Celebrate and enjoy the rain, but don't forget to follow these essential dietary guidelines to prevent the risk of gut infections during the monsoon.
The Impact of Rainy Season on Food Choices
Street foods like pakoras, samosas, and chaat are highly popular during the monsoon. The sudden appearance of clouds followed by rain awakens our senses, and we indulge in these delicious snacks to celebrate the dreamy weather. However, be cautious as gut-related infections are common during this season, causing mild to severe gastrointestinal problems. The breeding of numerous bacteria and viruses can lead to symptoms such as stomach cramps, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and constipation. Most of these infections resolve on their own, but it's important to rest well, stay hydrated with clean water, and consume light and healthy meals during the recovery period.
Symptoms of Stomach Infections in Monsoon
Common symptoms of stomach infections during the monsoon include fever with chills lasting 1-2 days, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea or loose motions. However, these infections rarely become serious.
Causes of Stomach Infections
Eating heavy foods during the rainy season is not advisable as they can slow down digestion, leading to bloating, gas, acidity, and indigestion. Consuming street chaat or juice poses a risk of stomach infection due to the potential presence of bacteria in the water used for preparation. Drinking water from sources other than sealed bottles and water purifiers can also lead to illness and diarrhea.
Best Treatment for Stomach Infections in Monsoon
Taking proper rest, staying hydrated with safe and clean water, and using oral rehydration solution (ORS) if experiencing excessive dehydration. Antibiotics or medications are not required to manage these stomach infections. Additionally, maintaining a well-balanced diet that includes essential nutrients is crucial for recovery, which typically takes around 3-4 days.
Prevention: What to Eat and Avoid
To prevent stomach infections during the monsoon, it is recommended to incorporate healthy bacteria or probiotics into your diet. Fermented foods such as buttermilk and kimchi are beneficial during rainy weather. Ensure you consume fresh food and avoid consuming stale items. If you carry cut fruits to work, make sure to consume them promptly to minimize the risk of stomach issues. Adopting a well-balanced diet, daily exercise, avoiding junk, spicy, and oily food, and drinking boiled water are also advisable.
Here are some dietary dos and don'ts shared by medical professionals:
DOs:
- Follow good hand hygiene to reduce the risk of infections.
- Incorporate ginger and lemon into your diet to boost digestion and immunity.
- Consume plenty of probiotics, such as yogurt or buttermilk, as they contain beneficial bacteria that support the digestive and immune systems.
- Stay well-hydrated by drinking ample water to flush out toxins from the body and improve digestion.
- Opt for steamed or boiled vegetables instead of raw ones to minimize the risk of infection, as raw vegetables may contain harmful bacteria and viruses that can negatively impact the gut.
DON'Ts:
- Avoid consuming refined sugar, as it may cause inflammation and disrupt the balance of gut flora.
- Avoid fried and oily foods, as they can cause acidity and bloating.
- Avoid eating seafood during the monsoon, as the water is often contaminated, increasing the risk of cholera or diarrhea.
- Avoid consuming cut fruits from roadside vendors, as they can be contaminated with bacteria.
- Avoid consuming green leafy vegetables, as they may harbor germs. Opt for lighter foods that are gut-friendly and easily digestible.
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