Monsoon is here and with it comes a great weather for romance and great food but it also brings along the risk of diseases. Rain provides respite from the scorching heat but also promotes growth of bacteria and breeding of mosquitoes and the resulting is various diseases and health problems.

Viral infections, indigestion problems, flu, allergies, including cold and cough are common in this season. In addition there are a number of chronic diseases like malaria, dengue, typhoid, viral fever, conjunctivitis, severe gastrointestinal disturbances, pneumonia, and diarrhea that are regularly reported.

What to do?

You can easily avoid some of these by taking easy preventive measures and maintaining a healthy regime like:

Follow A Proper DIET:

• Eat fruits like apples, pomegranates, bananas etc. to maintain your vitamin and fiber intake.
• Increase your intake of vitamin C as it helps build resistance against infections and diseases.
• Keep yourself hydrated and decrease chances of infection by drinking lots of water.
• Curb your cravings for street food and snacks from roadside stalls, as these promote gastrointestinal problems.
• Avoid fast food and other oily or spicy dishes as these may lead to an upset stomach.
• Consume curd and milk products as they have bacteria that are good for your gut.
• Eat fresh leafy vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, cabbage they provide you with antioxidants and replenish Vitamins A, C and E in your body.
• Add garlic and black pepper to your soups and curries as they increase the absorption of nutrients by the body.
• Include dates, almonds and walnuts in your breakfast as they keep your body mineral and vitamin E rich, also making your stomach feel fuller for long.
• Increase intake of herbal teas like jasmine tea, chamomile tea, green tea or just regular tea with tulsi as they help build up your immunity.

Maintain HYGIENE:

• Always take a shower in case you get wet in the rain, as rain water contains acids and impurities which are harmful for the skin. An immediate bath will also decrease chances of infections.
• Drink purified water, in case of unavailability use boiled water.
• Keep your house clean and pest-free.
• There should be no waterlogging in and around your house as it becomes breeding ground for mosquitoes and bacteria.
• Wash your hands at regular intervals, and avoid touching you nose and mouth with dirty hands.
• Keep your feet clean and dry at all times to avoid spreading of skin and other diseases.
• Try keeping your body covered to avoid mosquito and insect bites.
• Wear breathable fabrics to keep moisture and sweat at bay.
• Use a powerful insect repellent to keep mosquitoes and other insects away.
• Asthma or diabetic patients should not stay close to wet or damp walls as it leads to the growth of fungus and can be harmful.
• Do not stay in wet clothes for long, avoid sitting in an air-conditioned place with wet hair and damp clothes as this can lead to viral fever or cold and cough.

Try The Age Old HOME REMEDIES:

• Ginger in warm water relieves cold and cough.
• Gargle with lukewarm saline water to comfort your sore throat.
• Boil tulsi, ginger in water and consume with honey to treat viral fever.
• Opt for wine as it boosts your immunity and prevents infections. Avoid whiskey and rum.
• For skin infections or allergies add neem leaves in your bathing water.
• Use eucalyptus oil for instant relief from congestion and blocked nose.
• Turmeric milk is good as it works wonders to increase immunity and fights infections of all kinds.
• Exercise regularly as it boosts your immunity and increases your strength to fight infections.

Hope these tips help you to get ready to welcome the rain, letting it cleanse and cool the earth, the air and you.