After the scorching summer heat, the cool monsoon showers are a welcome relief. The pitter-patter of raindrops paired with a cutting chai and some piping hot pakoras is often considered the season’s comfort.
Yet, beyond this comforting sight lies the common yet overlooked side of monsoon, which includes increased allergies, infections, gut health issues, and seasonal affective mood disorder.
One simple way to battle many of these issues is to focus on one nutrient that is often overlooked during monsoon (probably because it is present everywhere): water, while also ensuring you consume an overall balanced diet.
Prioritizing hydration is one powerful habit that can help reduce gut issues and improve overall energy and mood during monsoons.
Why does hydration matter in monsoon?
When we think of hydration, our minds instinctively jump to blazing summers. We rarely associate it with cooler monsoon. However, staying hydrated during monsoon is just as important.
As temperatures cool down during the rainy season, it also reduces our ability to identify thirst cues. At the same time, increased humidity leads to increased fluid loss from the body. The body continues to lose water through essential physiological processes like respiration, sweating, urination, etc. This increases the risk of dehydration and can go unnoticed during monsoons.
Hydration plays a vital role in several functions. It supports digestion, nutrient absorption, and gut motility. Adequate hydration helps flush toxins, supports the gut, the immune system and regulates body temperature.
During monsoon, with increased allergies and gut-related issues, these functions of water become very important.
How does it impact health?
Monsoon impacts gut sensitivity. Many people, therefore, experience symptoms such as acidity, bloating, indigestion, food poisoning, or diarrhoea during this season. This often stems from the consumption of contaminated food or water, as well as microbial overgrowth due to dampness.
In addition, the combination of increased humidity and fluctuating temperatures along with changes in eating, sleeping, and activity routines due to monsoon weakens the digestive system and disrupts the overall gut microbiome.
Low hydration further aggravates these digestive issues and also impacts overall mood and mental health. Even mild dehydration can lead to brain fog, increased irritability, and reduced productivity.
Hydration Red Flags:
Some signs that your body is running low on fluids:
- Dark yellow urine (include the image of Urine colour chart)
- Increased hunger
- Increased cravings particularly for salty and fried foods
- Fatigue
- Energy drops throughout the day
- Lightheadedness
- Brain fog
- Headaches/migraines
- Constipation
Tips to improve Hydration:
- Start your day with water.
- Set hydration goals.
- Carry your water bottle everywhere and make it a habit.
- Sip, don’t gulp.
- Gamify your hydration through challenges or tasks.
- Allot hydration breaks between work, screen time or tasks.
- Using technology like hydration apps or setting hydration reminders in your smartwatches can work wonders.
Fluids for Monsoon: Beyond Water
Hydration need not be boring. Try these options:
- Herbal Teas– Ginger, lemon, lemongrass, mint
- Broths- Vegetable broths, and bone broths
- Soups- Different vegetable warm and cold soups
- Infused waters- with mint, lemon, ginger, cinnamon, etc.
- Hydrating Foods-like Cucumber, Ridge gourd, Bottle gourd, Ash gourd, pears, etc.
Conclusion
Hydration isn’t just about quenching your thirst. It’s about supporting your gut, immune system, skin, hair, and even your mental health. This monsoon, prioritize hydration along with a balanced diet. Keep sipping. And let hydration do its quiet, powerful magic.
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