• Source:JND

Summer in India brings intense heat that can lead to various digestive issues. Common problems include acidity, bloating, diarrhoea, and food poisoning. These arise due to dehydration, eating outside food stored improperly in the heat, or consuming heavy, spicy meals that are difficult to digest. Frequent intake of sugary drinks or cold beverages can also sometimes upset your stomach. In a conversation with Jagran English, Dr. Kunal Das, who is the Director and HOD, Dept. of Gastroenterology at Yashoda Super Speciality Hospital, Kaushambi, Ghaziabad, spoke about digestive problems in summer—their causes and tips to keep your stomach healthy.

To keep your stomach free of problems during the summer, here are some simple tips:

  1. Drink Plenty of Fluids: Stay hydrated with water, buttermilk, coconut water, and fresh lime juice. Avoid aerated drinks and artificially sweetened beverages.
  2. Choose Seasonal Fruits: Include summer fruits like mangoes, watermelons, muskmelons, and cucumbers—they are hydrating and easy to digest.
  3. Stick to Home-Cooked Food: Avoid street food, as it may be unhygienic during summer. Prefer light meals such as dal, rice, curd, and roti. The most common causes of food poisoning are biryani, paneer-based foods, non-vegetarian items, and ice creams.
  4. Keep it Cool: Include curd, mint, and fennel seeds in your diet to keep your stomach calm and cool.
  5. Maintain Hygiene: Wash your hands properly and eat freshly prepared meals to avoid infections.

Finally, Dr. Kunal Das emphasized that by adopting these habits, you can enjoy the season while avoiding digestive discomfort and staying healthy amidst the summer heat.