Winter Foods

Winter is here and most of us are enjoying the slight drop in temperature. The cooler weather makes us crave for foods like tea, coffee, spicy foods, fried foods, chocolates and hot soups. Many people believe that winter is the time of bingeing, but that is always not true. These extra calories are valid only if you are living in freezing conditions, as in the north of the country. Elsewhere winter is mild, but it definitely is the time to enjoy some seasonal delights!

It is that time of the year to eat foods full of nourishment, to make your body and immunity strong for the rest of the year.
Certain winter foods generate heat and help cope with the falling temperature. The heat produced in the body by these foods is called diet-induced thermo-genesis. The energy released during digestion and assimilation eventually helps increase body heat.

Keep yourself healthy and warm with some of these winter special foods:

• hyawanprash – Chyawanprash is magic potion made of herbs. It is a delicious nutritive jam made with many herbs and amlas which is the main ingredient. Chyawanprash is said to be an anti-aging supplement. It aids rejuvenation and anti aging hence its link with youthfulness. It also enhances the assimilation of nourishment from the foods we are eating. Amla with its phytonutrients, antioxidants and digestive enzymes acts as anti-aging. It also works as a mild laxative and thus help you relieve the bloated feeling when you wake up and also with the constipation too.
• Our basic grains – Traditional grains like jowar, bajra, barley, oats and corn have great warming properties. Relish these grains in the form of rotis.
• Garlic – Garlic is known to be the easiest home remedy to cure fever and cold. It has the ability to increase the levels of enzymes that help the liver detoxify the blood that gives it special immune powers. Eating raw garlic provides maximum potency but if you cannot tolerate the strong taste, you can have it in cooked form.
• Green tea and chamomile tea – Green tea is a powerful antioxidant and has strong antiviral and antibacterial properties. Drinking approximately three to five cups of green tea a day keeps your immune system in check. Chamomile tea is also said to possess antioxidants that help fight against cold and flu during the winters.
• Honey – It is known to be the safest and the easiest way to cure cold and fever during winter. Honey is known for its antibacterial properties that help fight bacteria and virus. You can have honey every night before going to bed, or mix it in a cup of warm milk for added advantage.
• Spices – Besides generating heat, spices like cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, garlic, cloves and pepper also contain phytochemicals that act as decongestants, are anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory. Ginger and garlic especially are great decongestants and improve blood circulation.
• Hot soups – They are definitely the season’s favourite. A bowl of healthy and wholesome soup is not only nutritionally sound, but will also make you feel full and prevent you from eating junk food. Avoid ready soup mixes as they contain high amount of starch and preservatives. Homemade soups and stews are the way to go.
• Dry fruits – Snack on unsalted nuts and dry fruits like almonds, cashew nuts, raisins, walnuts and apricots. They are nutritionally dense and take longer to digest, keeping your appetite in check. Have them in appropriate quantities (6-8 pieces) and balance the intake with a healthy dose of exercise.
• White radish, onion and garlic – They are rich in isothiocyanates and indoles, phytochemicals that help prevent cancer. Their strong flavour helps to pep up the taste of food.
• Leafy greens – Methi, Palak, Sarson are all available in abundance and are a good source of beta-carotene and Vitamin C – both powerful antioxidants that help fight disease and build immunity. Others in this category are coriander, amaranth, celery, radish greens, etc.

So this winter eat fresh, eat healthy and build a strong immune system. Healthy nourishment is the first step towards a healthy body.

As we welcome the weather of foggy mornings and chilly evenings we are happy to get a break from the otherwise hot Mumbai climate. Winter is almost there in India and it’s the time to rejoice! It’s the season of endless cups of “Adrak chai” and strong coffee. It is also that time of the year filled the approaching holidays and the wedding season. However for many the winter season brings a lot of diseases with the onset of low temperatures.

During winters, the body heat usually experiences a drop as the environment cools. At the same time, the body is adjusting to the new climate. As a result, the change in the process is demonstrated through a number of diseases. While some people are more susceptible to catching these common diseases most can be avoided by just a few precautions:

Some common winter diseases in India:

Colds and Flu: Contrary to popular belief, cold and flu symptoms are not a direct result of falling temperatures. Many individuals suffer from bacterial or viral induced cold and flu symptoms resulting from a compromised immune system. In the winter, when temperatures begin to fall, the body naturally begins to work in overdrive to regulate the normal body temperature. Try to offset this by layering the body in a variety of warm clothes which will help your body in regulating the body temperature. Flu generally gets transmitted through the air in the environment. Yet, keeping yourself shielded from chilling winds is always helpful.

