Useful Tips to Boost Immunity During Monsoons

We welcome the monsoons each year to escape the scorching summer heat. Rain is beautiful and instantly lifts the mood. The monsoon climate is humid and humid, making it the perfect environment for microorganisms to grow and thrive. Because of this, people with low immunity tend to suffer during this season and get sick frequently. A good immune system is needed during the rainy season, as the weather can ruin the immune system. There are many ways to boost your immunity, one of which is eating healthy foods. So let’s take a look at some helpful tips to boost your immunity during the monsoon period.

Tips to boost immunity during monsoons

Learn how to boost your immunity during the monsoons by eating the right types of foods that support your immune system.

• switch to herbal tea: Herbal teas such as tulsi and ginger tea are strong allies to boost immunity during the monsoon season. Drinking tea warms your body, protects you from colds and flu, and boosts your immune system. Instead of sugar, add a few drops of honey, which has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Stay hydrated: Drink 8-10 glasses of water a day to stay hydrated, as cold weather can significantly reduce your water intake, which is bad for your body. It’s the perfect source to flush toxins out of your body, and it’s calorie- and sugar-free. Make sure the water is potable to prevent water-borne illnesses such as jaundice and diarrhea.
• eat a diet rich in protein: Protein, a major nutrient, enhances immunity, wound healing and muscle building. Foods such as dal, legumes, curds, eggs, chicken, paneer, soybeans, and tofu are rich in protein.
• Try to eat a low-salt diet: High blood pressure can weaken the immune system. Therefore, it is always good to follow a low-salt diet to prevent high blood pressure and water retention. Fruits such as watermelon, cantaloupe, and cucumber can also cause water retention.
• Prefer curd or yogurt to milk: Curds and yogurt are fermented foods that are rich in probiotics and contain good bacteria that help boost immunity, fight infections and improve digestive system function.
• add spices: Include immune-boosting Indian spices in your diet like turmeric, fenugreek, cloves, pepper, cinnamon, ginger, and curry leaves. They aid digestion, drain sinuses from the body, and boost immunity. Hot water with honey, ginger and black pepper is a miracle cure for colds, coughs and flu.
• Improve vitamin levels in sunlight: Vitamin D, or sun vitamin, is an essential micronutrient that helps boost your immune system. It can modulate innate and adaptive immune responses. A lack of vitamin D makes you more susceptible to common infections. Boost your vitamin D levels by basking in the morning sun and eating eggs, cheese, mushrooms and fortified cereals.
• eat healthy fats: Include monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats in your diet. These healthy fats also boost the body’s immune response to pathogens. These fats are anti-inflammatory and good for your heart. Nuts, seeds, fish, soy milk, almonds, avocados, walnuts, sunflowers, pumpkin, and sesame seeds are some examples of healthy fats.
• eat fruit: Fruits are rich in nutrients such as vitamins A, C, and dietary fiber that boost immunity and provide energy. Apple guavas, bananas, oranges, amla, papaya, and pomegranates are great additions to your diet. Vitamin C also aids in iron absorption.
• take in vegetables: All vegetables, including green leafy vegetables such as cabbage and spinach, are great sources of immune-boosting vitamins A, C, E, folic acid, antioxidants and fiber.
• limit monosaccharides: Most people know that eating sugar has negative health effects such as obesity and diabetes. But most of them don’t know that it also affects their immune system. It reduces the ability of white blood cells to fight and destroy bacteria.
• Avoid outside food: Considering the current pandemic situation, eating out should be avoided. Foods like sandwiches, panipuri and samosas may look appealing during the monsoon, but they can contain bacteria that can cause indigestion. Avoid cut or raw foods and fruits as they can contain bacteria that can cause food poisoning and weaken your immune system.

Aside from the above dietary tips, you also need adequate, quality sleep. It is also effective in releasing the mind from stress. Remember to exercise regularly as it boosts your immune system by regenerating your immune cells.

A weakened immune system makes the body susceptible to various gastrointestinal problems and monsoon-related illnesses. Even in the current situation, increasing your immunity may be the only way to enjoy the rain and take care of your health.