In every community, there is work to be done
In every nation, there are wounds to heal
In every heart, there is the power to do it.
      -Marianne Williamson

Diet for Rainy Season

Rainy season brings with it a host of diseases and infections. But with a little attention towards diet and lifestyle one can ward off all ailments.

Among other things, our body constitutes of three basic elements or biological energy forces- Vata(Air element), Pitta(Fire element) and Kapha(water element). When there is imbalance among these elements, it causes diseases.

Weather, climate, food, lifestyle and stress can affect these elements.

Rainy or monsoon season causes imbalance in Vata mostly due to high humidity but, when it does not rain for many days it also aggravates Pitta. These doshas can be regulated to a great extent through suitable diet and lifestyle to keep the body free from ailments.

Diet suitable for Rainy season

-       Warm easily digestible food

-       Include moderate amounts of ghee and lighter oils in diet.

-        Include spices that increase digestive fire like, clove, ginger, pepper, rock salt, carom seed(azwain), black salt, asafoetida(hing), cumin, coriander, fenugreek and turmeric

-       Snack on Roasted corn

-       Moog dal, green gram, wheat, corn etc are suitable

-       Suitable fruits and vegetables- Bottle gourd(dudhi), lady finger, snake gourd(tori), pointed gourd(parwal), bitter gourd.

-       Pomegranate, mango, cherry, apple, banana, blackberries

-       Mango and milk is a wonderful combination for this season. It strengthens and increases immunity.

-       Include dates in your diet

-       Its very important to eat on time and at regular intervals, have early dinner.

-       Always eat fresh, warm food.

-       Sweet, naturally sour not fermented, salty and moderately oily food are best for this season

Unsuitable diet for rainy season

-       Avoid cold and dry foods

-       Avoid most pulses like black gram, Bengal gram, lentils, gram flour sattu, Leafy vegetables, peas, sprouts, beans

-       Avoid sour, fried hot and spicy food

-       Completely avoid curd or yoghurt in any form.

-       Avoid raw food in this weather

-       Avoid fermented food

-       Avoid hot and heavy oils like mustard

-       Do not sleep during the day at all.

-       Avoid very hot baths but moderately warm water is good.

Disclaimer - Advice or remedies given in the blog is only for the purpose of information and is not substitute for medical advice. Please contact your doctor before making any lifestyle changes.

What is Hinduism?

The word Hindu has been adapted from the word Sindhu or Indus, which is a river in the North-western part of India and current day Pakistan. It means the inhabitants of this region.

Hinduism is a philosophy. It is a way of living, which considers everything sacred. It has numerous gods and goddesses, which relate to every living or non-living entity. From rain god to wind god to fire god; hindus have a god for everything around them. This system of worshipping everything was created with an intention to preserve creation, to save ourselves and everything around from extinction. Relating any object with god automatically made it an object to be treated with respect, and also to be afraid of in case one displeased the gods. Hinduism teaches the ideal way of living. It is a well thought out system because when one worships or considers something sacred; one cannot misuse, disrespect or destroy it. He is bound to protect it. Hindu way of life is about having unbiased compassion, respect and love for every aspect of creation. It’s various rituals aim towards pacifying the uncontrollable mind and fill the thoughts with positive energy. It’s a practice to live amicably with nature and other living entities.

The numerous texts on hindu philosophy talk elaborately on life after death but at the same time, they are always insisting on the present. They are always focussing on how important the current form of life is and what is the best noble way of living it to the fullest and how to stay away from several sins which cause negativity inside and around.

Hinduism insists on ultimately relating with the Supreme, the creator. And, who is the ultimate creator? It is not Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, or any other god. It is that who created even the Gods. Gods are the paths through which one finds the supreme. The rituals performed to please any god aim at ultimately finding the Supreme through a positive mind, body and soul. We may address that Supreme with any name according to our beliefs, culture and convenience.

-Inspired from Srimad Bhagwatam