Coughs: The dust, dryness and cold winds in the winter all add to cough symptoms. Having beverages of extreme temperatures also triggers a throat infection. Always wear a helmet or use scarves to protect yourself from the dust while rising two wheelers.

Itchy skin: A lot of people with sensitive skin develop itchy during winter. The best way to take care of this is by applying coconut, olive or almond oil every night. Cold temperature with low humidity results in this.

Headache: Cold winds sometimes play havoc on your head. Hence, shield yourself with a warm muffler or scarf. If you drive a two-wheeler in India, invest in a good helmet and a muffler if you want to stay away with persistent headaches during winter.

Respiratory ailments: In the winter season, the air molecules become thinner and more restricted. As a result, individuals suffering from respiratory conditions, such as asthma or COPD, may find it increasingly difficult to breathe during extreme cold temperatures. To negate this effect, when venturing into the outdoors, layering the face and chest in warm clothing and scarves will help. For some individuals, however, the winter season brings about a change in activity requiring a limitation to only indoor events. The cold and dry air leads to tightening of airways and makes it even worse while breathing. Making some changes can surely be helpful. Keep your homes smoke free as smoke can travel even through closed doors.

Heart Attacks: Most of us are unaware of the fact that winters is one of the prime seasons for heart attacks. As the temperature falls, the arteries become constricted making it difficult for the heart to pump the blood. Experts suggest, people over the age of 30 should avoid exhausting themselves in winter season. Also, do not overeat food during winters and preferably eat in small quantities.

Joint Pain: There is no scientific evidence to joint pains in winter season but there are many people who do suffer from the pain in winter. One of the most common remedies to get relief from joint pains is keeping yourselves and your feet warm. Also, wear two or three pairs of thin clothing instead of one pair of heavy warm clothes. Exercising is another way to get rid of all joint and muscle stiffness during winter time without overdoing it. Basking in the sun is also a great way to get rid of the joint aches.

Sinusitis: Congestion, headaches, coughing, running nose as well as post nasal drip symptoms make people feel miserable during winters. Sinus problems occur when homes are closed and there is no proper ventilation. To stay clear of sinusitis this season, make sure you get enough rest, eat healthy, drink plenty of fluids and avoid dust.

Winter is the season of fun and celebration. Don’t let yourself down with one of the diseases that keeps you away from experiencing these joys. Some precautions can keep these diseases at bay to get most out of this season.

Till some years ago, the mantra of many nutritionists was to say no to carbohydrates. However, these days the emphasis on no-carbs has reduced. And sugar has become the new forbidden food. Supermarkets offer sugar-free products and sweet shops and patisseries offer sugar-free dessert options. So is sugar really this bad for our health? But our ancestors always had sugar, didn’t they? So what went wrong…..or may we say what changed over the years?

Sugar is not poison but too much of anything is never good for you. We must treat sugar like a treat rather than an everyday necessity.

We can control the sugar we consume on a daily basis consciously. But many times we tend to eat sugar without even realising it. Packaged food is one such culprit which makes us do this. All processed food and food at fast food chains contains high amounts of sugar. Surprisingly, the things you assume will be loaded with sugar do not cause much harm. An original glazed doughnut from a popular donut chain contains only 10gms of sugar as compared to a chocolate chip cookie which is 19 gms. And both of these are much less than a glass of packaged orange juice, which has 25 gms of sugar.

Even when you think you are going to indulge in a sugary treat, you may end up consuming less sugar than you realise. A serving of high quality ice-cream has only 16 gms of sugar. But if you decide to order a fancy coffee you might end up having 58 gms of sugar. We are highly mistaken that savoury foods are free of sugar. Canned baked beans usually contain vast amounts of sugar. So do the so called healthy salads at restaurants – some are loaded with 45 gms of sugar.

The best way to watch sugar intake is to eat fresh and local. Say no to indulgent coffees and avoid eating at fast food outlets. Cooking simple meals at home is much healthier than depending on store bought canned, processed or packaged foods. And if cooking at home is an issue, there are many options available now a days to order healthy homemade tiffin meals.

