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Winter is a season when the body craves for more food. People tend to eat repeatedly at irregular intervals due to increased digestive power. Moreover, physical activity is reduced to a minimum. A combination of excessive food intake and less physical activity is the root cause to a series of health alterations.
During winter, people experience problems like, creaky joints, body pains, lethargy , numbness, cough, flu, dryness amongst many other health problems.
We recommend a time tested regimen as per Ayurveda , to be followed during winter in order to maintain good health.
Food habits
- Eating nuts and dry fruits (in limited quantities )like Sesame seeds, Almonds, Cashews, Pistachio, Walnut, Hazel nuts, Dates, Apricots, Prunes, Raisins will provide necessary vitamins, natural oils and provide required nutrients to keep the body warm.
- Use spices like Black pepper, Garlic, Onion, Cumin, Coriander, Ginger, Asafetida, Mustard seeds to help in the digestion and elimination of abdominal gases.
- Vegetables like drum sticks, spinach, amaranth, bitter gourd, green banana, fenugreek leaves ( Methi), Mint leaves provides the necessary fiber and nutrition and at the same time are easily digestible.
- Sprouts have a lot of fiber and proteins in them. Their consumption will help provide enough energy without feeling heavy.
- A glass of fresh warm milk (preferably organic fresh milk) with a pinch of turmeric and black pepper will boost the immunity.
- Freshly prepared warm food will enhance circulation and increase enzyme activity.
- Fruits rich in Vitamin C like Gooseberry ( Amla), Orange, Lemon, Tangerine help flush out the toxins from the body.
- Fasting once a week at regular intervals is recommended to detoxify the body .
Living habits
- Regular body massage with fresh cold pressed vegetable oils to improve circulation
- Regular gargling with warm salt water or warm decoction of Triphala with salt will prevent throat infections.
- This is the best season for conceiving a healthy strong child.
- Wear warm clothes made of natural fibers like cotton , wool , jute etc .
- Must keep bowels clean by going to the toilet at least once a day.
- At least 60 minutes of physical exercise is recommended to maintain circulation and keep active.
- Apply oil on the feet and hands and dip in warm salt water for 10 minutes to improve circulation and reduce numbness.
- Inhale hot vapors of natural essential oils like eucalyptus, tulasi (holy basil), lemon grass, mint, menthol to prevent nasal congestion.
- Drink at least 2 liters of fresh warm water everyday to prevent dehydration and flush out toxins.
- Apply natural lavender oil on the forehead and nose to prevent depression.
- Panchakarma procedures are recommended regularly during this season.
Author: Dr. Anasuya Devi