Importance of light diet during illness

When a person is healthy, one can have food items of their own choice or as per his appetite.

But what if he/she gets ill or not feeling well?

What should we as a family member recommend when someone is suffering from an acute condition? Many times, we are away from home or we do not have people who take care when we are sick.

We must take care of ourselves by helping ourselves to recover from the diseased condition.

When we are ill, it is our natural instinct to avoid food. Ayurveda recommends having light food whenever we are ill, as our digestive power is reduced. Also, if a sick person consumes regular or heavy food, it becomes difficult to digest. The person may have aggravated symptoms and may need more time to recover from the illness. Prolonged illness will hamper your day-to-day activities, as you will experience sluggishness.

Light food can be rice water, rice, rice flakes, Jowar (Sorghum/great millet)flakes, dal (legumes)water, and millet food. Dal and rice will also be a good combination as a light diet.