During the rainy season, you may have noticed that your child complains of stomach aches more frequently. It appears your kid is in pain and holding his ortheirch even though he didn’t consume any unsanitary roadside treats. Microbes thrive during the monsoons because of the drop in temperature, the increased humidity, and the stagnant water. As a result, airborne, aquatic, and food-borne pathogens develop. In addition, due to the high activity levels during this season, children of all ages are at risk for infection.
Human guts play many essential roles in our body’s health and wellbeing, but they are compromised during the monsoon season. There is a high probability of acquiring gastroenteritis during the rainy season. A stomach bug usually causes this condition and can be transmitted through contaminated food or water. There may also be generalized body pains, joint aches, rash, and vomiting, in addition to stomach pains. A high risk of dehydration can also result from fever and vomiting.
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. Furthermore, the high humidity levels lead to prolonged digestion, so it is suggested to avoid heavy and oily snacks as they could upset stomachs. 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 lurk all around us, and it is essential 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 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 them thoroughly 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 proper nutrition,
Eat cooked food
It is preferable to eat cooked food over raw food during monsoons as microbes are higher in winters. Whether it’s steaming, frying, or boiling, ensure that the vegetables and fruits are thoroughly cooked, so that the germs are killed.
Avoid heavy food
Do not allow children to eat fatty foods no matter how irresistible they are. The increased humidity levels in monsoons tend to slow down the digestion process, alleviating acidity, indigestion, gas, and bloating problems.
Choose lighter oils
Choose more delicate oils such as olive oil or sunflower oil for cooking as they help ease the digestion process compared to heavier oils.
Drink filtered or boiled water
It is essential to drink water to fight dehydration, but please remember that the water needs to be either filtered or boiled entirely before allowing your children to drink it. Coconut water is also an excellent alternative to drink when your child has diarrhea as it helps regain the lost electrolytes.