Tips for Monsoon – Safety Measures | Food to eat in Monsoon season

Simple Skin, Hair and Health Care Tips for Monsoon – Safety Measures | Food to eat in Monsoon season

With the monsoon blues hitting you very often, you might be dwelling in the seasonal changes that keep you rejuvenated every now and then. It’s okay if you forget to take care of your health and body for quite some time. But you dare to forget the whole season? The answer is a perfect NO, as you know you need to take extra care of your skin, hair and health.  As you can find noticeable changes in weather, taking formidable steps would decrease your efforts as the season continues.

Drink lots of water

This is perhaps an eternal secret to a glowing hydrated and fuller supple skin all throughout the year. You must be drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day to keep the skin problems away. Water adds an element of hydration and boost your skin’s essential oils, flushes toxins away and leaves your skin feeling fresh and amazing as ever.

Skin Care Tips:

There is a lot more to take care of your skin this monsoon as dust particles easily settle on your skin which eventually damages the regular soft and toned look your skin possess. Here are some tips to maintain your skin healthy:

skin_care_tips_in_monsoon

    Most of the times use soap free cleansers and a good scrub so as to keep your skin moist all the time.
    An alcohol free toner is suggested as the high humidity could open up your pores (Toning is usually followed after cleansing).
    Most of them stop using sunscreen once the climate turns cool, but you must continue it even if it is cloudy.
    Heavy makeup is a huge turn off in rains, better if one opts for a water- proof makeup.
    Opt for a lotion- based serum, which keeps your skin rehydrated and brightens it up.
    Avoid bleaching and facials in this season, as bleaching could do more harm for your face and facial makes your skin rough.
    Wash your lips at night and apply some milk cream. Avoid lipsticks especially the dark shaded ones. Apply coconut oil if they are slightly cracked.
    Waxing, pedicure, and manicure are always recommended to give your skin and body a toned look all the time.
    Always wash your face, hands and feet as soon as you reach your home with lukewarm water. This makes you feel refreshed and stay healthy.

However there are different other methods based on whether the skin is oily or dry. These are the general tips that you must follow as the season begins.
Hair Care Tips:

It is as important to take care of your hair as you take care of your body. The best method is to keep good care by following some safety measures:

Monsoon_hair_care

•     Most of the times try to protect your hair from rains, but that’s something impossible as we get caught in rains at least once in a while.
•     As you reach home better wash your hair with mild shampoos and let it dry.
•     Always apply shampoos in a gentle manner and do not forget to use a conditioner in this season after every wash.
•     At night times, massage your hair with warm coconut oil and comb your hair for the even distribution of oil on your scalp and hair.
•     You can also try applying warm oil mixed with curry leaves for your hair to remain thick and black.
•     Usually in this season you invite itchy scalp because of dandruff or some other reasons. For such irritating scalp applying neem oil is the best remedy.
•     Replacing herbal products in place of heavy organic shampoos and conditioners to maintain the natural glossy look of the hair would be best suggestible.
•     Hair coloring is not a good idea in this season as it takes very long to wash your hair and dry. Keep it as natural as possible.
•     Beer is a good conditioner. Initially wash your hair with beer and after few minutes wash it off with cold water. This tip helps your hair in adding glow to your hair.
•      Use of hair dryers though necessary it is better suggested if you limit its usage. Instead opt for dry towels to remove moist from your hair.

Till the end of this season it is better suggested to keep your hair as simple as possible and avoid elaborate hairstyles. Nothing can beat the natural beauty.
Health Tips:

You need to be extremely careful in maintaining a healthy diet this season as the food we intake is more prone to fungal, viral and bacterial infections which naturally affects the body’s immunity.

Monsoon_health_tips

•     Continue drinking plenty of water in this season as it is important to keep your body hydrated every time.
•     Wash all the fruits and vegetables, especially the green leafy vegetables and cauliflower as they play a host for worms and larvae and dirt from streets.
•     Keep your body warm as it becomes easy for viruses to attack once the body temperature cools down.
•     Avoid uncooked fruits and salads in this season as the possibility of getting caught by germs in these kinds of foods is much higher.
•     Instead eat salads blenched in boiling water to disinfect them and a healthy vegetable soup that keeps your body warm. This helps your skin nourish from inside.
•      If you are suffering from asthma and diabetes, avoid staying near wet walls as it could be more harmful which increase the growth of fungus.
•     Including garlic, pepper, ginger, turmeric, jeera powder and coriander in your diet as it helps in reducing indigestion problems and improves your immune system.
•     Do not walk bear footed or wear wet shoes in this season specifically suggested for diabetic patients.
•     Increase milk products, nuts and soya products which give your hair natural healthy look.
•     Maintain general hygiene and avoid road side vendor food as the food easily gets affected with bacteria and fungi.
•     Fresh foods are the best served this season and avoid any food that is straight away from the fridge.
•     Avoid sleeping in the day time and extreme physical exercises but do not forget to regulate your exercises to stay fit and healthy.

Following these general skin, hair and health tips for your body would definitely help you to gear up your monsoon blues. Get ready to glow this monsoon.

Here are 10 rainy season foods that you ought to include in your diet:

1. Garlic:

Garlic Pinit


Packed with antioxidants, these cloves are rich with immunity boosting properties. Plus, they ease your digestive system while ensuring that your metabolic rate does not spiral down to a snail pace. While you can add crushed garlic pods to any food of your choice, one of the tastiest and healthiest ways of enjoying garlic is garlic rasam. A spicy concoction enriched with the pungent flavors of garlic and black pepper, it can be enjoyed along with rice or as a hot cup of soup.

