Last Updated:
Simple dietary precautions can protect you from common monsoon-related illnesses
A well-planned, hygienic diet becomes essential to boost immunity, improve digestion, and prevent infections
The monsoon season increases the risk of food- and waterborne illnesses. A home-cooked, balanced diet plays a pivotal role in keeping infections at bay and boosting immunity. In this guide, an expert helps us understand what to eat and what to avoid to stay healthy during the rains.
While the monsoon brings cooler weather and lush greenery, it also creates a breeding ground for bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Eating the wrong foods, especially street food or leftovers, can lead to serious health concerns such as food poisoning, diarrhea, cholera, and typhoid. A well-planned, hygienic diet becomes essential to boost immunity, improve digestion, and prevent infections. High humidity and food or water contamination can trigger digestive issues and weaken the immune system.
Dt. Priyanka Patil, Consultant Dietitian and Nutrition Expert, AIMS Hospital, Dombivli, shares all you need to know:
Causes and Symptoms:
Contaminated food and water, stale leftovers, and poor hygiene can lead to vomiting, stomach cramps, fever, weakness, and loose stools. If left untreated, these symptoms can escalate to dehydration or even liver damage.
What to Eat During the Monsoon
Freshly cooked, warm meals
Seasonal fruits like apples, pears, and pomegranates (washed thoroughly)
Steamed or lightly cooked vegetables
Herbal teas with ginger or tulsi
Probiotics like curd and buttermilk to support gut health
Vitamin C-rich foods such as oranges, lemons, bell peppers, strawberries, and kiwi to strengthen immunity
Clean, boiled, or filtered water
Sufficient water intake to stay hydrated
What to Avoid During the Monsoon
Street food (chaat, golgappa, bhel puri, dahi puri) and raw salads
Leafy vegetables, which may carry mud, worms, or bacteria
Seafood, which has a higher contamination risk during the rainy season
Leftover or reheated food
Fizzy drinks and excessive caffeine
Cold, uncooked foods or unpasteurized juices
Simple dietary precautions can protect you from common monsoon-related illnesses. Prioritize freshly prepared meals, drink clean water, and avoid unhygienic options. Consulting a qualified dietitian can help you develop a customized diet plan that fits your needs. This monsoon, be mindful of what you eat to stay healthy and enjoy the season to its fullest.
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl…Read More
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl… Read More
view comments
- First Published:
