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Keeping your health in check during monsoon

As the scorching summer heat gradually gives way to overcast skies and dark clouds, signaling the arrival of the monsoon season, nature transforms. The vibrant greenery of trees, cooler weather, and the much-needed respite from the sweltering heat of the previous months describe this season. However, the increased moisture and humidity create the perfect environment for the breeding of various bacteria and fungi.
By Pratyencha Koirala

As the scorching summer heat gradually gives way to overcast skies and dark clouds, signaling the arrival of the monsoon season, nature transforms. The vibrant greenery of trees, cooler weather, and the much-needed respite from the sweltering heat of the previous months describe this season. However, the increased moisture and humidity create the perfect environment for the breeding of various bacteria and fungi. To safeguard against the diseases caused by these microbes and fully appreciate the beauty of the rainy season, it's crucial to incorporate some simple methods into our daily routine that will help us deal with this weather. 


Increase Vitamin C intake


During this time of the year, it is important to take extra precautions to safeguard your health. With viral fevers, allergic reactions, and various infections being prevalent, it becomes crucial to prioritize your well-being. Additionally, the atmosphere contains an increased amount of bacteria, and the monsoon season provides an ideal environment for bacteria and viruses to thrive. This puts everyone at risk of contracting these infections. To maintain good health, it is essential to bolster your immune system. One of the most effective methods to achieve this is by ensuring an adequate intake of vitamin C in your regular diet. Excellent sources of vitamin C include tomatoes, citrus fruits, sprouts, and green leafy vegetables.


Eliminate mosquito breeding sites


To mitigate the breeding of mosquitoes, it is important to eliminate their potential breeding locations. These pesky insects tend to thrive in stagnant water, posing a significant health risk. To counter this, it is imperative to take simple yet effective measures such as ensuring that there is no open water storage in or around your home, covering all water vessels, and maintaining unclogged drains. Furthermore, it is crucial to remove any stagnant water areas in your surroundings, as these serve as ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes.


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Increase your water intake


While the dry weather in summer often prompts an increase in water intake due to excessive sweating, it is equally important to maintain adequate hydration throughout the year. By consuming plenty of clean water, you can effectively prevent dehydration and support your overall well-being. Whether at home or outside, ensure that the water you drink is clean. When consuming beverages outside, ensure that they are prepared using purified water, including ice cubes, as consuming contaminated water can lead to diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and dysentery.


Avoid eating junk food, eat a balanced diet


The streets are often teeming with potholes and mud, and amidst this environment, street food stalls are a common sight. However, it is essential to be cautious, as these surroundings provide an ideal breeding ground for various harmful microorganisms. The longer food items are exposed to the open air, the greater the chances that they will harbor these microorganisms. As a preventative measure, prioritize consuming clean, healthy homemade foods that provide all the necessary nutrients while avoiding street foods which are more likely to harbor disease-causing microbes.


Incorporate probiotics in your diet


Probiotics are beneficial microorganisms that play a significant role in supporting overall health. These microorganisms primarily inhabit the gut and gastrointestinal tract and are essential for maintaining gut health. During the monsoon season, it is advised to increase your intake of probiotics by consuming foods such as yogurt, buttermilk, apple cider vinegar, and similar probiotic-rich foods. By doing so, you can significantly improve your gut health and enhance nutrient absorption. Probiotics not only contribute to a healthier gut but also protect you against potential stomach infections. 


Exercise regularly


Don’t let the perpetual gloomy weather ruin your workout routine. Even if it is raining outside, there are various forms of workouts that can be done indoors. Exercising not only helps you stay in shape, but it is also great for your immunity. It increases blood circulation and triggers serotonin all of which fortify our immune system against harmful bacteria and viruses. 


Wear dry garments and footwear


During this season, keeping your clothes and shoes dry is a challenging task as the sky is usually engulfed by dark clouds and the sun is nowhere in sight. Regardless of whether the clothes are marginally wet, they can still serve as a host to disease-causing microbes. Wear waterproof boots and open footwear instead of wearing closed shoes as they hold water. Start wearing garments made from cotton so that even if your clothes get wet they will dry faster. 


 


 

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