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Winter health mistakes: Keeping yourself fit amidst the harsh cold and cold wave of January is a big challenge. Often we include things like curd, banana, cucumber and sprouts in our diet thinking that they are healthy, but according to AYUSH Medical Officer Dr. Mohammad Iqbal, these ‘superfoods’ can prove to be harmful for your body in winter.
Winter health mistakes: The harsh cold of January is at its peak. To keep ourselves fit in this season, we often increase the consumption of those things which we consider healthy. But do you know that some healthy things can prove to be ‘harmful’ for your body in winter? According to AYUSH Medical Officer Dr. Mohammad Iqbal, Kapha and Vata dosha increases in the body in winter. In such a situation, cold food can cause cold, cough, joint pain and digestive problems.
Limit these 5 things
- Curd: Dr. Mohammad Iqbal says that curd is a treasure trove of probiotics, but it should be consumed wisely in winter. Curd has a cooling effect, which increases phlegm in the body rapidly. Its consumption can cause problems like frequent cough, sinus block and running nose. It can cause stiffness for patients suffering from joint pain. If you have to eat curd, then take it only in the afternoon when the sun is shining, but do not touch it at night.
- banana: Banana is considered a complete diet, but its cold and heavy nature slows down the digestive system in winter. According to Dr. Iqbal, eating banana in cold weather increases the risk of feeling lethargy, gas and weight gain. Eating banana, especially at night, can cause chest tightness. If you like banana, then take it in limited quantity during the day only.
- Cucumber: Often people like to eat cucumber in the form of salad, but according to Dr. Iqbal, in winter, cucumber cools the body excessively. People who have weak digestion may complain of loose motion, gas and bloating after eating cucumber. People who are already suffering from gastric problems, it is better to avoid cucumber during winter months.
- Sprouts: Sprouts, considered an important part of a healthy diet, are not suitable for everyone in winter. Ayush medical officers say that raw sprouts increase Vata dosha in the body. This can cause symptoms like stomach ache, gas and IBS. It is difficult for those with weak digestion to digest it. Instead of eating sprouts raw in winter, boil them lightly or take them only on doctor’s advice.
- tea and coffee: Drinking hot tea or coffee again and again in winter becomes a habit. Dr. Iqbal warns that consuming more than one or two cups of caffeine a day can worsen Vata dosha. Its excess can cause sleep disturbance, dryness and restlessness in the body. To stay hydrated in winter, it is better to opt for herbal tea or lukewarm water.
Expert advice
The doctor says that all these things are rich in nutrients, but it is necessary to change the diet according to the season. In winter, the body needs food which is light, warm and easily digestible. Only eating food at the right time and in the right quantity can protect you from seasonal diseases.
About the Author

A trusted face of the journalism world for 18 years. In her long career, Lakshmi Narayan has served in prestigious organizations like DD News, Outlook, Nai Duniya, Dainik Jagran, Hindustan. Various contemporary…read more