This Navratri listen to your body- by Dr Zamurrud Patel
Author(s): City Air NewsIn Mumbai the month of October marks the end of monsoon and the beginning of second summer. In this month the country celebrates Navratri – an auspicious 9-day festival of Goddess Durga. The festival is celebrated...
cityairnews
Oct 9, 2015 12:30
0
In Mumbai the month of October marks the end of monsoon and the beginning of second summer. In this month the country celebrates Navratri – an auspicious 9-day festival of Goddess Durga. The festival is celebrated with lot of enthusiasm and excitement in various parts of the country. People fast during these nine days and play Garba or Dandiya.
During the 9 days of Navratri, a lot of people especially women observe fast. It has been scientifically proven that fasting is very beneficial for our body. Many people also restrict themselves from consuming water on the days of fasting which is not recommended. But one must understand that anything and everything cannot be followed by everyone and one has to listen to his or her body.
Dr. Zamurrud Patel, Consultant Dietician, Global Hospital Mumbai says, “You should listen to your body and take care of your health during Navratri. Have plenty of fluids and nutritious food to keep energy levels up. In order to maintain good health, follow the simple regime of healthy diet and fast in a safe manner.”
Dietary tips to stay healthy during Navratri
1. Do not starve – Fasting doesn’t mean starving yourself. You should take care of your health and eat fruits. Health should always be your first priority. Fasting for a long time lead to problems like weakness, acidity and headache. So take care of your health first and enjoy the festival.
2. It’s a fast and not a feast – Fasts are meant to cleanse and detoxify the body from regular junk which we consume frequently. On the contrary many people end up consuming more oily and fat rich foods, which harm the body rather than benefiting it. One must watch what they are eating and in how much quantity.
3. Small and frequent meals – Fasting does not mean not to eat anything the whole day. Plan your day; add small and frequent meals in your schedule. It will boost your metabolism. Do eat in 2 hours gap as it will help to prevent acidity.
4. Drink plenty of liquids – Drink more water as compared to your non fasting days. It is a natural cleanser for your organs and digestive system. It helps to cleanse toxins and keeps one hydrated. You can go for lemon water, coconut water, fresh juices and milk. Every individual must consume 2-3 liters water per day.
5. Effects of not fasting properly - Many people who fast also go to play “garba/dandiya” in the evening. Since this requires stamina and energy, it is vital that you fast in a proper manner in order to enjoy the festivities.
Some of the ill-effects of not fasting properly are:
1. Weakness and fatigue
2. Drop in blood sugar level
3. Sleeplessness
4. Acidity
5. Tiredness
Common Health problems during Navratri:
1. Diarrhea and Vomiting: Getting a stomach bug at a festival will bring you to a nightmare, forcing you to spend your day hanging out in a sweltering loo. You should control your sweets/ junk food intake during festive season as it may cause stomach infection, food poisoning, nausea which will lead to vomiting.
2. Dehydration: During festive season you are busy visiting pandals, guests and of course dancing, you tend to forget to keep yourself hydrated and thus it implies the signs of thirst and dark colored urine. It can also cause dizziness, headaches and loss of energy. So have ample amount of water and enjoy your festive season.
3. Colds and Flu: The temptation during Navratri season is to eat nothing but junk. But it’s a good idea to follow your regular diet and fluids and limit junk intake.
4. Asthma: Due to dry and dusty atmosphere people end up with flared asthma and eye irritation.
5. Injuries: Over-crowding and dance-related injuries are also very common and many people end up with slipped discs, joint pains, cramps and sprained muscles from overzealous dance moves during Durga Pooja in Kolkata and “Garba/Dandiya” in Gujarat &Maharashtra. If you have an existing problem, visit your doctor before wearing your dancing shoes.
Have healthy and nutritious food which is balanced in carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals during Navratri to keep you healthy and lighten up your festive mood. Always remember ‘Health is Wealth.’
(Dr. Zamurrud Patel is Consultant Dietician, Global Hospital Mumbai.)
Date:
Friday, October 9, 2015
