Sankranti Special: Improve your lifestyle with sesame, jaggery and khichdi, diseases will stay away throughout the year.

News Topical, Digital Desk : These days, it's natural to find it difficult to maintain a normal routine due to the cold winds and dry atmosphere. If you're already experiencing any health issues, this weather could create new problems for you.

In such a situation, even if you have a normal lifestyle, you are advised to keep some important things in mind regarding your diet and lifestyle. 

As the sun moves north, both heat and light in the atmosphere increase. This helps balance the Vata Dosha in the body. The increased temperature has a positive effect on physical and mental health. Kite flying and getting active outdoors can help motivate you to stay fit.

The body needs energy-rich foods, so foods like oil, ghee, sesame seeds, jaggery, and khichdi have been used for centuries on this occasion. All of these foods help alleviate vata (wind). Furthermore, their natural energy protects us from the cold. It's worth noting that adapting our habits and behavior to suit the weather is the key to longevity and good health.

Why is this season better for farming? 

Traditionally, this time is also considered the middle of the winter season. As the season progresses, the fire fire becomes stronger, increasing hunger. Consuming a healthy and nutritious diet during this time allows our bodies to absorb nutrients better. Consuming unhealthy or improper foods during this time can have serious health consequences.

Maintaining a healthy and balanced diet and maintaining regularity during this time will ensure a strong immune system throughout the year. With improved immunity, your body is ready to fight illnesses. It's a tradition to eat sweets made with jaggery, peanuts, milk and its derivatives, and dried ginger, etc., on Makar Sankranti.

They are all delicious and easily digestible, and they also act as a form of medicine. Cold weather should not limit your water intake; drinking enough water daily is essential. 

Benefits of Ritucharya

Maintaining harmony in lifestyle with the seasons is called Ritucharya (seasonal routine). This is also scientifically logical. Your biological clock adjusts according to changes in the seasons. Your sleep and wake times also become regular. If you sleep and wake at a fixed time and maintain a balanced diet and lifestyle, morning and evening, you will be protected from health challenges. You may find relief from colds, coughs, arthritis, etc., and your energy, strength, and vitality may increase.

These foods are beneficial

• Grains – wheat, rice, barley, millet 
• Oily fluids - ghee (desi ghee) and sesame oil 
• Protein and bulk diet – milk and milk products, pulses

The right way to eat food

• Eat hot and fresh food. 
• Take it only when you feel hungry. 
• Fix meal times every day. 
• Spices – ginger, garlic, black pepper, long pepper, asafoetida, celery

Essential advice on BP and sugar

• Always make changes to any medicine only after consulting a doctor.
• Vata has a tendency to increase BP. 
• Due to the strong Agni, there is a risk of sugar imbalance due to improper diet. 
• Avoid going out in the morning and evening when it is very cold.
• Massage with sesame oil only when blood pressure is under control. 
• To avoid excessive stress and anger, practice yoga and meditation.
• Beat insomnia. Don't compromise on sleep.
• Consume ghee and oil in limited quantities. 
• Eat light and easily digestible food.
• Avoid stale, fried and heavy food. 
• Sesame-jaggery sweets (prohibited in diabetes) 
• Salt intake should be controlled 
• Avoid fasting for long periods of time.
• Make a habit of a healthy routine
• It would be better to sleep early in the morning and try to wake up in Brahmamuhurta. 
• Drink lukewarm water. Look at the sun.
• Regular massage with sesame oil
• Take bath with lukewarm water.
• Take special care of the head, ears, nose and feet.
• Do moderate to vigorous exercise as per your capacity.
• Avoid sleeping during the day.
• Yoga postures like Surya Namaskar, Bhastrika, Kapalabhati are very beneficial.
• Eat a light, warm meal after sunset. Avoid staying up late at night.

Avoid this type of food 

• Avoid cold, dry, stale food, cold drinks and excessive fasting. 
• Do not suppress your hunger. 
• Limit Vata-enhancing foods, such as gram, peas, etc. 

healthy seasonal diet

• Sesame Jaggery – Sesame seeds are rich in calcium, magnesium, and antioxidants . Jaggery is a blood-boosting and digestive aid.  
• Khichdi, a ghee-rich food, helps keep the digestive fire burning, nourishes the hair and skin, and is beneficial for overall health.

How to be cautious in winter

• Do not go out in the morning or evening as punishment.
• Do not take bath with very cold water.
• Check your BP regularly.
• Light walking is very useful.
• Maintain good hygiene habits even in the cold. Wear layers to protect your head, feet, and hands from the cold.
• If you have fever or headache, consult a doctor.

Read More: Pneumonia and flu attacks increase in winter; doctors suggest 5 effective ways to prevent them.