lack of oxygen in the air, often people complain breathlessness and weakness.

So if you really want to enjoy the monsoon season follow the following tips and be healthy.

• Eat light and easily digestible foods, cooked or steamed vegetables, pumpkin, steamed salad, fruits, moong dal, khichree, corn and oatmeal etc.
• Avoid heavy, hot, acidic, sour (pickles, chutneys, chilies, yogurt, curry, etc.) and salty food as it promotes water retention, indigestion, hyperacidity and bloating. Avoid deep fried foods, junk food and meat.
• Use ghee, olive oil, corn oil and sunflower oil for cooking as they are lighter. Avoid heavy oils like mustard oil, butter, peanut oil, and other heavy and heating oils.
• Do not indulge in heavy exercises like running, cycling etc. which increase Pitta (heat). Yoga, Dancing, walking, swimming, and stretching are good.
• Wash all green vegetables and fruits thoroughly before using them.
• Bitter taste neutralizes Pitta, so eat a lot of bitter vegetables like bitter gourd (karela), and bitter herbs like neem, fenugreek, and turmeric as it prevents infection.
• Massage with sesame oil at least twice a week also keeps you healthy during the rainy season. For some people sesame oil can be a little heating, so they can use coconut oil.
• Be careful while eating out and make sure you go to a place which is clean and hygienic. Completely avoid eating food which is exposed to atmosphere, like the ones sold by roadside vendors.

Avoid heating emotions like anger, irritation, jealousy and ego. Do not forget these will also increase Pitta and might be the cause of your eczema, heartburn or urinary tract infection.

I am sure you can apply the above tips in your daily routine and enjoy the monsoon without falling sick.

Wishing you health and happiness!

Dr. Vipasha Sharma

Image Credit Matrix X