How foods with added sugar are harmful:

1.   Added sugar contains no essential nutrients. It is also very bad for the teeth, because it provides easily digestible energy for the bad bacteria in the mouth.
2. For people who are inactive and eat a western diet, large amounts of fructose from added sugars get turned into fat in the liver and may cause non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
3. When people eat a lot of sugar, it can cause resistance to the hormone insulin, which may contribute to many diseases.
4. Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide and is characterized by uncontrolled growth and multiplication of cells. There is considerable evidence that sugar, due to its harmful effects on metabolism, can contribute to cancer.
5. As sugar causes a large release of dopamine in the brain, it can cause addiction in a lot of people.
6. The way sugar affects hormones and the brain is a recipe for fat gain disaster. because of the effects of sugar on hormones and the brain, sugar dramatically increases the risk of becoming overweight or obese.

It is always good to keep a check on your sugar intake for a healthy self. Do avail of KDAH’s Executive Health checkups to keep a track on your health.

Its pouring since the last two days incessantly. Every season we all eagerly await the rains but they have their own woes too, especially the different forms of fever.

While most are normal viral fevers, doctors are advising caution and adequate rest to ensure that things don’t get out of hand. The sudden change in climate accompanied by a variation between the day and night temperatures are to blame for the multiplication of viruses, resulting in flu and respiratory infections.

● Author

Dr. B.A. Chaurasia

Internal Medicine  ·  Critical Care & Diabetes

Consultant, Internal Medicine  ·  Diabetes, Critical Care & Infectious Diseases

MBBS, MD Medicine, FCCCM, CCEBDM  ·  KDAH Mumbai  ·  English, Hindi, Gujarati, Marathi

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What Is Fever?

Fever meaning, in clinical terms, refers to a temporary increase in body temperature, typically above 38°C (100.4°F), as a response by the immune system to infection, inflammation, or another underlying trigger. It is not a disease in itself; it is the body’s signal that something is wrong.

A mild fever is one of the most common indicators of illness and, in many cases, a sign that the immune system is actively responding. However, certain types of fever, particularly those persisting beyond three days, rising above 39.5°C, or accompanied by specific warning signs that require medical evaluation rather than home management.

Fever can be classified by pattern:

• Continuous fever — temperature remains consistently elevated with minimal variation; seen in typhoid and pneumonia
• Remittent fever — temperature fluctuates but never returns to normal; common in infections like infective endocarditis
• Intermittent fever — temperature spikes at intervals and returns to normal in between; characteristic of malaria
• Relapsing fever — periods of normal temperature alternating with episodes of fever; associated with certain bacterial infections
  

  Common Symptoms of Fever

  Fever symptoms vary depending on the underlying cause of fever, but the most commonly reported signs include:

  • Elevated body temperature above 38°C
  • Chills and shivering, particularly at the onset of fever
  • Profuse sweating as the body attempts to lower temperature
  • Headache and body ache
  • Fatigue and generalised weakness
  • Loss of appetite
  • Dehydration, particularly if sweating is significant
  • Mild confusion or disorientation in cases of very high fever

         In monsoon specific types of fever, additional fever symptoms that are clinically significant          include:

  • Skin rash (dengue, chikungunya)
  • Joint pain and swelling (chikungunya)
  • Severe abdominal pain or vomiting (dengue, hepatitis A)
  • Red or jaundiced eyes (leptospirosis)
  • Dark urine and abdominal discomfort (hepatitis A, typhoid)
  • Watery diarrhoea and rapid dehydration (cholera)
  If your fever symptoms include any of the above, a diagnostic evaluation is necessary. A pathology lab in Mumbai can conduct targeted blood and urine tests to quickly identify the specific cause.

  What Causes Fever?

  Understanding the causes of fever during monsoon goes beyond identifying a single germ. Multiple factors converge during this season to raise the risk of febrile illness:

  Infectious Causes

  The most common causes of fever are infections — viral, bacterial, or parasitic:

  • Viral infections — influenza, dengue, chikungunya, and other respiratory viruses spread rapidly in humid, crowded conditions
  • Bacterial infections — typhoid, leptospirosis, and cholera are strongly linked to contaminated water and flood exposure
  • Parasitic infections — malaria, though declining, remains a monsoon risk in certain areas

  Environmental and Seasonal Triggers

  • Temperature fluctuation — the gap between warm daytime and cooler nighttime temperatures suppresses immune function and increases susceptibility
  • Humidity — creates optimal breeding conditions for mosquitoes (dengue, malaria, chikungunya) and promotes mould and fungal growth
  • Stagnant water — collecting in pots, drains, tyres, and open containers,  is the primary breeding ground for the Aedes aegypti mosquito
  • Waterborne contamination — flooding mixes drinking water sources with sewage, significantly raising the risk of cholera, hepatitis A, typhoid, and leptospirosis
  • Weakened immunity — disrupted sleep, erratic eating, and extended exposure to rain and cold all contribute to immune suppression during the season
  If you are experiencing persistent fever and cannot identify a clear cause, consult a general physician in Mumbai for a thorough evaluation.