2. Ginger:

Ginger Pinit

Ginger tea – this is the first thing that comes to mind when I think about rain! The fiery nature of ginger verves up your mood and at the same time boosts your metabolism. Grate some fresh ginger into a mug of warm water and squeeze in a lemon. Mix 1 tsp of honey. Your daily dose of immune boosting supplement is ready!
3. Pears:
Pears Pinit

Image: Shutterstock

Not much is talked about the immunity boosting potential of pears. However, it is really amazing to know that this crispy fruit is a treasure trove of assorted vitamins and minerals, all which actually shield you from diseases commonly floating around during the monsoon. Along with being a good source of fiber, the crunchy off white fruit contains a good quantity of copper, vitamin C, and vitamin B12. Pear is a natural antipyretic agent as it helps in cooling the body and thereby easing the fever. So, just make sure you drink a glass of freshly squeezed pear juice or munch on some fresh fruit to get relief from fever.

4. Turmeric:

Turmeric Pinit

This golden yellow hued spice powder is a well-accepted immunity boosting agent. It is a natural antiseptic and antibiotic agent too. And, that is one of the reasons you are forced to drink turmeric infused milk when you get a bout of cough or fever! Turmeric is also known to keep the levels of blood sugar under control. You can drink a glass of milk with ½ teaspoon milk with 1 tsp honey in to safeguard yourself from monsoon illnesses.

 

5. Black Pepper:

Black Pepper Pinit

Just add a zing of black pepper to your omelette or soups or even to your khichdi! These fiery black beads are not just tasty, but come with an awesome dose of good health. A natural antidote for fever, cough, cold, muscular pain, flu, and various respiratory conditions, black pepper is a must include rainy season food. Make a spicy pepper soup with a tamarind base or just mix ½ a teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper powder with equal quantities of turmeric powder and 2 tsp honey to milk and drink for healthy monsoon.

 

6. Almonds:

Almonds Pinit

The crunchy, brown skinned nuts are good sources of protein. Quite low on fat, almonds are packed with various nutrients that are beneficial for your health. This tasty nut enhances your digestive fire, keeps your sugar levels under control, and offers a powerful shield from various diseases. Plus, it is a great snack to munch on while you are on your weight loss regimen plus ensures that are at the pink of your health.

7. Apples:

Apples Pinit

The saying an apple a day keeps the doctor away is perfectly applicable in this scenario. Munch an apple everyday as a part of your balanced, healthy diet. Available in countless variants – Washington, Shimla, Fuji, Granny Smith – apples contains various elements that offer a good cover for you from various health conditions that are always on the prowl during the rains. It also makes sure that your digestive system is functioning properly.

8. Pomegranate:

Pomegranate Pinit

I love this ruby like nibbles! A perfect inclusion in a healthy diet, it is packed with vitamins, especially vitamin C, that ensures that the protein in your body is properly metabolized. This, in turn, ensures that your digestive system is healthy and clean. It also peps up the immunity power, thus helping you combat the various illnesses.

 

9. Beetroot:

Beetroot Pinit

 

Just stir fry grated beets with grated carrots and season it with a little cumin seeds and freshly ground black pepper! You can add 10 to 12 toasted almonds to it and your perfect meal is ready! Packed with the goodness of essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals, including potassium, fibre, and folic acid, beets are amazingly low in calories. It is an ideal veggie when it comes to detoxifying your body. You can have a glass of beetroot juice everyday during the monsoon to revive and revitalize your stamina and keep you healthy during the monsoon.

10. Water:

Water Pinit

Last, but never the least, it is very essential to keep yourself hydrated during the monsoon. There is a natural tendency to cut down on water consumption due to the cold environment. This can put you at the risk of various infections and diseases that are quite common during the monsoon. Ensure you drink at least 8 glasses of water, with each glass measuring 150 ml. Opt for warm water to ensure that you are not compromising your metabolism.

What to Eat and What to Avoid During Rainy Season:

1. Include fruits such as pears, pomegranates, mangoes, guavas, apples, and pears.

2. Enjoy low sodium diet to thwart off hypertension and water retention.

3. Opt for dry foods such as corn and chickpea instead of water-rich foods such as rice and watermelons.

4. Include barley, whole wheat, and oats in your diet.

5. Include curd and buttermilk in your diet.

6. Include bitter veggies and herbs such as Neem and bittergourd.

7. Cut down on tomatoes and tamarind to prevent water retention.

8. Cut down the intake of meat and fish.

9. Include pungent and astringent foods.

10. Drink herbal teas like the ones infused with ginger, cinnamon, black pepper, and cardamom.

11. Cut down on caffeine intake.

12. Avoid veggies such as potatoes, cauliflower, ladies fingers, pigeon peas, sprouted grains, kidney beans, and cluster beans.

13. Avoid green leafy vegetables such as spinach and fenugreek.

14. Opt for steamed vegetable salads.

15. Avoid pre-cut fruits.

16. Drink warm water infused with honey, ginger, and black pepper to pep up immunity.

17. Avoid frozen foods such as ice creams.

18. Bid adieu to fruit juices.

19. Avoid raw vegetable salads.

20. Drink plenty of hot homemade soups.