The countdown for Navratri has started. Nine Days of Navratri festival means Garba, dance, different traditions, and food. We are all excited to enjoy them and have already started planning months before. In between, taking care of health is equally important. Navratri is the time of the seasonal transition, and many people observe fast to keep themselves healthy. We have found that people are continuously searching for “healthcare tips for Navratri”. So, Silk Soft has some suggestions for keeping ourselves healthy and free from infections in this seasonal transition period.

India is a country with diverse cultures and traditions. Here, food, attire, language, rituals, and festivals; everything changes a few kilometers away. Its roots of diversity are so deep that languages with many dialects change within states. Likewise, the rituals of celebrating the events and festivals differ according to region.

But Navratri is a festival that is celebrated in every corner from Kashmir to Kanyakumari with one thing in common, and that is SPIRITUALITY. Spirituality and belief in God have bound us together in a country. This spirituality can make us observe fast for nine continuous days having selective food options.

The science behind the fast for nine days:

1. There is always some reason behind every ritual we follow. The fast we observe for nine days during Navratri has a reason behind it. During these nine days, especially Sharad Navratri, the season changes. Due to this seasonal transition, the threat of infections increases, and the immunity gets weaker.
2. So, we fast for nine days and have SATTVIC food with low calories and fat. People do fast according to their capacity but eating TAMSIC food boosts immunity and digestion. Sattvic food keeps us away from infections that can happen from an unbalanced diet and non-maintenance of hygiene.
3. Sattvic food encourages fresh, organic, and pure food like fruits, vegetables, and dairy products. We take them raw or lightly cooked. They do not contain many spices and do not include meat, eggs, poultry, etc.

Fasting Tips to Stay Healthy

Preparations of Navratri begin a month prior in India. People have already started practicing Garba and Dandiya, especially in Gujarat. Every year, folks participate in Dandiya or Garba joyfully and often lose weight. If you are planning to fast for nine days of Navratri, here are some Healthcare tips for Navratri to stay healthy while having fun, playing Dandiya, dancing, and Garba.

• Stay hydrated: The most important tip for staying healthy is keeping yourself hydrated. Drink water, milk, or fresh juice, to keep your stomach full and avoid feeling weak. Staying hydrated while fasting is necessary because it prevents dehydration, headaches, dizziness, constipation, and fatigue.
• Have food rich in fiber and nutrients: While fasting, it is excessively important to look at what you are eating. We should eat food that is rich in fiber and nutrients. It digests easily and provides needed nutrition. It prevents stomach problems or indigestion.
• Avoid oily or fast food: it is recommended not to eat oily or fast food whether you are fasting or not. It is unhealthy, hard to digest, and causes indigestion and several stomach problems. So, avoiding oily or fast food is necessary during fasts.
• Do not starve for long: You should not starve for long. Keeping your appetite full and yourself hydrated while fasting. If you don’t, you might feel dizzy, or your stomach will bloat.
• Do not consume much sugar before fasting: Before fasting, it is advised to avoid sugar components as it can increase your sugar level which may affect your health.
• Eat only hygienic and healthy food: Prefer only hygienic and healthy food, which is easy to digest, and provides strength for the whole day.

Healthy Navratri Food Choices

We should prefer low-calorie food while fast and eat in moderation so that it can be digested easily fulfilling the body’s need for nutrition and energy. Below are some food options you can prefer during the Navratri fast as they are easy to digest and keep you healthy all day.

1. Fresh fruits: There can be no better option than fresh fruits. Watermelon, apple, banana, guava, etc. are the best options. Go for seasonal fruits only. Fruit is the main source of nutrition and fiber. Also, they keep your skin hydrated and glowing. You can eat them raw or make juice or shakes.
2. Salad: You can eat fruit salad. Include papaya, watermelon, pomegranate, etc. in the salad and eat it during the fast.
3. Root vegetables: Root vegetables like sweet potato, potato, and carrot are excellent sources of fiber and they are rich in nutrients also. They are also the best to go while fasting.
4. Nuts and dry fruits: Nuts and dry fruits like cashew nuts, almonds, betel nuts, etc. can help you keep your stomach full, so you won’t need to eat anything unhealthy. They are rich sources of minerals, fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. We can soak them in water overnight and then eat or make shakes. We can add them to other dishes like kheer or halwa.
5. Dairy products: Dairy products like milk, and curd will keep you hydrated. They are a rich source of protein and calcium.
6. Singhara flour and Sabu dana: Singhara flour or Sabu dana are preferred mostly by Indian people as they are healthy and digestive and we can make variants of dishes from them like pudding, kheer, khichdi, etc.

Healthcare tips for Navratri in India are not limited to opting for healthy food options. We need to take care of other factors Like,

1. Take a good nap: taking a good nap is equally important because if you do not sleep well, you may face problems like headaches and irritation. Fasting is about detoxifying your body and mind. Your mind also needs rest like your body.
2. Avoid heavy workouts: Avoid heavy workouts or any work that consumes high energy because our energy level during fasting is comparatively low to rest days.
3. Avoid stress or tension: Taking stress or tension will only degrade your health. Avoid taking any stress/ tension, especially during fasting. It lowers your energy.

Precautions for Diabetic & BP Patients in Navratri

People suffering from complicated medical conditions like diabetes and BP patients should take extra care of their health if they are fasting for Navratri and they should be more cautious about their intake. While fasting, it is necessary to eat healthy food and remain hydrated. Along with this, here are some precautions for diabetic & BP patients in Navratri they should take:

1. Drink water: Diabetes and BP patients should drink water frequently in fasting. It is prescribed to everyone as well, but Diabetes and BP patients should be extra cautious.
2. Consult dietician: Consult your doctor or dietician and take personalized advice on your eating controls.
3. Take a balanced diet: Taking a balanced diet is the most crucial tip we must follow. We should eat only healthy food.
4. Avoid fasting for a long time: Keep your stomach full and do not fast for long hours. Health must be your priority.
5. Avoid junk/fried food: Eating junk food or fried food is prohibited for Diabetes and BP patients. It can cause indigestion, bloating, imbalanced sugar, and blood pressure, etc.

Whether you are a healthy and fit person or suffering from any illness, it’s always important to take care of your food and health. Exercising regularly is also essential. Observing fast during Navratri to detox your body and soul is a good practice if done properly. It can do wonders for your body. Not taking care of your body will affect your well-being. Not only physical, it also influences our mental well-being. We hope that by following these healthcare tips for Navratri, you will glow more and become healthier.