Monsoon diet: Keep digestive issues at bay with these tips
As the monsoon season sweeps the nation, many of us are susceptible to frequent stomach illnesses that tend to worsen with changing seasons. The arrival of the monsoon heightens our health concerns. It is crucial to be cautious, especially about your digestive system, which can affect overall bodily functions if not properly cared for. Taking preventive measures is essential to safeguard your health.
Hydration is the key
Water is extremely important for maintaining a healthy gut and for the body's detoxification processes. Drink plenty of herbal teas like chamomile tea, green tea, or even ginger lemon tea in addition to water to improve your digestion and immunity. However, while drinking water, make sure you get it from a reliable source or have it filtered to prevent waterborne diseases.
Avoid street food
During the rainy season, it's best to avoid consuming street food due to potential health risks. Foods sold at roadside stands are vulnerable to contamination by insects and harmful bacteria. Additionally, the increased humidity can affect the food quality. Eating such contaminated foods may lead to infections, diarrhea, and other stomach discomforts. Opt for hygienic alternatives to street food during this season.
Be careful with green leafy vegetables
Green leafy vegetables are prone to contamination during the monsoon as they grow close to the ground. Harmful bacteria and other microbes may feed on these vegetables, causing health risks. Green leafy vegetables are also difficult to clean thoroughly, which further makes it difficult to eliminate all traces of contamination. Consuming contaminated vegetables can lead to various digestive problems, like food poisoning.
Opt for soups
Having a hot soup during monsoon is good for your stomach. It not only keeps your body warm but also keeps your digestive system running well. However, thick soups might be heavy to digest. Go for clear lentil soups, or those others made using vegetable or chicken stock. For an extra immunity boost, make sure to add spices and herbs.
Include probiotics in your diet
Probiotics are foods that contain beneficial bacteria and are good for boosting immunity. These are commonly seen in yogurt, buttermilk, cheese, kefir, and natto (fermented soybeans). Probiotics influence the digestive tract and improve its condition by promoting nourishment. Make sure to not have them when they are chilled, as you might risk catching a cold in this season.