    Some common types of Fever:

• Dengue fever
  An acute viral infection dengue is acquired from the bite of a female Aedes aegypti mosquito at daytime. Symptoms include the sudden onset of high fever that may last from two to seven days, joint and muscle pains, skin rashes, nose bleeding, abdominal pain, and vomiting.
• Leptospirosis
  This is a bacterial infection from rodents and other vermin. This is commonly transmitted through rodent bites, contaminated food and exposure to flood with urine or faeces of infected animals. Apart from open wounds, the bacteria also enters the system through the eyes, nose and mouth. Fever, muscle pain, headache and reddish eyes are some of its symptoms.
• Cholera
  A serious intestinal infection transmitted by consuming food or drinking water filled with Vibrio cholerae, a bacterium usually found in human waste. This causes watery diarrhea and vomiting, leading to severe dehydration.
• Influenza
  Also known as flu, it’s a viral infection affecting those with weak immune systems. This affects the respiratory system and triggers chills, fever, sore throat, runny nose, coughs and fatigue.
• Hepatitis A
  An ancient disease of the liver it is known to be very infectious. This can be transmitted through food and water contaminated with faeces and urine from an infected patient. Abdominal discomfort, tiredness, dark urine and fever are few signs.
• Typhoid
  An acute illness caused by Salmonellae typhi bacteria from the faecal waste of a carrier. Infected people suffer from poor appetite, headaches, diarrhea and lethargy.
• Chikungunya fever
  This is caused by the same dengue virus mosquito, Aedes aegypti which bites during the day. It can cause severe, occasionally persistent, joint pain as well as fever and rashes. Specific antiviral drugs or vaccine for treatment of chikungunya fever aren’t available.

   Some things to take care during Fever:

• To avoid infections to spread do not attend college, school or office.
• Complete rest is needed to cure with plenty of fluids, water and warm food.
• Consuming only boiled water is a must.
• Watch out for any unusual condition and get tested if fever persists.
• Guard yourselves and be protected from different illnesses preventable by vaccination.
• If going out is necessary, wear a facemask or cover your nose and mouth with a handkerchief in crowded places to avoid getting viruses.
• Avoid making contact with flooded areas especially when you have an open wound.
• Always feel free to get medical help without delay it he patient’s health deteriorates.

Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital functions with a FULL TIME SPECIALIST SYSTEM, which ensures     the availability of specialists round the clock. Contact us anytime for emergencies and consultations       We cater to all kind of patient issues minor and major. Please visit our website for further details:

https://www.kokilabenhospital.com

Fever Medicine and Treatment Options

Fever medicine selection depends entirely on the underlying cause of fever. Using the wrong treatment, or self prescribing antibiotics for a viral illness is ineffective and contributes to antibiotic resistance.

For Viral Fever

Most viral types of fever do not respond to antibiotics. The standard approach includes:

• Paracetamol (acetaminophen) — the most commonly used fever medicine; reduces body temperature and relieves associated pain and headache
• Ibuprofen — effective for fever management and body aches, though avoided in dengue cases due to bleeding risk
• Adequate rest — allows the immune system to mount a full response
• Oral rehydration — essential to replace fluids lost through sweating and reduced intake

For Bacterial Fever

Bacterial types of fever, such as typhoid and leptospirosis, require antibiotic therapy prescribed by a physician after diagnostic confirmation. Self treatment or incomplete antibiotic courses risk serious complications.

When to See a Specialist

If fever persists beyond three days, does not respond to standard fever medicine, or is accompanied by rash, bleeding, severe abdominal pain, or confusion, consult an infectious disease specialist in Mumbai without delay. Timely blood work through a pathology lab in Mumbai is often what determines the difference between prompt recovery and a prolonged or complicated illness.

Do not combine multiple fever medicines without medical advice. Paracetamol overdose, which can occur when combination cold and flu products are taken alongside standalone paracetamol, is a leading cause of liver injury.

Precautions and Prevention During Fever

Managing fever well during monsoon means both treating the illness correctly and protecting yourself and others from spread. The following precautions are relevant whether you are currently unwell or seeking to protect against becoming so.

