Fried and Oily Snacks
That plate of pakoras or samosas might be tempting, especially on a rainy day, but it’s best avoided when the air is thick with moisture. Fried and greasy foods are heavy and put a significant strain on your digestive system. During humid weather, your digestion
is already naturally slower. Eating these foods can lead to bloating, acidity, and a feeling of lethargy that makes the sticky weather feel even more unbearable.
Very Spicy Dishes
While a good dose of spice is central to many Indian meals, going overboard during humid spells can work against you. Spicy foods have a thermogenic effect, meaning they naturally increase your body's internal temperature. This makes you sweat more, and in high humidity, that sweat doesn't evaporate easily, trapping heat and making you feel hotter and more uncomfortable. This can also lead to increased dehydration and stomach irritation.
Red and Processed Meats
Heavy meats like lamb, beef, and processed varieties are complex proteins that require a lot of metabolic energy to digest. This digestive process, known as thermogenesis, generates a significant amount of internal heat, adding to your body's heat load on an already hot and humid day. Opting for lighter proteins like dal, chicken, or fish can keep you feeling nourished without making your system work overtime and feel sluggish.
Dairy Products
Milk, cheese, and even ice cream can be difficult for some people to digest, especially when the weather is humid. Dairy can be heavy on the stomach and may lead to bloating and gas. Some sources also suggest that dairy can promote mucus production, which might lead to respiratory discomfort when the air is already heavy. While curd is often recommended, it's best to consume it fresh and avoid heavy, creamy desserts that can slow down your system.
Sugary Drinks and Sodas
Reaching for a cold, sugary soda might seem like the perfect way to cool down, but it often has the opposite effect. Your body uses water to metabolise high amounts of sugar, which can contribute to dehydration. These drinks also cause a rapid spike in blood sugar, followed by a crash that leaves you feeling tired and drained. For true hydration, stick to water, coconut water, or fresh lime soda without the excess sugar.
Excessively Salty Foods
Snacking on salty chips, pickles, and other processed foods can lead to discomfort in humid weather. A high intake of sodium causes your body to retain water, which can result in bloating and a puffy, heavy feeling. This water retention puts extra stress on your system and can even contribute to higher blood pressure. To combat this, try flavouring your food with herbs and light spices instead of reaching for extra salt.
Refined Carbohydrates
Foods like white bread, maida-based products, and pastries might be convenient, but they offer little nutritional value and can make you feel worse in the humidity. These refined carbs cause sharp spikes in your blood sugar levels, leading to the inevitable energy crash and fatigue. This rollercoaster of energy levels can be particularly draining when your body is already working hard to stay cool.
Caffeinated Beverages
Your daily cups of coffee or strong tea might need a rethink during a humid spell. Caffeine is a diuretic, which means it causes your body to lose more fluid through urination. While a single cup is unlikely to cause major issues, excessive consumption can easily lead to dehydration, especially when you're already losing fluids through sweat. This can heighten feelings of fatigue and may even trigger headaches.
Alcohol
A cold beer on a hot day can feel refreshing, but alcohol is another diuretic that ultimately contributes to dehydration. It impairs your body's ability to regulate its own temperature and can interfere with the natural cooling process. During periods of high humidity, avoiding alcohol is a wise choice to help your body maintain its fluid balance and stay cool more effectively.
Mangoes in Excess
This may come as a surprise for a beloved summer fruit, but it's all about moderation. According to some traditional and nutritional views, mangoes can be 'heaty' and are also high in sugar. Furthermore, they are high in potassium, which can have a mild diuretic effect if consumed in large quantities. Enjoy your mangoes, but perhaps limit yourself to one a day to avoid any potential for dehydration or digestive heaviness.
