Essential Dietary Guidelines for Nautapa: Foods to Avoid and Embrace

Foods to Avoid During Nautapa

Nautapa is Here: Starting tomorrow, Nautapa will last for nine days, from May 25th to June 2nd. This period is notorious for extreme heat, with temperatures in some areas potentially reaching between 50°C and 55°C. The intense heat during these days can pose serious health risks. As the Sun approaches the Earth, the month of Jyeshtha brings about significant body heating, leading to increased occurrences of heatwaves, hot winds, heatstroke, and dehydration. Therefore, it is crucial to take precautions when going outside during this time.

Moreover, being mindful of your diet is essential. Many individuals unknowingly consume foods that are considered "hot in nature" during the summer, which can elevate internal body temperature and lead to health issues. Continue reading to find out which specific foods you should avoid during Nautapa.

**Foods to Steer Clear of During Nautapa**
- It is advisable to avoid overly oily and spicy dishes during Nautapa. Ingredients like *garam masala* and chili powder are known for their "hot nature" and can disrupt digestion, increasing internal heat and causing excessive sweating and dehydration. Spicy and oily foods may lead to discomfort, including stomach burning, acidity, and restlessness. Try to refrain from fried and processed foods from street vendors, such as *samosas*, *kachoris*, *pakoras*, and fast food, as they can hinder digestion and create a feeling of heaviness.

- Limit your intake of tea and coffee as well, since these beverages can raise body temperature due to their caffeine content, leading to fluid loss and increasing the risk of dehydration and heat-related ailments.

- Additionally, avoid consuming large amounts of red meat or high-protein foods, as they are harder to digest and can elevate body temperature.

- Many people tend to reach for cold drinks from the fridge upon returning home. While these sugary beverages may provide temporary relief from the heat, excessive consumption can lead to dehydration.

- Be cautious with dry fruits too. Nuts like almonds, cashews, and walnuts are considered "warming" and should be consumed in moderation during *Nautapa*.

- If you drink alcohol or smoke, try to limit these habits during the summer months, as they can worsen fluid depletion and increase the risk of heatstroke.

**Recommended Foods During Nautapa**
Opt for foods that have a "cooling nature," such as:
Cucumber
Watermelon
Bottle Gourd (Lauki)
Coconut Water
Buttermilk
Lemonade
Yogurt
Green Vegetables and Seasonal Fruits

**Fruits and Vegetables to Limit During Nautapa**
During *Nautapa*, it is wise to avoid fruits and vegetables that are known to generate heat. Overconsumption of these can lead to increased body temperature and related health issues.

**Fruits to Consume Sparingly During Nautapa**
- While the summer season brings the much-anticipated "King of Fruits"—the mango—limit yourself to one or two mangoes daily, as they are warming in nature. Overindulgence can result in heightened body heat, mouth ulcers, and digestive problems.

- Also, avoid litchis and jackfruit, as they can raise body temperature. It is particularly advisable to refrain from eating large quantities of litchis on an empty stomach. Jackfruit is heavy and can cause feelings of fullness, gas, and indigestion if consumed excessively.

**Vegetables to Limit During Nautapa**
- If you enjoy eggplant (brinjal), it’s best to avoid it during these nine days, as it can increase body heat. Additionally, limit garlic, ginger, and green chilies in your cooking, as these ingredients also have a heating effect and can worsen issues like stomach heat and indigestion.

Healthy Eating During Nautapa
Experts recommend consuming plenty of foods that are cooling and hydrating during the summer. Focus on items like watermelon, muskmelon, snake cucumber, cucumber, ridge gourd, bottle gourd, pumpkin, round gourd (*tinda*), buttermilk, lassi, lemon water, *shikanji*, sugarcane juice, *Bel* (wood apple) sherbet, and coconut water.

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