There is an inseparable bond between children and their grandparents. Childhood memories are the most cherished as children find their haven in their grandmothers. Come rain or shine, our dadis always had some effective homemade remedies in their kitty. We trust our grandmothers and their prescriptions more than any modern-day medicine in any health condition. Our grandmothers have suggested Dadi Ke Nushke – nutrition-rich foods we should consume, especially when our gut health goes for a toss during monsoons.

What you need to know:

Why do monsoons cause digestive issues?
Nutrition-rich foods for an upset stomach
Foods to avoid during monsoons

Why do monsoons cause digestive issues?

After the scorching heat of summer, the monsoon showers come as a boon by lowering the temperature and leaving a cooling effect. However, you cannot discount the monsoon mayhem caused to your digestive system. Rains increase a place’s relative humidity, making your digestive system sluggish. When your digestive organs, such as your stomach, pancreas, and small intestine, work slowly, it leads to bloating, vomiting, nausea, acidity, and a perpetual feeling of fullness.

The urge to eat street food is also at its peak during the rainy season. It harbors many water-borne and food-borne diseases, causing gastrointestinal infections, gut sensitivity issues, upset stomach, food poisoning, cholera, and diarrhea.

Nutrition-rich foods for an upset stomach

Nutritious Food_Activ Living Community

The remedies that grandmothers suggest are readily available in every Indian household. Take a look at the foods you should include in your diet that are helpful for an upset stomach.

Turmeric – All grandmothers swear by this spice. Be it for a cut or the cold, turmeric is the go-to solution. It contains antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties, which makes this spice a medicinal ingredient. You can consume it as a ginger-turmeric paste or add it in some form of healthy concoction.
Ginger – Ginger is a natural remedy to cure an upset stomach. It is also readily available at home. Ginger can be consumed raw, cooked, steeped in hot water, or as a supplement.
Mint – Chewing a few mint leaves or making a peppermint tea can provide you relief from indigestion. Mint is rich in menthol. Thus, it helps keep stomach and digestion-related problems at bay.
Bananas – Bananas have a natural antacid effect that can ease stomach pain and relieve symptoms of indigestion. Bananas are a powerhouse of potassium. Hence, it increases mucus production in the stomach, which prevents the irritation of the stomach lining. Bananas form a part of the BRAT (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast) diet, which is easy to digest and reduces stomach illness.

Probiotic Foods_Activ Living Community

Probiotic foods – Increase your consumption of probiotic foods such as yogurt, curd, and buttermilk. This promotes good bacteria growth in the stomach and boosts your immunity.
Coconut water – This contains vital electrolytes that keep your body hydrated. It is considered a good beverage choice when you have diarrhea.
Khichdi – This staple Indian food, made of moong dal and rice, without any spices, is one of the lightest foods you can consume when you have an upset stomach.

Foods to avoid during monsoons

Water that accumulates and forms puddles acts as a breeding ground for insects and mosquitoes. Avoid eating roadside foods to avoid an upset stomach during monsoons. Street-side foods like puchka, pakora, samosa, pre-cut fruits, and the like are often exposed to bacteria and insects that can cause cholera, malaria, dengue, and typhoid. Avoid sea, oily, fried, and fast foods that can lead to stomach infections.

Ensure you wash raw vegetables thoroughly before consuming them. Consume dairy products in moderation, as they are heavy on the gut. If not digested properly, they can result in loose motions or other digestive issues. Also, avoid eating refined sugar, which can cause inflammation and upset the gut flora balance.

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