THIS MONSOON save on drs FEE

KEEP DR’S A BAY THIS MANSOON

  

The monsoon  do provided respite from hot dry heat, but it brings number of illnesses too if proper care is not taken . Because fluctuating temperature creates perfect breeding ground for bacteria and germs. This leads to water-borne diseases, which weaken our  immune system.
  This can be avoided by including herbs and other beneficial food items in your diet as the herbs contain antioxidants, essential oils, vitamins and phytosterols derived from plants.
Here is a list of food items and herbs that will keep the doctor at bay this monsoon.


Foods that heals
Foods rich in vitamin C: Raw fruits such as grapes, oranges, pomegranates and kiwis have a high concentration of vitamin C and flavonoids, which improve the body’s white blood cell count and immune system
Corn: Available all over the country at very cheep rate , and are  is not only tasty, but healthy as well. It helps reduce water retention and keeps the stomach healthy. It is a good source of vitamins like B6, thiamin, niacin, folate and riboflavin.
Honey: It has antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. Which prevents many infections during the monsoon.
Onions: They help in relieving a sore throat and cough.
Apples: The fruit cures diarrhoea, a problem people commonly due to the contamination of water.
Sweet potatoes: They are a great source of vitamin A, and help in maintaining good health of mucosal surfaces such as nose, gastrointestinal tract and skin.
Mushrooms: They increase the production of antiviral proteins that help fight foreign microbes. But be careful before cooking them .clean them properly.
Tomatoes: Raw tomatoes contain lycopene, a nutrient which is essential for the body’s lymphatic system. Tomatoes are also a great source of vitamin C and help boosting  immune system.
Yoghurt: This is a rich probiotic. Approximately 80% of our immune system resides in the gut. So, in order to keep it strong, so to  keep our intestinal system healthy with probiotics, which  are live microorganisms (good bacteria) to fight bad bacteria.

Mint clears the throat, nose and lung congestion. (Istock)

Bitter herbs: Herbs such as neem and methi prevent infections.
Peppermint: Oil made with peppermint relieves the pain experienced during irritable bowel syndrome. It can also reduce the feeling of nausea .
Ginger: It is effective in treating nausea. It contains sulphur, which protects one from viral illnesses.

Dos and don’ts for this monsoon

1. To avoid catching a cold and flu, wash your hands frequently, drink plenty of fluids, take probiotics, and avoid outside food. Also avoid seafood during the monsoon.
2. Additional care must be taken while washing green leafy vegetables. It would be best to wash them will salt water or Potassium Permanganate.
3. Stay away from stagnated water, as it breeds mosquitoes that are carriers of malaria and dengue.
4. Boil water before consuming it.

5. Do not keep vegetables and fruits wet for long periods of time, as they develop bacteria easily.