If You Have a Fever

• Stay home — do not attend school, college, or the office while you have an active fever; many types of fever are contagious through droplet or direct contact
• Rest completely — the body’s immune response works most efficiently when at rest; pushing through a fever prolongs recovery
• Stay hydrated — drink plenty of fluids, including water, oral rehydration solutions, and warm soups, to compensate for losses; dehydration worsens all fever symptoms
• Drink boiled or filtered water only — waterborne causes of fever, including cholera, typhoid, and hepatitis A, are directly linked to contaminated drinking water
• Monitor your symptoms — if fever symptoms change significantly, if temperature rises above 39.5°C, or if new symptoms appear, seek medical evaluation promptly
• Seek help early — do not delay medical attention if your condition deteriorates; consult a general physician in Mumbai at the earliest sign of a serious or worsening fever

Preventing Monsoon Fever

• Vaccinate where available — hepatitis A and typhoid vaccines offer effective protection against two significant monsoon types of fever; influenza vaccination reduces seasonal flu risk
• Wear a mask in crowded environments where respiratory infections spread easily
• Avoid contact with floodwater — especially if you have open wounds, which provide a direct entry point for bacteria causing leptospirosis
• Eliminate mosquito breeding sites — empty or cover any stagnant water around your home weekly; use mosquito repellent and sleep under nets or in rooms with screens
• Eat freshly cooked food — avoid raw or street-prepared food during peak monsoon months when sanitation conditions are more prone to compromise
  

  Conclusion

  Fever during monsoon is common, but it is not always simple. The range of types of fever that peak during this season, from dengue and typhoid to leptospirosis and cholera, each has different causes of fever, distinct fever symptoms, and requires different fever medicine and management approaches. A generic approach to fever treatment, whether self medicating or waiting too long to seek care, carries real risk during this period.

  Know your fever symptoms, understand the causes of fever common to the season, and do not hesitate to get tested and seek specialist input when the illness is not following a straightforward course.

  If you or a family member has a fever that is not improving, consult our specialists at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, available round the clock for consultations and emergency care.

We are halfway in the rainy season and are enjoying the occasional rain showers. Some are planning treks while others are looking for leisure trips at nearby getaways. Sounds great! However, the pleasant rains have also brought along a number of monsoon related illnesses. Are you aware and cautious about them?

Some of the common illnesses visiting in monsoon:

Common cold, cough and viral fever

It is one of the biggest reasons of major absenteeism in schools as well as offices. These viruses thrive in humid conditions and easily spread too.

Things to take care:

• Maintain high levels of hygiene by washing hands frequently so you don’t spread or contract viruses through contact with people.
• Avoid staying in wet clothes, always change or keep a spare set at work.
• Boost your immunity by eating nutritious foods.

Malaria

This ailment somehow takes the top place during the rainy season. Female anopheles mosquito cause malaria by breeding in dirty water. The common symptoms of malaria are fever, shivers, muscle pain and weakness. If untreated, it can lead to more hazardous consequences.

Things to take care:

• Stagnant water acts as a breeding ground for mosquitoes, so ensure your neighbourhood is kept as clean as possible.
• If you need to store water at home ensure that you cover it.
• Use mosquito nets, coils or incense and skin repellents to keep away from mosquitoes.

Dengue

Dengue fever is caused by the dengue virus found in certain mosquitoes. The common symptoms of dengue are fever, body aches, joint pain and rash. Keeping a check on the platelet count is needed as a low range needs urgent attention.

Things to take care:

• To avoid mosquito bites use insect repellents and cover yourself properly.

Leptospirosis

One of the most common monsoon ailments, leptospirosis is mostly caused by walking in dirty water. The chances of infection increases if you have skin injuries. This bacterial disease is spread by rats and symptoms include high fever and chills with severe headaches and body ache, followed by nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain.

Things to take care:

• Avoid exposing your feet to dirty, stagnant rainwater, especially if you have injuries.

Diarrhoea

This is another common ailment during monsoon, which is caused due to unhygienic consumption or handling of foods and water. When diarrhoea is caused by food contaminated with bacteria or parasites, it is often referred to this as food poisoning.

Things to take care:

• Avoid eating at unhygienic places and consuming uncovered foods.
• Maintain proper hygiene, wash hands before handling food and drink only boiled water.

We generally tend to self medicate at times and ignore poor health symptoms. However it is best to consult a doctor immediately. Do check our below link for appointments, contact number and various doctor details. We cater to all kind of patient issues minor and major.

https://www.kokilabenhospital.com/patients/makeanappointment.html

So be safe this monsoon by taking some small precautions. Happy Rains!