How to Stay Healthy in Vata Season (sep.-Nov.)

• Every season has its own importance. As every season  brings with it its own set of changes which  affects  the health of the individuals.  Seasonal changes occur w.r.t. changes in position of sun .
• Weather changes affects the health of people . With  weather changes it is not easy  to adjust with the changes  for the human body and as a result of this most of us fall sick or become prone to many allergies or diseases . 

Vata season in ayurveda

 In Ayurveda , a year is divided in two kala i.e. uttarayana and dakshinayana. Each kala contain three ritu. So there are six ritus in a year. In Vata season i.e. from mid September to mid November , there is  an aggravation of vata and Pitta dosha. Due to which person become prone to many allergies, if  right regimen for staying healthy is not followed. 

Common illnesses in vata season

Influenza

Influenza is one of the most commonly occurring ailment among the individuals of all ages. If this is not treated then can cause severe diseases like bronchitis, pneumonia etc.

Symptoms 

• Nausea & Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Excessive fatigue
• Persistent cough 
• Sore throat
• Chest congestion 
• Fever and chills
• Headache
• Body aches

Common cold  

Common cold can occur in any season but this autumn season is peak time.

Symptoms

• Low grade fever
• Running nose
• Generalized weakness
• Cough and sneezing
• Chest congestion
• Sore throat

Allergies 

Seasonal Allergies are common which commonly occurs  due to dust, pollen and  affects the normal life of people.

Symptoms 

• Coughing and sneezing
• Running  nose
• Watery and itchy eyes
• Sore throat
• Snoring
• Ear infection
• Chest congestion

Sinusitis

Sinusitis is a condition in which the  inflammatory changes in the tissue that lines the sinuses, that are cavities or tract around the nasal passage occur. Trigger factors for sinusitis includes allergies, common cold , flu . Due to these factors sinusitis is commonly observed in among peoples in these season.

Symptoms

• Severe headache
• Tenderness around eyes
• Nasal discharge
• Watery eyes
• Post nasal discharge

Asthma 

As in this season allergies are common that are risk factor for asthma .  In asthma ,  air spaces becomes dry that  leads to  breathing difficulties. Other factors that can trigger this condition  include Common cold and flu.

Symptoms 

• Breathing difficulties
• Chest pain and congestion
• Wheezing
• Cold and cough

Throat infection 

Throat infection is commonly seen in people . Throat infection  is a painful, itchy and scratchy condition that cause discomfort in throat. Most throat infections are more like to  occur in conditions like  dry air in environment , persisting infection etc.

Symptoms

• Difficulty in swallowing 
• Swelling of neck glands
• Hoarse voice
• Anorexia
• Body ache

Beside of these diseases  other ailments like fever , Dengue , typhoid, Arthritis  are also common in people. 

To prevent these diseases Ritucharya has been advised in ayurveda . In this , dietary and life style modifications has been prescribed , by following this one can prevent these ailments.

Diet to taken in Vata season.

Vata balancing diet should be taken to stay healthy and avoid ailments. Diet may include

• Grains like Wheat, Rice and Barley  can be used.
• Green gram, pulses  should be taken in this season. 
• Green vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage should be taken  after  cooking with ghee.
• Cow milk, jaggery, honey, cumin, turmeric can be used in ample quantity.
• Fruits like apple , grapes,  plums, pears,  ripe banana and avocado should be  taken.
• Dry fruits like dates , almonds can be taken.

Diet to be avoided

• All kind of dry , spicy , sour , salty food  should be avoided.
• Frozen food should not be taken.
• Heavy to digest food should be avoided like potatoes.
• High fat meat like broiler chicken, pork, etc is to be avoided in this season.

Drinks to be used

• Buttermilk with cumin, coriander should be consumed.
• Herbal tea should be taken.
• Fruit juices like mango juice , orange juice, grape juice, papaya juice should be taken. 

Other regimen to be followed

Beside of these diet regimen there are some healthy tips for vata season

•  Wear light and relaxing clothes 
•  Should avoid wearing heavy clothes and  bright colors.
• Pleasing environment should be preferred.
• Mind relaxing environment should be preferred. 
• Always take healthy and balanced diet that includes fruits, green vegetables, fish, and nuts.
• Herbal tea should be taken.
• Take water in proper quantity to stay hydrated.
• Dietary supplements should be taken to increase immunity.
• Avoid all kind of dry , junk,  spicy , acidic and packed food
• Wash your hands frequently
• Avoid going in crowded places.
• Stay away from the risk factors or the factors that can trigger or can lead to any kind of infection or disease.
• Proper  management of the allergies should be done .
• Cover your face while coughing  or sneezing.
• Avoid frequent travelling.
• In this season especially when there is risk of infection  every time  , always use face mask while going outside the house.
• Daily yoga and meditation should be done to stay away from stress.
• Take Proper and timely sleep at night .
• Mild exercise  and breathing exercises should be done regularly.

So for staying balanced  during vata season  one should understand   importance of diet and life style according to the season and follow the regimens and should take the preventive measures.