As the sun's rays increase in summer, so does its effect on our body. The higher the temperature, the more sweat we produce and the amount of water in our body decreases. Along with this, if we are a little careless about food and drinks, various types of stomach ailments can occur - such as diarrhea, vomiting, food poisoning or digestive problems. Especially for those who spend most of the day on the road or outdoors, this problem can become more serious. However, if you follow a few simple rules, this problem can be avoided to a large extent.
First of all, it is most important to keep the body hydrated. In summer, water is lost from the body through excessive sweating, and if it is not replaced, problems like fatigue, dizziness and even dehydration occur. Therefore, you should drink at least 8-10 glasses of pure water a day. Many times, when you go out, water is not available at hand, so always keep a water bottle with you. Buying and drinking bottled sealed water is also an option, but it is best if you go out with your own bottle of water. If you feel tired in the sun or due to excessive sweating, you can sometimes drink ORS or homemade salt-sugar water, which helps maintain the electrolyte balance of the body.
You also have to be very careful about food during summer. Although food kept in the open environment on the street such as fuchka, chaat, chopped fruits, sherbet, etc. is very tempting, many times they get dust, flies or bacteria. Also, these foods rot quickly in extreme heat, which increases the risk of spreading infection. Therefore, open food on the street should be avoided as much as possible. Especially for children or the elderly, eating these foods can easily cause stomach upset.
Some wisdom is also needed in choosing food. Our digestive capacity decreases relatively in summer. Therefore, eating heavy, spicy, fried or excessively salty foods can often cause stomach upset. Digestive problems or problems like gas, acidity can occur. Therefore, it is better to eat light and easily digestible food during this time. Foods like rice, pulses, boiled vegetables, sour curd, khichuri, idli etc. are easy to digest and do not feel heavy on the stomach. Also, developing the habit of eating fruits twice a day keeps the body healthy and provides the necessary vitamins and minerals.
However, awareness is also needed when eating fruits. Watermelon, mango, papaya, khirsapat—these summer fruits help keep our body cool and also aid digestion. But eating too much fruit can sometimes cause flatulence or acidity problems. It is especially good to avoid eating too many juicy fruits at once or at night. Eating fruits in a specific amount and at the right time every day is good for stomach health.
Another important thing is cleanliness. Sometimes even though the food is good, if the hands or utensils are unclean, it can cause stomach ailments. Therefore, one must wash hands thoroughly with soap before eating food and after using the toilet. Cooking utensils, eating utensils and water containers should always be kept clean. It is also important to wash fruits or raw vegetables thoroughly with water before eating them, especially those that are eaten raw, such as cucumbers or tomatoes.
You also need to be a little more careful when eating food stored in the refrigerator during the summer. Many people cook them once and put them in the refrigerator and reheat them repeatedly. This can lead to the growth of bacteria in the food, especially if it is not stored properly or kept in the refrigerator for a long time. Food that is more than a day old should be avoided as much as possible. And it is necessary to heat it well before eating it.
Yogurt and probiotic-rich foods are very beneficial during this time. These foods like sour yogurt, chickpea raita, lasci or homemade mutton doi help maintain good intestinal health. The probiotic bacteria in them help in digestion and reduce the internal heat of the body. For those who have a lot of gas or indigestion problems, eating at least one bowl of sour yogurt every day can be beneficial.
As summer is tiring for us, stomach ailments also occur more during this time. A little carelessness can take a terrible turn. However, if you follow some simple rules and precautions, you can spend this time quite well. All you need to do to keep yourself and your family healthy is to be aware and have healthy habits.
So, drink more water this summer, avoid street food, stay clean and eat light and easily digestible food. If your stomach is healthy, your mind will also be healthy. And if your body is healthy, then the summer will no longer be unbearable, but rather enjoyable.
