Our hearts need special care in all seasons including monsoon. Eating a balanced diet is the best method to improve heart health, and our bodies perform better when our immunity is high. As one of the most vital organs in your body, the heart needs particular attention throughout the year, and the monsoon is no exception. The rainy season brings its own set of problems along with it and there is a steep rise in viral, bacterial, and fungal infections due to humid weather. High immunity allows our bodies to perform more efficiently. Eating a diet high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, along with a variety of healthy protein sources including legumes, seafood, eggs, nuts, and seeds, is the best method to improve heart health.
Dr. Ravinder Singh Rao, a renowned cardiologist, offers valuable guidance on maintaining heart health during the monsoon season. He emphasizes the importance of eating a balanced diet and recommends limiting salt intake to prevent hypertension while including fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. He advocates for regular physical activity, even indoors, recommending exercises like Yoga and light aerobics to keep the heart strong despite the rainy weather. Dr. Ravinder Singh Rao highlights the necessity of staying well-hydrated with warm or room-temperature water to reduce the risk of cold-induced cardiac stress.
Additionally, manage stress through adequate sleep, and meditation, as stress can negatively impact heart health. Heart-related infections can be avoided by abstaining from street food and practicing good hygiene. Maintaining optimal heart health during the monsoon season also requires routine check-ups and monitoring of blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Increase Your Vitamin Intake
Monsoon is the most favorable time for viruses and infections due to the humid weather conditions. Allergies, viral fevers, and other viral infections are common. Increasing your vitamin C consumption is crucial for boosting immunity; oranges, sprouts, and fresh green vegetables are all excellent sources of vitamin C-rich foods.
Choose Healthy Probiotic Foods
Our digestive system contains beneficial microorganisms that support our health, and as a result, the health of our gut has an impact on our general health. Probiotic foods like homemade pickles, yogurt, and buttermilk promote your gut health and improve nutrient absorption.
Avoid Eating Raw Foods Outdoors
Food products sold outside must be avoided at all costs. There’s no denying the filth and hygiene of street shops. They serve as the ideal habitats for a variety of harmful microbes. The longer the food items are left out in the open, the more likely it is that they will start to feel at home.
Add Disinfectant to the Water
Strolling in the rain can be fun. On the other hand, your chances of drawing in millions of microorganisms increase with increased rainfall. It is advisable to add disinfectant to your bathing water to assist you in eliminating germs.
Seasonal Fruits
Fruits have substantial nutritional content and are an excellent way to improve health. One can choose from a plethora of seasonal fruits such as pears, cranberries, custard apples, etc. Make sure the food has a lot of fiber and water in it. Bananas and papayas also contain a significant amount of fiber.
Food with a High Water Content Must be Avoided
Summer is the ideal season to consume more meals high in water content, but during monsoon floods, things are different. High water content foods like cucumber, tomatoes, watermelons, and muskmelons must be avoided as they may promote swelling in your body.
You can consume more foods that dry out, such as brown rice, oats, corn, and chickpeas. You should also avoid foods like tamarind and lime to avoid water retention during the rainy season.
Limit Your Salt Consumption
We have a craving for salty and savory foods during the rainy season, and the endless food vendors lining the streets are calling out to our palates. It is no surprise that the samosa and sizzling hot Bhajiyas are so delectable because they are generously salted. However, did you know that regularly consuming high-sodium meals can also elevate your blood pressure and increase your risk of heart attacks?
Eat Dairy Products in Moderation
The rich milkshakes and chaas seem so delicious that don’t they make you want to dive right in? However, avoid them during the monsoon because they could spread water-borne illnesses. Due to the possibility of milk spoiling from the fluctuating weather, consuming these dishes can only bring stomachaches and other digestive issues.
FAQs
Why it is important to monitor diet during the monsoon season for heart health?
Maintaining a balanced diet is crucial during the monsoon season to prevent hypertension and heart-related issues. Consuming fresh vegetables, fruits, and whole grains while reducing salt intake helps manage blood pressure and keeps the heart healthy.
Can physical activity be continued during the monsoon season?
Yes, regular physical activity is essential for heart health, even during the monsoon. When outside activities are scarce, staying active indoors with yoga, gentle aerobics, and bodyweight workouts is a great option.
How does hydration affect heart health in the monsoon season?
Staying hydrated is vital for heart health. Warm or room-temperature water aids in maintaining healthy circulation and lowers the chance of heart stress brought on by the cold, which is more prevalent in the cooler, rainy monsoon season.
What role does stress management play in maintaining heart health during the monsoon?
Stress can adversely affect heart health, making stress management crucial. Stress and its detrimental effects on the heart can be lessened using techniques like meditation, deep breathing exercises, and making sure you get enough sleep.
Why should we avoid street food during the monsoon season?
Street food is frequently unclean and can cause gastrointestinal infections, which can worsen cardiac problems. To prevent these health hazards during the monsoon, it is safer to eat home-cooked meals and practice good cleanliness.
