The unbearable scorching heat calls for the monsoon season. While relieving humans from drenching in sweat, it can also make people sick. The increased humidity before the rain becomes the breeding ground for bacteria, viruses, and fungi, which causes an outbreak of skin allergies and respiratory infections.
According to health experts, the increased levels of moisture and humidity have raised the risk of waterborne and vector-borne diseases in Pakistan. Rainwater mixed with the other drinking sources can cause waterborne diseases like hepatitis A, cholera, and typhoid.
Besides that, the weather changes from damp and hot to pleasant can weaken the immune system, leading to flu, cough, and fever. Moreover, the uneven roads in Karachi cause rainwater to pool in one place, creating a hub for mosquitoes to breed.
Rain can be both in Pakistan – a blessing and an affliction. While it provides a temperature drop, it can also cause numerous outbreaks, posing a serious risk to our health.
So, what are the logistics to keep yourself healthy this monsoon season?
In order to stay healthy, you need to consume and make the most out of those foods that boost immunity and aid digestion. Let’s talk about those foods in detail to have a better idea.
Foods that Boost Immunity
Vitamin A- and C-rich foods, honey, ginger, etc., are some of the effective immune-boosting foods that you should include in your diet. Let’s get into the details.
Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits, as the name suggests, are rich in vitamin C. It is water-soluble, meaning it is excreted from your body; therefore, you have to take it regularly in your diet. Vitamin C plays an extremely crucial role in boosting your body’s immune system, especially during seasonal changes or an infectious disease. Citrus foods include
Oranges and Lemons
Oranges and lemons are packed with vitamin C. The function of this vitamin is to fight the bad guys if they try to enter and destroy your body. One medium orange a day can meet your daily vitamin C requirements.
Vitamin A-rich Foods
Some natural sources of vitamin A are mangoes, dried apricots, spinach, carrots, cantaloupe, egg yolks, dairy products, etc. These food sources cause the body to fight infection and keep it at bay.
Mangoes
Pakistan is lucky to have a wide array of delicious mangoes. Since July is the season of mangoes, you get your Vitamin A from delicious Chaunsa mangoes that can be delivered through Shop Arcade.
Dried Apricots
Being sick causes a lot of people to lose their appetite. However, dried apricots are the healthiest, vitamin A-rich snack you can munch on when you don’t feel like eating.
Turmeric
This powerful immunity booster is brimming with antiviral, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Its natural compounds help the body fight indelible harmful bacteria and viruses. The best way to consume turmeric is by adding it to milk or by adding it to your tea with ginger, honey, and lemon.
Ginger and Garlic
You should consume more ginger and garlic during cold/flu or monsoon season, as their potent compounds reduce body inflammation and fight infections. Ginger and garlic are loaded with antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Whether you have a sore throat or the flu, teas infused with ginger and garlic will provide you with a soothing effect.
Honey
Natural honey has substantial antioxidants to soothe the throat and suppress cough. Raw honey has the maximum benefits, as its nutrient content offers soothing properties. You can consume honey by mixing it in herbal teas and by adding it to warm water and lemon.
Digestion-friendly Edibles
Stomachs getting worked up is inevitable during the monsoon season. Why? Because of the outbreak of infectious diseases heightening the stomach’s sensitivity. You need to focus on eating food that promotes healthy gut bacteria, is generally light on your stomach, relieves bloating and gas, and improves overall digestion.
These foods include yogurt, oats, leafy green vegetables, buttermilk (chaas), fermented foods like pickles, fish, chicken, legumes like chickpeas, etc., which are all great sources that aid in regulating bowel movement. Moreover, dried fruits like prunes, raisins, and figs are also great sources aiding in digestion. They are rich in fiber, solving gut-related problems.
Parting Thoughts
Monsoon season can be a blessing or a curse for some people. With the rise of outbreaks due to stagnant water in Pakistan, it can be a challenge. However, opting for foods that fight off bacteria and viruses and up your immunity is the best bet this monsoon season.
If you want to give delicious mangoes, fruit, or a dry fruit basket to your loved one who’s feeling under the weather this monsoon season, Shop Arcade is one of the best places to have almost everything in one place.