How To Eat Right During Seasonal Transitions, According To Doctors | Health and Fitness News
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Doctors are increasingly observing a rise in seasonal ailments such as viral fevers, fatigue, digestive issues during these weather changes, much of which, is linked to what we eat
Nearly 70% of our immune system resides in the gut, choosing digestion-friendly, warm, and freshly prepared meals becomes essential
As the seasons shift from hot to humid or from dry to damp, our bodies don’t just respond externally through skin or temperature changes, but internally too, especially in how our immune and digestive systems function. Doctors are increasingly observing a rise in seasonal ailments such as viral fevers, fatigue, and digestive distress during these weather changes, much of which, they say, is linked to what we eat.
“Food isn’t just fuel during a seasonal transition, it becomes the body’s first line of immune training,” says Dr Balakrishna G K, HOD & Sr Consultant Internal Medicine, Gleneagles BGS Hospital Kengeri, Bengaluru. Echoing this sentiment, Dr Akash Chaudhary, Clinical Director and Sr Consultant Medical Gastroenterology at CARE Hospitals, Hyderabad, notes that since nearly 70% of our immune system resides in the gut, choosing digestion-friendly, warm, and freshly prepared meals becomes essential. Here’s what the experts recommend for supporting your health during these weather shifts.
When the Weather Changes, So Should Your Plate
Dr Balakrishna explains that fluctuating weather demands recalibration from the body, especially the immune system. “I’ve observed more cases of viral fevers, digestive disturbances, and fatigue when dietary habits don’t match the season,” he shares. Cold, raw, or heavy-to-digest foods like refrigerated leftovers, processed snacks, and uncooked salads can stress the digestive system and make the body more prone to infections.
Instead, he advises leaning into simple, home-cooked fare: “Moong dal khichdi, tempered rice with ghee, sautéed vegetables, and broths help stabilize digestion and restore balance. Turmeric, cumin, ajwain, and black pepper aren’t just flavouring agents—they support digestion and also help fight germs.”
Your Gut is Your Immunity Powerhouse
Dr Akash Chaudhary highlights the central role the gut plays during these transitions. “Fluctuating temperatures and erratic humidity can weaken immunity, and since 70% of immune response is regulated through gut-associated lymphoid tissue, supporting gut health through the right foods is key,” he explains.
His advice? “Eat meals that are warm, freshly made, and easy on the stomach. Cooked vegetables like ridge gourd, pumpkin, and bottle gourd are gentle on the gut and high in micronutrients. Fermented foods like curd or kanji when prepared hygienically can help repopulate healthy gut bacteria.”
He also warns against raw and stale food. “Anything that’s been sitting out for hours becomes a breeding ground for bacteria. Raw sprouts, refrigerated fruit, and sugary items can destabilize the gut microbiome and should be avoided.”
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl…Read More
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl… Read More
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