By Yash Lakhan Has been updated: June 25, 2024
Thousands of years ago, the holistic health system known as Ayurveda was born in India. Based on the philosophy of treating food as medicine, Ayurveda offers many natural ways to boost your immunity during the rainy season. Learn more about Ayurveda from the perspective of a former cardiac surgeon and pioneer of Polyscientific Ayurveda.
The arrival of the monsoon season brings welcome relief from the scorching heat. However, the humid weather during this time can also increase our vulnerability to infections and illnesses. In Ayurveda, boosting immunity is considered essential to maintaining general health and well-being. With its holistic approach and emphasis on sattvic foods, incorporating Ayurvedic eating patterns into your life can strengthen your immune system and help you withstand the rainy season with more resilience.
How is Ayurveda different from allopathic medicine?
Dr Ravishankar Polishetty began with Ayurvedic recommendations for seasonal changes in India and how they differ from allopathic and other recommendations: “Ayurveda and modern medicine have their own ways of dealing with monsoon-related ailments and allergies. While Ayurveda, an ancient form of healing, recommends lifestyle and dietary changes to boost the body’s immune system, the allopathic approach focuses primarily on symptom-based treatment.”
He continued on this topic, “At its core, Ayurveda focuses on balancing the doshas Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Ayurveda also recognises the impact that seasonal changes have on these doshas and hence makes different dietary recommendations according to the weather. In summer, Ayurvedic practitioners recommend cooling foods to maintain homeostasis and in winter, they encourage the consumption of high-calorie foods to increase body heat and energy.”
The Importance of Eating Hot Cooked Food During Monsoon According to Ayurveda
With the monsoon season approaching, the need for eating hot home-cooked meals also increases as temperatures drop significantly. “During the monsoon season, the digestive fire (agni) weakens due to humid weather and reduced energy from the sun. Hence, Ayurveda prefers well-cooked hot meals over raw, cold foods which are easier to digest and suggests detoxification methods to boost the immunity,” said Dr Polishety, stressing on the importance of keeping the digestive system healthy along with blood circulation.
Importance of hydration during the monsoon
Hydration is a key factor in keeping your metabolism running and healthy during the monsoon season. Speaking on the topic, Dr Polishetty said, “Ayurveda emphasises on the need for adequate hydration during monsoon season as water is lost from the body even through minimal sweating. Adequate fluid intake is also important to flush out toxins and reduce skin disorders. Incorporating fruits and vegetables, which are high in water content, into your diet is also recommended in Ayurveda to promote hydration.”
So, make sure you drink at least 4 litres of water every day to keep your body well hydrated.
Essential Herbs for the Ayurvedic Monsoon Diet
Let us consider one of the most important aspects of Ayurveda – the use of various herbs. These herbs are known for their various health benefits and nutrients, hence including them in your monsoon diet is considered to be a great decision for your body and health. Highlighting the importance of herbs, Dr. Polishetty said, “Ayurvedic principles suggest that herbs like ginger, garlic, turmeric, tulsi and black pepper can improve digestion, boost immunity and balance doshas during monsoon. Many of these herbs are recognised for their medicinal properties with their compounds, which have scientifically proven anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and immune boosting properties. However, each herb affects people and dosha imbalances differently, so seek detailed advice from an experienced Ayurvedic physician before consuming them.”
Common foods to avoid during monsoon season
While monsoon brings with it more opportunities to introduce new foods into your diet, there are also some common foods you should avoid, especially during this time of year.
“As per Ayurveda, vata and pitta doshas can be aggravated during the monsoon season. Hence, it is advisable to avoid heavy, oily, cold and raw foods which may slow down gastric emptying and aggravate indigestion. Raw vegetables should also be avoided as they may contain bacteria. It is also advisable to avoid leafy vegetables and seafood which are easily contaminated,” says Dr Ravishankar Polishetty.
Ayurvedic replacements for common foods during monsoon for a healthy lifestyle
Moving to the final part of the interview, Dr. Polishetty highlighted the importance of certain substitutions that can be made during the monsoon season to lead a healthy lifestyle. These are simple changes in your diet that are not only good for your health but also help your taste buds as they impart a unique flavour to your meals and drinks.
“During monsoon, drinking herbal teas containing ginger, tulsi and cinnamon instead of plain tea can be beneficial as they have antioxidant properties. Also, steaming raw vegetables increases the bioavailability of nutrients. Plant-based proteins are easier on the digestive system, so switching from a non-vegetarian diet to a vegetarian one can also help you feel more at ease,” says Dr Polishety.
So, if you want to boost your health during this monsoon season, make sure you give utmost importance to staying hydrated, eat hot home-cooked meals, incorporate a variety of herbs into your diet, avoid heavy oily foods, leafy greens and seafood, and consume healthy food alternatives that warm and nourish your body. This is what Dr Ravishankar Polishetty, pioneer of Poly Scientific Ayurveda, recommends.
