Eat Healthy This Monsoon

The high humidity in the atmosphere during the onset of monsoon, promotes the growth of disease causing bacteria. Food poisoning and gastroenteritis are always on the rise during that “in-between” season when we move from summer to the monsoons. Here are some pointers to keep in mind to avoid falling ill this rainy season.
While eating out

• Food, like dal, soup, pasta, that is supposed to be served hot must be served piping hot. When placing your order, specify that you want it very hot.
Similarly, frozen foods like ice-cream must be served completely frozen. At home, make sure you do not refreeze melted ice-cream as it becomes a good environment for bacterial growth, which could lead to food poisoning.

• Avoid eating raw food in the form of salads; you never know if they have been washed, cleaned and stored well at the right temperature before being served to you. Opt for stir-fried vegetables.

• Chutneys and sauces are usually allowed to stand at room temperature for several hours in restaurants and are loaded with harmful microorganisms, avoid if possible.

• Avoid milk products, especially mithai, if the restaurant or outlet you are buying from does not store/display them at controlled temperatures. This is because the high sugar content and the milk together provide a suitable environment for bacterial growth.

• Avoid eating at roadside eateries especially those serving pani puri or bhel puri as the chutneys may lack hygiene and could be the cause of an upset stomach.
Another common ailment is a stomach upset

Drinking an adequate amount of water is necessary throughout the year. Even in the monsoons when you rarely feel thirsty. Drink plenty of liquids in the form of water or coconut water.
Always keep oral rehydration salts sachets handy to prevent dehydration. You get ready made ones at any chemist.

Even if it is a minor illness, try as far as possible not to self medicate; take the opinion of your doctor.