For three months, we walked alongside one of our clients on her healing journey. She came to us seeking relief from fibromyalgia, her muscles constantly aching, spasms disrupting even simple movements. We did Nadi Pariksha and prescribed her medications and diet. She was determined. She followed our recommended medication and diet with unwavering dedication, never missing a step. And then, something beautiful happened.
Week by week, the pain eased. The tightness that once gripped her body softened. Until, one day, she moved freely, without hesitation, without fear, without the weight of fibromyalgia holding her back. When she visited us last week, we had the joy of telling her that she no longer needed the medication. Her body had found balance, and all she needed now was to continue following the diet and nourishing her body.
It was a gratifying moment, the one that every doctor hopes to witness. And then, she asked us something unexpected –
“Most of us don’t really know what to consume as per the seasons. It’s raining, and I notice I’m not that hungry. So what should we be eating?”
Her words struck a chord. She was right! So many people are unsure of how seasonal changes affect digestion. And with the monsoon bringing cooler air and damp surroundings, our appetite naturally shifts. This conversation sparked an idea, and here I am, writing this article, to help people understand what their body truly needs during the rainy season, so they can maintain strong digestive health and continue thriving.
Let’s dive in.
As the seasons shift, so does the rhythm of our bodies. According to Ayurveda, digestion, which starts to slow in the summer, reaches its lowest point during the rainy season. Thick clouds, cold winds, and impure water create an environment where the body’s doshas can easily become aggravated. That’s why this season calls for light, easily digestible foods and mindful living.
This is also the perfect time to undergo Vasti, an enema therapy using oil or medicated decoctions. It helps nourish the body and restore the balance of the doshas, ensuring the body remains strong throughout the damp monsoon months.
So, what should we eat when the skies turn gray and the air is thick with rain?
To support digestion, we must embrace warm, simple foods that are a little sour, salty, and unctuous – nourishing without overburdening the gut.
Some great options include:
- Broken rice porridge
- Bean soup
- Masoor dal khichdi
- Green moong soup
- Whey soup
- Mutton soup (for non-vegetarians) – but only the broth, seasoned with pepper and salt
Lifestyle shifts to support digestion:
- Engage in moderate exercise – keep the body moving, but avoid intense physical exertion.
- Avoid daytime naps, as they can further slow digestion.
By making these simple adjustments, we can align ourselves with nature and keep our digestive fire strong, even as the rain pours outside. After all, seasonal eating isn’t just about sustenance, it’s about thriving in harmony with the world around us.
