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Taking care of your stomach is essential for maintaining overall health and well-being, especially during the monsoon season. The high humidity and frequent temperature fluctuations during this time create an environment where germs and pathogens can easily thrive, contaminating food and water. This increases the risk of gastrointestinal problems, such as indigestion, bloating, acidity, and infections. Therefore, it's crucial to be extra cautious about what you eat and drink during this period.

Consuming unclean vegetables or street food can lead to food poisoning or exacerbate existing stomach issues. It's best to stick to freshly prepared, low-fat meals that are easy on the stomach. Including easy-to-digest foods, such as soups, steamed vegetables, and probiotics like yogurt, can help soothe the digestive tract. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of clean, filtered water is also essential, as dehydration can worsen stomach problems.

Maintaining healthy eating habits, such as eating smaller meals at regular intervals and avoiding overeating, can prevent the stomach from becoming overfull. Regular physical activity, like walking or light exercise, can keep the digestive system active and functioning smoothly, which is especially important since the monsoon's humid weather can slow digestion.

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In a conversation with Jagran English, Dr. Raosaheb Rathod, a consultant gastroenterologist, hepatologist, and therapeutic endoscopist at Medicover Hospitals in Navi Mumbai, discussed the common gastric problems that arise during the monsoon season and shared tips to prevent them.

Many people, including children, suffer from acidity, indigestion, nausea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, diarrhea, gastroenteritis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and bloating during the monsoon. This article outlines some effective measures to manage gastric problems and maintain gut health during this season. It’s never too late to improve your gut health, so get started, and you will surely notice the difference.

According to Dr. Raosaheb, the increased humidity during the monsoon can slow down the digestion process, making the digestive system sluggish. This slowdown leads to digestion problems during the rainy season. Contaminated food and water can cause gastroenteritis, which is an inflammation of the stomach and intestinal lining. Additionally, one may experience abdominal cramps, pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting, constipation, acidity, GERD, and diarrhea. Consuming roadside or stale food containing germs and bacteria can increase the risk of food poisoning, especially in children. It is crucial to follow these key measures to keep the gut strong and healthy during the monsoon.

Tips To Prevent Gastric Problems This Monsoon

Drink Boiled Water: Avoid drinking tap water during the monsoon, as it can become contaminated. Make sure to boil water and carry a water bottle whenever you leave the house. Use a water purifier at home and drink at least 12–14 glasses of water per day.

Include Probiotics In Your Diet: Adding probiotics like yogurt, buttermilk, kefir, and kombucha to your diet can support gut health.

Avoid Raw Vegetables: Raw vegetables used in salads may contain bacteria and viruses, increasing the risk of stomach infections. It is better to cook vegetables thoroughly before eating. Also, avoid consuming seafood during the monsoon, as it can cause stomach problems.

Avoid Street Food: Street food prepared in unhygienic conditions can be contaminated with bacteria. Reducing fried and spicy food intake can also help maintain proper digestion.

Eat Light, Home-Cooked Food: Opt for light, home-cooked meals with minimal oil, prepared under hygienic conditions. Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before cooking.

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Limit Sugary Treats: Consuming bakery items, desserts, candies, sodas, and colas can negatively impact your gut by causing inflammation. It’s best to limit these foods and stay calm and healthy during the monsoon.

Store Food Properly: During the monsoon, food can become contaminated or spoil if stored in a humid environment. Ensure that food is stored in cool, dry places.