Foods to Avoid During Nautapa: Nautapa is set to begin tomorrow. This period will span a full nine days, lasting from May 25th to June 2nd. Experts warn that Nautapa brings with it scorching heat, and in many regions, mercury levels can soar to between 50°C and 55°C. These nine days can be extremely hazardous to one's health. During this time, the Sun moves closer to the Earth. Occurring during the month of Jyeshtha, Nautapa causes the body to heat up intensely. Issues such as heatwaves, gusts of hot wind, heatstroke, and dehydration become significantly more prevalent. Consequently, you must exercise extreme caution when venturing outdoors during this period.

Furthermore, paying special attention to your diet is crucial. People often unknowingly consume foods during the summer that are "hot in nature" (possess a heating effect on the body). These foods can further elevate internal body heat, potentially leading to health complications. Read on to discover exactly which foods you should specifically avoid consuming during Nautapa.

**Avoid These "Hot-Natured" Foods During Nautapa**
- During Nautapa, refrain from consuming excessively oily and spicy foods. Ingredients like *garam masala* and chili powder are inherently "hot in nature"; as such, spicy foods can disrupt the digestive system. They can increase internal body heat, leading to excessive sweating and rapid dehydration. Consuming spicy and oily foods may trigger symptoms such as stomach burning sensations, acidity, increased body heat, and general restlessness. As much as possible, avoid eating fried and processed foods from outside vendors—such as *samosas*, *kachoris*, *pakoras*, and fast food—as these negatively impact digestion and create a sensation of heaviness in the body.

- You should also avoid excessive consumption of tea and coffee, as these beverages contribute to increased body heat. Containing caffeine, they can lead to fluid depletion within the body, thereby exacerbating the risk of dehydration and heat-related health issues. - Avoid consuming excessive amounts of red meat or high-protein foods, as they do not digest easily. This can lead to an increase in body temperature.

- Some people, immediately upon returning home, grab cold drinks from the refrigerator and gulp them down. While these high-sugar beverages and cold drinks provide a temporary cooling sensation during the summer heat, excessive consumption can lead to dehydration.

- Consume dry fruits in limited quantities as well. Almonds, cashews, and walnuts possess a "warming nature" (tend to generate body heat). During *Nautapa*, consume them in moderation.

- Many people consume alcohol and smoke; however, if possible, limit your intake of these substances during the summer months. Excessive consumption can exacerbate fluid depletion in the body and increase the risk of heatstroke.

**What to Eat During *Nautapa*?**
Consume foods with a "cooling nature," such as:
Cucumber
Watermelon
Bottle Gourd (Lauki)
Coconut Water
Buttermilk
Lemonade
Yogurt
Green Vegetables and Seasonal Fruits

**Which Fruits and Vegetables to Avoid During *Nautapa*?**
During *Nautapa*, one should refrain from consuming fruits and vegetables that possess a "warming nature." Excessive intake of such items can raise body temperature and lead to heat-related health issues.

**Fruits to Consume Sparingly During *Nautapa***
- Everyone eagerly awaits the arrival of the "King of Fruits"—the mango—during the summer season; however, one should not consume more than one or two mangoes per day, as they possess a "warming nature." Excessive consumption can lead to increased body heat, mouth ulcers, and digestive issues.

- Additionally, you should avoid eating litchis and jackfruit, as they tend to increase body heat. It is particularly advisable to avoid consuming large quantities of litchis on an empty stomach. Jackfruit is considered a "heavy" food; overconsumption can lead to a sensation of heaviness in the stomach, gas, and indigestion.

**Vegetables to Consume Sparingly During *Nautapa***
- If you enjoy eating eggplant (brinjal), it is best to steer clear of it for these nine days. During the *Nautapa* period, consuming excessive amounts of eggplant can increase body heat, as eggplant possesses a naturally heating constitution. Additionally, you should limit your intake of garlic, ginger, and green chilies; use them sparingly in your cooking, as all these ingredients also have a heating nature. These items can exacerbate issues such as stomach heat, burning sensations, and indigestion.

What is Healthy to Eat During *Nautapa*?
According to experts, during the summer season, one should consume plenty of foods that have a cooling nature and are rich in water content. Specifically, consume and drink in abundance items such as 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.

PC Social Media