Karkidakam health: What to eat and avoid in monsoon season

Health issues are pretty common during the monsoon season when you feel lazy and low on energy. The warmth of the soft blanket is what many crave in the cold mornings. We might not feel like going out or doing our chores, as our body feels weak and lethargic. The Malayalam month of Karkidakam is when both children and adults catch all kinds of illnesses and diseases. So, it is essential to build your immunity by consuming nutritious food during Karkidakam.

Those who go out for work or engage in tasks like farming are more likely to experience fever, breathing difficulties and the common cold. Meanwhile, people who are drenched in rain or work in water are prone to stomach-related illnesses like vomiting and diarrhoea. If your drinking water source is a well, then make sure to boil the water to kill the bacteria. Meanwhile, rodent and snake bites, worm infections and attacks by dangerous animals are some of the elements of risk during monsoon. These creatures roam around as their holes and burrows get filled with rainwater. So, it is our responsibility to steer clear of their path and to save ourselves from their bites.

Foxes and dogs, too, may attack humans during this season. Do not drink unboiled water during the monsoon. It is better to consume warm food and drinks to ensure the well-being of the body. Buttermilk tempered with ginger, pepper and other aromatics is an essential drink to beat the monsoon blues. You may even feel refreshed drinking a cup of hot tea as the alkaloids in tea energise the body. However, overconsumption of tea and coffee may lead to several other health issues. Meanwhile, avoiding soft drinks can help you maintain your health and fitness.

Food to include and avoid in Karkidakam
The Karkidakam diet should include reasonable portions of fish and meat, as they give warmth to the body. Beef, chicken or mutton could be enjoyed every day in minimal quantity. Besides, you could also add spicy and sour pickles as a side dish during karkidakam. It is better to limit the intake of fruits during the rains as the cold nature of fruits may cause stomach pain. Dried fish is also a monsoon friendly food items that could included in the diet. However, ghee and curd should be avoided as they can worsen mucus problems. Milk too may not suit some people in karkidakam. Milk tea is better than drinking plain boiled milk.

Karkidakam is the best time to enjoy hot and nourishing non-veg soups. Soups energise the body and improve the health of tissues and cells. Moreover, soup is easy to digest, making it a wholesome dish for people of all ages. Tubers like tapioca and potato should be included only minimally in your diet. You could add these tubers as a side with a main protein dish. The warm nature of the non-veg dish would evenly balance the cold nature of the tuber. Ayurveda does not recommend consuming Bengal gram during the monsoon season as it triggers rheumatism. In case you are having it, cook it nicely with lots of coriander, chilies and pepper.

Skin care and karkidakam
Sweat and itching would be less as the weather is cold and pleasant. So, karkidakam is the perfect time to protect your skin or take your skincare game a step forward. Washing your hair with thali (herbal mix) will strengthen the complex strands and darken its colour. These herbal mixes are nature-friendly and do not have any side effects. Keeping your feet and nails nice and clean is essential during karkidakam. The cold weather can have a positive impact on your menstrual cycle, too. As the temperature is generally low, the chance of white discharge and excessive bleeding is low.

Workouts and bathing rituals
Do not miss your workout sessions during karkidakam. You could also be active by practising martial arts like kalarippayattu and karate. Indoor games are great fun during the rainy season. Swimming in the pond that is filled with refreshing rainwater would be a delightful experience. Those who do not have a cold or shortness of breath can take a dip in safe waterbodies. Swimming is an excellent exercise for women to regulate their menstrual cycle. Make sure to wear clean and dry clothes after bathing. Bone loss and joint pain are common among people above 45 years of age. Such persons should bathe in or swim in cold water. They should bathe in warm water and use a tailam as instructed by an ayurvedic practitioner. Rubbing raasanaadichoornam on the head after taking a bath would keep away cold and fever. Ayurveda described monsoon as a magical season, perfect for enjoying sex.

Nutritious food for elderly
Bine erosion and nerve problems are seen in elderly people during karkidakam. Hot kanji (rice gruel) with mung bean roast is an excellent combination. Horse gram is also great during karkidaka and could be enjoyed as soup or curry. Cooked beef or chicken tastes amazing with hot rice gruel as it is a good combination of protein and carbohydrate. Gently massage the body with tailam or herbal oils before taking a bath.

Mufflers or monkey caps could be worn to keep yourself warm. Do not go out after 6 pm. Wear slippers or shoes inside the house to keep your feet warm. Practice sleeping and waking at the proper time, as sleep might elude you during the rainy season. Make sure to spread thick layers of clothes on the cot if you do not have a bed. Stiffness, weakness and nervous disorders are common during karkidakam.

Diseases may get worse during the rainy season. For instance, diabetic patients may feel a frequent urge to urinate at night. Prostate-related issues may worsen in men. The bedcovers and pillow covers used by old people should be dry and clean. Do not place the cot close to the window. Ashtagandam, sandal or camphor could be burned to fill the rooms with fragrant smoke. Keep the surroundings clean by removing weeds and unwanted plants.
Information courtesy: Dr KT Vinod Krishnan, Amiya Ayurvedic Nursing home, Pattambi, Palakkad.