Bacterial gastroenteritis, more commonly known as stomach infection, is a disease in which your gut is attacked by bacteria that cause infection, inflammation and severe pain. Many people also suffer from vomiting and abdominal cramps during this time. While there are a plethora of reasons that can lead to an upset stomach, it becomes highly sensitive during the monsoon season.

Stomach infections are in fact one of the most common problems faced by people in the rainy season. While it lifts up our mood with the cool breeze and damp showers, bacteria also become hyperactive during this time. Diseases like diarrhoea, food poisoning and a bloated stomach are very rampant during this season. You might notice people taking a lot of leaves in your school or office during this season. Despite being such a common problem, it’s surprising that most people don’t do anything to counter the situation. All while a few simple steps can ensure a healthy and happy monsoon for you.

How to prevent stomach infection 

First things first, take care of your hygiene. Do not allow bacteria to latch onto yourself in any way during the rains. This may sound simple, silly even, but washing your hands regularly – especially before eating your meals – is an important step in keeping your stomach safe. You might be eating the healthiest food, and you could still catch an infection if you do not keep yourself clean.

Giving your room, house and desk at the workspace cleanup is a great way to ensure that monsoon bacteria don’t lurk in there as well. Now, coming to what goes in your stomach! Start by always boiling the water you drink. This may sound tedious, unnecessary even. But it is important to boil water we consume as the boiling eliminates the presence of harmful bacteria in it.

Now, this does not mean you have to drink hot water. Cool it, store it in large quantities (in clean containers, of course) to make it last longer. You can drink bottled mineral water as well if boiling does seem like a chore. But don’t go about drinking tap water. The same goes for the things you eat. Avoid eating out entirely if you can.

We understand that there will be certain instances where you cannot say no to eating out – office lunches, friend’s birthday party etc. In that case, pick food items that are heated up well, as in steamed or roasted enough. The heat kills the bacteria. Freshly made food is also a good option.

Something that is in your control entirely is the option to skip out on street food. The delicious street food is a mound of infection-causing bacteria. So, skip out on it. The idea is to eat food that is processed as much as possible. Processing the food items – be it through, heating, steaming or roasting – makes it free of bacteria.

If you are wondering what to eat in the rain, you can always look up recipes meant for the seasons. There is no harm in snacking up on delicious food – just prepare them at home instead of buying it from outside. Take special care of your eating as well as physical activities if you are recovering from illness. The monsoon usually is a testing time for recovering patients. We recommend not go swimming if you have low immunity.