Monsoon health: Protect your gut with these rainy season

The rainy season offers a break from the heat but brings challenges for gut health due to increased humidity and waterborne diseases. Here’s how to maintain a healthy digestive system during this time:

Challenges to Gut Health:

1. Increased Risk of Infections: The rainy season increases the risk of waterborne diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and gastroenteritis. Contaminated water and food can introduce harmful bacteria and viruses into your gut.
2. Dietary Changes: People often crave fried and spicy foods during the monsoon, which can lead to digestive issues such as bloating, acidity, and indigestion.
3. Humidity and Mold: High humidity levels can promote the growth of Mold and fungi, which can contaminate food and cause stomach infections.

Tips for Maintaining Gut Health:

1. Hydrate Safely: Drink only filtered or boiled water.
2. Consume Prebiotics: Foods like bananas, onions, garlic, leeks, and whole grains feed beneficial gut bacteria.
3. Avoid Street Food: Street food may be prepared under unhygienic conditions. If indulging, ensure its freshly cooked and served hot.
4. Cook Food Thoroughly: Ensure meats, seafood, and eggs are fully cooked to kill harmful bacteria. Avoid raw or undercooked foods.
5. Opt for Light, Easily Digestible Foods: Stick to home-cooked meals, soups, stews, and broths that are easy on the stomach.
Foods to Include for Gut Health:

Ginger: has anti-inflammatory and digestive properties. It can help soothe an upset stomach and improve digestion. Add ginger to teas, soups, and stir-fries.
Turmeric contains curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It can help maintain gut health and prevent inflammation.
Peppermint tea can help alleviate bloating and indigestion. It has antispasmodic properties that can relax the digestive tract.
Fennel seeds can help reduce gas and bloating. Chew a few fennel seeds after meals or brew them into a tea.

Fresh Vegetables: Include plenty of fresh, seasonal vegetables in your diet. They provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber that support overall health and digestion.

Maintaining gut health during the rainy season involves good hygiene, safe dietary practices, and mindful food choices. Prioritize probiotics, prebiotics, and gut-friendly foods to protect your digestive system. Stay hydrated, avoid risky foods, and keep your gut bacteria happy for a healthy and comfortable monsoon season.