Come Monsoons and our happiness see no bounds. There are lots of activities that one can indulge in during the monsoons such as walking in the rain, running, cycling and trekking. All of these activities give us extreme happiness. Monsoons also entice you and increase your cravings for some street food such as bhajiya, vada pav, bhel, pani puri, chat and the likes. Also savouring those crispy delicacies in pleasant weather is always enjoyable. And with it come ailments including diarrhoea.
But the monsoon doesn’t knock alone, with it, come many unwelcome guests such as bacteria, viruses and moulds, all of which spread infections making us queasy. Monsoon makes us susceptible to many diseases as the dampness and stagnant water are perfect breeding grounds for many disease-causing micro-organisms.
During monsoons, food and water are the two main things that get contaminated easily. This eventually leads to water borne diseases as monsoons is the time for germs and bacteria to breed in large numbers. We need to be extra careful for ourselves and for our children as well. If you feel unwell, don’t wait or self-medicate, instead go to your doctor and seek early medical care so that a correct diagnosis can be made.
After gorging into the street food delicacies, one is prone to diarrheoa. Contamination of food or water causes maximum diarrhoeal diseases. It is also called food poisoning. Diarrhoeal diseases are self-limited and need supportive treatment in the form of replacement of water and salts orally. For severe diarrhoea, intravenous fluids and antibiotics may be required. Switching to a diet of clear liquids and taking rest helps.
Preventive measures to be taken during Monsoon against diarrheoa:
- Drink boiled water.
- Wash your hands before you eat.
- Avoid outside food and eat homemade hygenic food.
- If you are eating in a restaurant avoid leafy vegetables. One is not sure if it’s cleaned properly or not?
- Eat well cleaned and washed vegetables. Avoid leftover food
- Do not eat fish as it is breeding time and there are chances that you might get a stomach upset or an infection.
As our body is susceptible to infections taking precaution is good. However if you
do get diarrhea. Here are few things you must follow –
- Boil water and drink throughout day as diarrhea dehydrates body.
- Do not have solid food. Have clear liquid diet initially.
- In case of less severe diarrhea cooked rice, curd can be included which can be incorporated gradually after liquid diet.
- Drink lots of warm herbal teas, especially with antibacterial properties such as basil leaves, ginger, pepper and honey.
- Digestion process is slow during monsoon because of the humidity in atmosphere so eat moderately only when you are hungry.
- Include antioxidant rich food (green tea, fresh fruits, nuts) to fight against infection.
Be healthy to enjoy the monsoon thoroughly. .. Be cautious, stay fit and enjoy the lovely weather.
