Tips for seniors to maintain a healthy gut during monsoon season

Author: Dr Karthiyayini Mahadevan, Head, Wellness and Wellbeing at Columbia Pacific Communities”

India

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New Delhi, September 13, 2022: 

Monsoon is a seasonal variation with reverse wind along with changes in the atmospheric circulation. These changes in the atmospheric circulation brings in a sudden change in the air current. Respiratory illnesses can occur if proper care is not taken due to the variations in the air current.  The dampness in the environment affects the digestive system. Improper digestion disturbs the gut flora, thereby impairing the immunity to withstand or overcome the illnesses bred during the monsoon. Hence it is very important to keep oneself protected from these illnesses by following certain precautions and prepare the metabolic system.

Ayurvedic system of healing focuses on the diet. Every seasonal change were understood by this ancient wisdom and specific diets followed for every end and beginning of a season. The last 7 days of the present season and the first 7 days of the following season are marked as Ritu Sandhi (time when seasons meet / seasonal twilight) during which Ritucharya (seasonal discipline) is followed.

5 tips for seniors to maintain a healthy gut during the monsoons

1.Choose the right kind of food with a balanced nutrition. Avoiding sugary foods, heavy fatty meals, particularly during dinner meal helps to ease the digestive process.

2.Eat more raw vegetables. Wash them thoroughly before consuming to avoid any diarrhoeal diseases.

3. Choose sour fermented foods that help in building the gut flora which supports the gut from invading organisms and also helps in improving the immunity.

4. Eat meals aligned with the circadian rhythm. Having an early dinner, preferably before 7 PM improves the digestive process. A light dinner with complex carbohydrates, no animal protein and fat improves the quality of sleep too.

5. Adding adequate fibres in the diet through plant sources helps nourishing the gut flora. Consuming soluble fibres helps by reaching the large intestine, gets fermented and feeds the gut flora. The breakdown fermented product, the short chain fatty acids adds nutrients to the digestive system.

Nourish the gut flora for a healthy digestive system

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