Dos and Don’t of Monsoon Diet

Foods to Eat During Monsoon

Although it’s difficult to avoid the lure of piping hot snacks in the rainy season, you must make healthy choices when it comes to picking the right food. Your dietary choices must include:

• Freshly Cooked Food

Avoid consuming food that has been kept for several hours to minimise the chances of contamination. It's better to opt for soups, stews, and fresh food.

• Herbal Teas

Drinking herbal teas with ingredients like ginger and peppermint can soothe your digestive system and help ward off stomach flu symptoms.

• Probiotics

Include probiotics like yoghurt and fermented foods in your diet. They promote healthy gut bacteria and can prevent stomach infections.

• Hydration

Drink boiled or filtered water to stay hydrated. Contaminated water is a common source of gastrointestinal infections.

Foods to Avoid During Monsoon

Certain foods can increase the risk of stomach infections during the monsoon season, so they are best to be avoided. Try to avoid:

• Street Food

Street foods are easily affordable, but most of them are prepared in an unsanitary environment. So, stay away from them to ward off stomach infections.

• Leafy Vegetables

Leafy greens like spinach and lettuce can harbour bacteria. Avoid them to reduce the risk of stomach flu symptoms.

• Raw Salads

Raw salads can easily get contaminated. Instead, it’s safer to consume the vegetables after they have been washed, cleaned, and cooked properly.

• Fried & Spicy Foods

Fried/oily and spicy foods usually cause heaviness in the stomach and may be hard to digest. Steer clear of them, say nutritionists, as they can wreak havoc on your digestive system.

Ways to Prevent Stomach Infections

Taking precautions can significantly lower the risk of stomach infections during the monsoon.

• Maintain Hygiene

Be sure to wash your hands often, particularly before eating. Proper hand washing can decrease the spread of germs.

• Clean Fruits and Vegetables thoroughly

Rinse fruits and vegetables properly before consuming them to eliminate germs or pesticide residue. They can also be soaked in salt water.

• Avoid Stagnant Water

Do not consume water or food that has been left open.

• Cook Thoroughly

Ensure that all food is cooked thoroughly, as it kills bacteria and makes food safer to consume.

• Store Food Properly

Store food in airtight containers to ensure that it remains fresh for a longer time and prevent contamination. Refrigerate leftovers promptly.