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It is imperative that you are aware of all the measures you need to take to preserve your children's gut health due to the increased danger of infections and digestive problems during the monsoon season. The monsoon's moist and humid weather fosters the growth of dangerous bacteria, viruses, and parasites, which can contaminate food and water, causing various gastrointestinal issues.

Ensuring that children consume safe, purified water is the first step in safeguarding their gut health. Avoiding street food and undercooked or raw foods is advised because they are more likely to be contaminated. Another crucial step to prevent the spread of germs is to wash hands often with soap, especially before meals and after using the restroom.

Probiotics, such as yogurt or fermented foods, can help maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria, benefiting both the immune and digestive systems. Consuming a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins will also promote overall gut health in children.

Avoiding carbonated or sugary drinks and consuming a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can also promote overall gut health. (Image Credit: Canva)

Keeping children hydrated with appropriate fluids and avoiding carbonated or sugary drinks can also help maintain a healthy digestive tract. By exercising caution and taking these preventive measures, parents can lower their child's risk of intestinal illnesses and keep them healthy and active during the monsoon season.

In a conversation with Jagran English, Dr. Rohini Nagarkar, a senior consultant in pediatrics at Surya Mother and Child Super Speciality Hospital in Pune, discussed how to protect children's gut health during the monsoon. What are the most essential precautions?

According to Dr. Rohini, parents must think twice before letting their children indulge in street food, as the potential health risks of food contamination and gastroenteritis are prevalent. The combination of humidity and high heat during the monsoon creates optimal conditions for the growth of bacteria, viruses, and fungi in food and water, leading to foodborne illnesses. Statistics show that almost 1 in 10 people worldwide fall ill from consuming contaminated food, resulting in 420,000 deaths each year. Children, especially those under 5 years of age, bear a significant burden of foodborne diseases, accounting for 40% of related deaths annually.

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Gastroenteritis, also known as stomach flu, is one of the prevalent illnesses that affects children and their gut during the monsoon season. Experts are increasingly concerned about atypical and prolonged cases of gastroenteritis. Gastroenteritis involves inflammation of both the stomach and intestines and presents with symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and dehydration. To safeguard children's health during this season, it is important to take preventive measures. These include ensuring children have access to clean and safe water, maintaining a balanced diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, and avoiding raw or undercooked food.

By taking some easy and simple precautions, parents can lower their children's risk of intestinal illnesses. (Image Credit: Canva)

It is also crucial to provide proper care at home by teaching children good hand-washing practices, replenishing lost fluids with oral rehydration solutions, and offering suitable foods such as bananas, rice, and curd. Additionally, parents should focus on keeping their children dry and clean during the monsoon, with appropriate rain gear and regular changes of wet clothes. Providing warm, freshly cooked meals and encouraging outdoor activities to boost physical health and immunity are also essential.

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Lastly, Dr. Rohini emphasised that by being mindful of these preventive measures and home care practices, parents can help their children maintain a happy and healthy gut while enjoying the monsoon season.