You may have noticed your child complaining about stomach aches more often during the rainy season. Despite not indulging in unhygienic, roadside treats, your kid seems to hold her stomach and cry in agony. Monsoons are a breeding ground for a variety of microbes due to a drop in temperature, increased levels of humidity, and stagnant water. This combination gives rise to pathogens that spread through the air, water as well as food. Since these germs are extremely active during the season, they pose a huge risk of infection for children of all ages.
The human gut serves many essential roles in sustaining and protecting the overall health and wellness of our bodies, but it is compromised during the monsoons. During the rainy months, Gastroenteritis or stomach flu is a very common health problem. This condition is usually caused by a bacterial or viral stomach bug and can spread through contaminated food or water. It may not just cause stomach aches, but also high-grade fever alongside generalized body pains or joint aches, rash, and vomiting. The fever and vomiting can even lead to a high risk of dehydration.
Commenting on the same, Dr. Ayushi Tomar says, “There is always an urge to binge on fried snacks during monsoons, but at times, they can turn out to be a nightmare for young children. The high humidity levels lead to extremely slow digestion, which is why it is suggested to avoid heavy and oily snacks as they could lead to an upset stomach. One should also clean the produce thoroughly before cooking to avoid any microbes present on the surface from entering the body. This will ensure the food consumed is hygienic and will keep you healthy throughout.”
Chef Sanjeev Kapoor further emphasizing the importance of cleaning the produce. He says, “Fruits and vegetables may contain different kinds of germs and its growth is accelerated in the monsoons. To ensure safety, it is necessary to clean them thoroughly with a natural action product like Nimwash, which helps in removing germs from the surface of natural products with the power of Neem, making it safer for the family including children to consume.”
Below are suggested ways to ensure that your child remains safe from germs that cause stomach infections:
Clean your home
Germs are lurking all around us and it is important to ensure that we clean the floor and surfaces regularly. The increased humidity also helps them to thrive in the environment. Using a chemical-free floor cleaner like Nimyle will help in keeping the microbes at bay
Wash hands before consuming food
While we cannot stop kids from playing or exploring their environment, we can ensure that they don’t consume harmful germs by touching different objects and surfaces. Ensure that your child washes their hands with soap thoroughly before eating, so the germs are washed away
Wash vegetables and fruits before using them
It is imperative to wash vegetables and fruits thoroughly before using them as the microbes present on the surface of these fruits and veggies can cause several gastrointestinal problems. If you are eating the natural produce raw, it is even more important to clean them with a fruit and vegetable wash like Nimwash. This will not just wash away germs, but pesticides as well. This is a crucial step to ensure your food remains healthy and gives you the right nutrition
Eat cooked food
During monsoons, it is preferable to eat cooked food over raw food as the number of microbes is higher in winters. Whether it’s steaming, frying, or boiling, ensure that the vegetables and fruits are completely cooked, so that the germs are killed
Avoid heavy food
Do not allow children to eat heavy foods no matter how irresistible they are. The increased humidity levels in monsoons tend to slow down the digestion process, alleviating problems like acidity, indigestion, gas, and bloating
Choose lighter oils
Choose lighter oils such as olive oil or sunflower oil for cooking as they help ease the digestion process as compared to heavier oils
Drink filtered or boiled water- It is essential to drink water as it fights dehydration but please keep in mind that the water needs to be either filtered or boiled completely before allowing your children to drink it. Coconut water is also a good alternative to drink when your child has diarrhea as it helps regain the lost electrolytes
