What things to avoid eating in Bhadrapada?
, 11 मिनट पढ़ने का समय
, 11 मिनट पढ़ने का समय
Food items that are difficlt to keep fresh and healthy are difficult to digest when they are eaten in the wrong time. Know more why and how Vedas prove this is absolutely medically certified here.
What things to avoid eating in Bhadrapada?
When the month of Bhadrapada arrives, the air feels different, the rains are in full swing, the earthy scent after a downpour lingers for hours, and everything around looks freshly washed by nature.
But along with this beauty comes a season of hidden health challenges. The dampness in the air, fluctuating temperatures, and high humidity quietly start affecting our bodies in ways we often ignore.
Our digestion becomes a little sluggish, immunity takes a dip, and the chances of catching a cold, cough, or stomach infection rise. Yet, ironically, this is also the time when we crave all the wrong things, a chilled glass of water, a scoop of ice cream, or a bowl of creamy curd.
While these might seem harmless indulgences, they can actually make us more vulnerable to seasonal illnesses. That’s why, during Bhadrapada, it’s important to know not just what to eat, but also what to avoid, so that we can enjoy the monsoon without falling into its common health traps.
Why is it advised not to consume Curd (Dahi) in Bhadrapada?
Curd, or dahi, is often praised as a healthy, probiotic-rich food that aids digestion and keeps the body cool in hot weather. However, during Bhadrapada, which falls right in the middle of the monsoon season, its cooling nature can actually work against your health.
The rainy months bring high humidity and a natural drop in the body’s digestive strength, making the system more prone to producing excess mucus.
Curd is known to increase kapha (mucus) in the body, which can trigger or worsen common seasonal problems like colds, coughs, and sinus congestion. In simple terms, it thickens phlegm and makes it harder for the respiratory tract to stay clear.
That’s why our elders have always cautioned against eating curd at night or during this month as it’s not superstition but a preventive step against seasonal ailments.
Another reason for avoiding curd in Bhadrapada is its effect on digestion during the damp monsoon weather. Curd is heavy to digest compared to buttermilk or other lighter dairy options.
In this season, the body’s agni (digestive fire) is already weak, so heavy or cooling foods tend to sit longer in the stomach, leading to bloating, acidity, or even loose motions.
Moreover, the humid climate increases the chances of bacterial growth in dairy products if they’re not stored properly, making the risk of stomach infections even higher.
Instead of plain curd, you can have mildly spiced buttermilk with ginger or black salt as it gives you a lighter, safer alternative without straining digestion or triggering respiratory troubles.
Why is it advised not to consume Cold Water and iced drinks?
During Bhadrapada, the monsoon is at its peak, and our body’s natural digestive power tends to be at its lowest. Drinking cold water or iced beverages at this time can be quite taxing for the system.
Cold liquids constrict the blood vessels in the throat and slow down the digestive process, making it harder for the body to break down food.
This not only weakens the agni, the digestive fire as described in Ayurveda, but also increases the risk of indigestion, bloating, and sluggish metabolism.
Since the season already makes the body more vulnerable to infections, the sudden temperature drop caused by chilled drinks can further lower immunity, making it easier for coughs, colds, and throat irritations to set in.
Another reason iced drinks are discouraged in Bhadrapada is their impact on the respiratory system. In a season where humidity is high, mucus production in the body naturally increases, and cold beverages can thicken this mucus, leading to nasal congestion or breathing discomfort.
The throat also becomes more sensitive to temperature shocks, and consuming chilled liquids can cause inflammation or aggravate existing respiratory issues like sinusitis or bronchitis.
Instead of reaching for an icy drink to quench thirst, lukewarm or room-temperature water helps maintain the body’s balance, supports digestion, and keeps the throat clear, ensuring better overall health during this delicate monsoon phase.
Why is it advised not to consume ice cream and frozen desserts?
During Bhadrapada, the monsoon is at its peak, and the weather turns cool, damp, and humid. In this climate, our body’s digestion naturally slows down, and the immune system works harder to protect us from seasonal infections.
Ice creams and frozen desserts, with their extremely cold temperature, can give the digestive system a sudden shock, making it sluggish and less efficient. The cold also causes the throat’s blood vessels to constrict, reducing its ability to fight off bacteria and viruses.
This is why people often develop sore throats, coughs, or even fevers shortly after indulging in frozen treats during this season. Ayurveda also warns against cold and heavy foods during monsoon, as they increase kapha dosha, leading to excess mucus and respiratory congestion.
Apart from the temperature factor, frozen desserts are often loaded with sugar and dairy, which create the perfect combination for seasonal discomforts. Sugar can weaken immune function, making it easier for infections to take hold, while heavy dairy content can be harder to digest in this weather, leading to bloating or indigestion.
Humidity in Bhadrapada also makes the throat and nasal passages more sensitive, so the chill from ice creams can easily trigger inflammation or a phlegm build-up.
Why shouldn't we consume uncooked leafy greens?
During Bhadrapada, when the monsoon is at its peak, uncooked leafy greens can silently become a major health hazard.
The warm, damp weather creates the perfect breeding ground for germs, bacteria, and tiny parasites, which can easily settle on the surface of these vegetables. Unlike in dry seasons, washing them once may not be enough to get rid of these invisible contaminants.
Consuming them raw in salads or smoothies might look like the healthy choice, but in this season, it can invite stomach infections, diarrhea, and even more serious digestive troubles.
The moisture in the air also makes it harder to keep greens fresh, meaning that even a slight delay in using them can cause them to wilt or spoil faster, further increasing the risk.
Another reason to avoid uncooked leafy greens during Bhadrapada is that our digestive system naturally slows down in humid weather. Raw greens like spinach, lettuce, or coriander are harder to break down compared to cooked vegetables, and when digestion is sluggish, this can lead to bloating, acidity, or heaviness after meals.
Cooking not only makes greens softer and easier to digest but also kills harmful microbes that may be clinging to them. Light steaming, sautéing, or boiling ensures you still get the nutrition without compromising on safety.
Why shouldn’t we consume street food?
During Bhadrapada, the rains are often at their heaviest, and with them comes an environment that is damp, humid, and perfect for germs to thrive. Street food, as tempting as it may be, is usually prepared and served in open areas where dust, polluted rainwater splashes, and flies can easily contaminate it.
The high moisture content in the air also means food tends to spoil faster, and vendors might unknowingly serve ingredients that are not fresh.
Add to that the possibility of unfiltered water being used in chutneys, juices, or ice, and you have a ready recipe for stomach infections, food poisoning, or water-borne diseases like typhoid and cholera.
Your digestive system is already more sensitive during this season, so eating unhygienic food makes it all the more vulnerable.
Another reason to avoid street food in Bhadrapada is the way it interacts with the body’s natural needs during the monsoon. Fried snacks, spicy chaats, and creamy treats not only slow down digestion but also increase acidity and bloating in the humid weather.
Street vendors often reuse oil multiple times, making it heavy and toxic for consumption.
Even seemingly harmless snacks like pani puri or bhel can carry bacteria if the water or garnishes are not handled properly. While these foods might be fine in dry months, the rainy season changes the equation as one careless indulgence can mean days of weakness, stomach cramps, or fever.
It’s wiser to enjoy similar dishes made fresh at home, where you can control cleanliness and ingredients, rather than taking risks that can spoil your health during this already infection-prone time.
Why shouldn't we consume seafood?
The humid conditions during Bhadrapada create the perfect environment for fish and shellfish to spoil rapidly, significantly increasing the risk of food poisoning. The monsoon's damp warmth allows harmful bacteria to multiply quickly in seafood, making even slightly stale or improperly stored fish dangerous to consume.
If contaminated seafood is eaten, it can lead to severe stomach infections, causing painful symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration, ailments that are especially troublesome when the body is already vulnerable due to seasonal changes.
Additionally, the high humidity can aggravate seafood allergies, triggering stronger reactions than usual, such as skin rashes, swelling, or breathing difficulties. To stay safe, it's best to avoid seafood altogether during this season, but if you must eat fish, opt for freshwater varieties like rohu or catfish, as they are less prone to rapid spoilage compared to saltwater fish.
Even better, switch to plant-based protein sources like lentils, sprouts, or paneer as these not only provide essential nutrients but are also far less likely to cause foodborne illnesses. By making these mindful dietary choices, you can enjoy the monsoon without putting your health at unnecessary risk.
How is too much coffee and tea harmful in Bhadrapada?
During Bhadrapada, when humidity is at its peak, consuming too much caffeine as found in coffee and tea, can worsen dehydration, as the body is already working hard to cope with the muggy weather.
Caffeine acts as a diuretic, flushing out essential fluids and leaving you feeling parched, which is especially problematic when your system is already under stress from the damp climate.
Additionally, excessive caffeine intake increases stomach acid production, leading to uncomfortable issues like acidity and bloating. While that initial caffeine boost might feel energizing, it often results in a sudden energy crash later, leaving you more fatigued than before.
Instead of relying on coffee or strong tea, consider switching to healthier alternatives like herbal teas as ginger tea aids digestion, tulsi tea strengthens immunity, and cinnamon-infused warm water helps regulate metabolism.
Another excellent option is golden milk (haldi doodh), a soothing blend of turmeric and warm milk that not only keeps you hydrated but also boosts immunity without the dehydrating effects of caffeine. Making these simple swaps can help you stay energized and comfortable throughout the challenging monsoon season.
Therefore, Bhadrapada’s weather demands extra care in diet. Avoiding curd, cold water, ice cream, and risky foods can save you from coughs, colds, and stomach troubles. Instead, focus on warm, light, and easily digestible meals to stay healthy. Listen to your body as it knows when something doesn’t suit it. Stay mindful, eat wisely, and enjoy the rains without falling sick.
Written by: Nikita, Content Writer, Rudraksha Hub
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