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Healthy Foods for Rainy Weather

Learn about healthy foods to enjoy during rainy weather that boost immunity, aid digestion, and protect against seasonal illnesses. Discover nutritious and comforting monsoon-friendly options.

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Written by Dr. Mohammed Kamran

Reviewed by Dr. Md Yusuf Shareef MBBS

Last updated on 13th Aug, 2025

The rainy season brings relief from the scorching heat, but it also comes with its own set of health challenges: cold, flu, infections, and digestive issues. Eating the right foods can help boost your immunity, keep infections at bay, and keep you energized during this damp and chilly weather.

In this article, we’ll explore some of the best foods to include in your diet during the monsoon to stay healthy and happy.

Why Eating Healthy in the Rainy Season is Important?

The monsoon increases humidity, which creates a perfect environment for bacteria and viruses to thrive. Our digestive system also tends to slow down during this season, making us more prone to infections, indigestion, and waterborne diseases.

Eating the right foods can:

  • Strengthen immunity

  • Improve digestion

  • Keep infections away

  • Provide warmth and energy

Consult a Top Specialist

Dr Vinay Kumar A V, Nephrologist

Dr Vinay Kumar A V

Nephrologist

8 Years • MBBS, MD - General Medicine, DM - Nephrology

Bilaspur

Apollo Hospitals Seepat Road, Bilaspur

800

800

No Booking Fees

Dr. Kavitha Subash, General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

Dr. Kavitha Subash

General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

15 Years • MBBS, MD

Chennai

Apollo Speciality Hospitals Vanagaram, Chennai

1000

150 Cashback

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No Booking Fees

Dr. Shakti, General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

Dr. Shakti

General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

25 Years • MBBS, DNB, PGDHIVM, MRCP (UK)

Delhi

Apollo Hospitals Indraprastha, Delhi

recommendation

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(225+ Patients)

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Dr. V K Aneja, General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

Dr. V K Aneja

General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

38 Years • MBBS, MD (Med.)

Delhi

Apollo Hospitals Indraprastha, Delhi

recommendation

97%

(75+ Patients)

2500

Dr. Sandhya Chandel, General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

Dr. Sandhya Chandel

General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

16 Years • MBBS, MD (Int. Med.), IDCCM

Bilaspur

Apollo Hospitals Seepat Road, Bilaspur

recommendation

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(100+ Patients)

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No Booking Fees

Best Foods to Eat During the Rainy Season

Below are few foods that are suitable during rainy season,

1. Warm Soups and Broths

A hot bowl of soup is comforting and nutritious. Vegetable soups, chicken broth, or lentil soup are excellent choices. They keep you warm, improve digestion, and provide essential nutrients.

Tip: Add ginger, garlic, and turmeric for extra immunity-boosting benefits.

2. Herbal Teas

Instead of regular tea or coffee, opt for herbal teas like ginger tea, tulsi (holy basil) tea, or green tea. These teas have antibacterial and antiviral properties that help fight infections.

Tip: Add a pinch of turmeric or honey for added benefits.

3. Seasonal Fruits

Fruits like pomegranates, apples, pears, and bananas are great for the rainy season. They are rich in vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants that help in digestion and immunity.

Avoid: Cut fruits from street vendors as they may be contaminated.

4. Dry Fruits and Nuts

Almonds, walnuts, and dates provide energy and warmth. They are rich in healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals that keep you active and strengthen immunity.

Tip: Soak almonds overnight for better digestion.

5. Whole Grains

Oats, brown rice, quinoa, and millets are excellent choices. They provide fiber, keep you full for longer, and support gut health.

Tip: Avoid fried snacks and opt for roasted makhana (fox nuts) or roasted chana (chickpeas) for a healthy snack.

6. Probiotic Foods

Yogurt, buttermilk, and fermented foods like idli and dosa help maintain gut health. A healthy gut means better immunity.

Tip: Avoid curd at night as it may cause congestion.

7. Ginger and Garlic

Both have strong antibacterial and antiviral properties. Adding them to meals helps fight infections and improves digestion.

Tip: Drink ginger tea or chew a small piece of raw ginger to soothe a sore throat.

8. Turmeric Milk (Haldi Doodh)

Turmeric has anti-inflammatory and immunity-boosting properties. A glass of warm turmeric milk before bed keeps infections away and promotes good sleep.

9. Leafy Greens (Cooked Well)

Spinach, fenugreek (methi), and other greens are rich in iron and vitamins. However, ensure they are thoroughly washed and cooked to avoid contamination.

10. Light and Home-Cooked Meals

Avoid heavy, oily, and junk food as they slow down digestion. Stick to simple, home-cooked meals like khichdi, dal-rice, or steamed vegetables.

Foods to Avoid in the Rainy Season

Below are the foods to be avoided in rainy season,

  • Street Food – Risk of contamination and infections.

  • Raw Salads – May contain bacteria due to unclean water.

  • Seafood – Higher risk of spoilage in humid weather.

  • Fried and Oily Foods – Can cause indigestion and acidity.

  • Dairy Products from Unreliable Sources – May cause stomach infections.

Healthy Eating Tips for the Monsoon

Below are the healthy eating tips for the monsoon,

  • Stay Hydrated – Drink boiled or filtered water to avoid waterborne diseases.

  • Eat Fresh and Clean – Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly.

  • Avoid Overeating – Eat small, frequent meals to aid digestion.

  • Maintain Hygiene – Wash hands before eating to prevent infections.

When to Consult a Doctor?

If you experience:

  • Prolonged fever or cold

  • Severe stomach upset

  • Food poisoning symptoms (vomiting, diarrhea)

  • Persistent cough or throat infection

It’s best to consult a doctor immediately. You can book an online consultation with Apollo 24|7 for expert advice from the comfort of your home.

Final Thoughts

The rainy season can be enjoyable if you take care of your diet and health. Eating warm, nutritious, and immunity-boosting foods will help you stay active and disease-free. Avoid outside food, stay hydrated, and maintain good hygiene to make the most of this beautiful season!

Consult a Top Specialist

Dr Vinay Kumar A V, Nephrologist

Dr Vinay Kumar A V

Nephrologist

8 Years • MBBS, MD - General Medicine, DM - Nephrology

Bilaspur

Apollo Hospitals Seepat Road, Bilaspur

800

800

No Booking Fees

Dr. Kavitha Subash, General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

Dr. Kavitha Subash

General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

15 Years • MBBS, MD

Chennai

Apollo Speciality Hospitals Vanagaram, Chennai

1000

150 Cashback

1000

No Booking Fees

Dr. Shakti, General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

Dr. Shakti

General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

25 Years • MBBS, DNB, PGDHIVM, MRCP (UK)

Delhi

Apollo Hospitals Indraprastha, Delhi

recommendation

98%

(225+ Patients)

2000

200 Cashback

Dr. V K Aneja, General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

Dr. V K Aneja

General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

38 Years • MBBS, MD (Med.)

Delhi

Apollo Hospitals Indraprastha, Delhi

recommendation

97%

(75+ Patients)

2500

Dr. Sandhya Chandel, General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

Dr. Sandhya Chandel

General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

16 Years • MBBS, MD (Int. Med.), IDCCM

Bilaspur

Apollo Hospitals Seepat Road, Bilaspur

recommendation

94%

(100+ Patients)

700

70 Cashback

700

No Booking Fees

Consult a Top Specialist

Dr Vinay Kumar A V, Nephrologist

Dr Vinay Kumar A V

Nephrologist

8 Years • MBBS, MD - General Medicine, DM - Nephrology

Bilaspur

Apollo Hospitals Seepat Road, Bilaspur

800

800

No Booking Fees

Dr. Kavitha Subash, General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

Dr. Kavitha Subash

General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

15 Years • MBBS, MD

Chennai

Apollo Speciality Hospitals Vanagaram, Chennai

1000

150 Cashback

1000

No Booking Fees

Dr. Shakti, General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

Dr. Shakti

General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

25 Years • MBBS, DNB, PGDHIVM, MRCP (UK)

Delhi

Apollo Hospitals Indraprastha, Delhi

recommendation

98%

(225+ Patients)

2000

200 Cashback

Dr. V K Aneja, General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

Dr. V K Aneja

General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

38 Years • MBBS, MD (Med.)

Delhi

Apollo Hospitals Indraprastha, Delhi

recommendation

97%

(75+ Patients)

2500

Dr. Sandhya Chandel, General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

Dr. Sandhya Chandel

General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

16 Years • MBBS, MD (Int. Med.), IDCCM

Bilaspur

Apollo Hospitals Seepat Road, Bilaspur

recommendation

94%

(100+ Patients)

700

70 Cashback

700

No Booking Fees

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