A Guide to Happy Digestion This Rainy Season

Ah, the monsoon season! The sound of raindrops on your window, the earthy smell of wet soil, and that undeniable craving for a hot cup of chai and a plate of crispy, fried snacks. I get it. I recently posted on Instagram that monsoon is the best time to eat fried food—and I stand by it! But let's be real, It is hard to stop with that 2 pieces of pakoda and then an hour later our tummies tend to stage a protest.

Bloating, gas, acidity, or that general "heavy" feeling are all-too-common monsoon complaints. Yet, I believe, this is the season to enjoy the local and festive delicacy's and still feel great.

However , let us talk about why your gut gets grumpy in the rains and how to give it some love, combining a bit of tradition with modern science.

The Monsoon Gut Mystery: What’s Really Going On?

You might notice that even your usual meals feel heavier during the monsoons. This isn't just in your head.

• Your Digestive Fire Cools Down closer to Winter : In Ayurveda, it's believed that our agni, or digestive fire, naturally weakens when the weather gets cooler and more humid. This makes it harder for your body to break down and absorb food efficiently. So that bhajia that felt fine in June and July when the rain's just started , will sign a whole different tune as the rains get heavier !For it to digest well , it needs to be seasoned right !

• Bacteria Love the Humidity: The rainy season creates a perfect breeding ground for bacteria and viruses. This means a higher risk of food and water-borne infections, which can throw your gut microbiome completely out of whack.

Your Monsoon Gut Reset Plan: Simple Swaps for a Happier Tummy

No, I'm not asking you to swear off all fried food (we’ll still enjoy it, just smarter!). Instead, here are some practical tips to keep your gut happy and healthy this season.

1. Prioritize Cooked and Warm Foods

This might be the most crucial tip. Avoid raw salads, uncooked chaats, or refrigerated beverages. While they’re great on a scorching summer day, they can be tough on a sluggish monsoon gut. Instead, lean into warm, cooked meals that are easy to digest. Think light dals, fresh vegetable soups, and perfectly cooked khichdi.

2. Spice It Up (The Right Way)

Spices are more than just flavor—they're your digestive allies. Traditional Indian spices like ginger, turmeric, black pepper, cumin, and carom seeds (ajwain) are incredible for stoking your digestive fire and have powerful antimicrobial properties.

• Tip when you start feeling the winter heaviness and blues : Start your day with a cup of warm water with a pinch of grated ginger. It’s like a gentle wake-up call for your digestive system.

3. Hydrate, But with a Twist

This isn't the season for cold water straight from the fridge. Stick to filtered or boiled water to avoid any nasty bacteria. You can also make it more beneficial by infusing it.

4. The Magic of Fermented Foods

My gut loves good bacteria, and yours does too! Probiotic-rich foods introduce healthy bacteria, while prebiotics (the food for that good bacteria) help them thrive.

• Indian Gut-Friendly Foods: Incorporate homemade yogurt (dahi), traditional pickles (achaar), and fermented batters like idli and dosa into your diet. These are simple ways to support your gut without feeling like you're on a "health" kick.

5. Smartly Indulge: The Fried Food Rule

Here's the fun part. Since we established that monsoon is the time for fried food, let's make it work for us. When you do indulge in that plate of pakoras, choose wisely.

• Eat Mindfully: Don't eat fried food on an empty stomach. Pair it with a gut-friendly dip, like a cilantro-mint chutney with a dash of ginger.

• Portion Control: A small bowl is often enough to satisfy the craving. Savor every bite, and remember, this isn’t an all-you-can-eat pass.

Your Monsoon Gut-Soothing Recipe: Digestive Spice Tea

This is my absolute favorite way to warm up and help my digestion after a heavy meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup water

• 1-inch piece of ginger, thinly sliced

• 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds

• 1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds

• A pinch of carom seeds (ajwain)

• star anise -1

Instructions:

1. Bring the water to a boil in a small pot.

2. Add all the spices and the ginger.

3. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes.

4. add the star anise for about 2 minutes

5. Seap and then strain the tea and serve warm. You can add a squeeze of lemon if you like.

   
   

Enjoying the monsoon season doesn't mean sacrificing your health. By making a few mindful choices, you can protect your gut and enjoy the rains, a happy tummy in tow.

What's your go-to monsoon gut remedy? Share it in the comments below!