Food Poisoning in Monsoon? 5 Healthy Habits to Ward Off Stomach Infections

To enjoy the rainy season without falling prey to food poisoning, it is essential to adopt certain healthy practices. Read on!

Who doesn’t love to eat something delicious? Food gives our body the nutrients and energy it needs to function properly. It provides essential nutrients and minerals for our body. However, one health problem that many of us face in relation to food is food poisoning. Especially during rainy seasons, high humidity and humid conditions create a perfect environment for bacteria and other pathogens to thrive and contaminate food and water. Sometimes, we eat adulterated and stale food that can make us feel very uncomfortable and lead to an infection in the stomach. Some of the symptoms of food poisoning include stomach pain, nausea, inflammation, bloating, and diarrhea.

If you are a frequent victim of such food-borne illnesses, it is essential that you adopt certain healthy habits. Here is a list of precautions you should take to keep food poisoning at bay during the monsoon.

HEALTH CARE TIPS DURING MONSOON SEASONS TO PREVENT FOOD POISONING

1. Wash food before cleaning it: This is the most important step to follow when cooking. To remove dust particles or bacteria, it is important to wash vegetables, rice or legumes with water. If this step is not followed, contaminated vegetables can cause food poisoning when consumed.
2. Be careful with dairy products: always check the expiration dates and make sure dairy products are properly stored in the refrigerator. Opt for pasteurized milk and dairy products to reduce the risk of bacterial contamination.
3. Store cooked food in the refrigerator: While some food ingredients are best stored in the kitchen pantry, cooked food cannot be stored in the same manner. There is a chance that cooked or heated food may spoil if stored at room temperature. Therefore, it is essential to store cooked food and vegetables in the refrigerator.
4. Keep your hands clean: Make sure you sanitize your hands, especially when you are cooking, serving or eating food. Hygiene should never be compromised, as it is directly related to our health. Therefore, it is essential to wash our hands before eating to prevent germs from coming into contact with food.
5. Eat freshly cooked food: While leftovers may be convenient, they are more prone to bacteria growth. If you must store leftovers, refrigerate them properly and heat them thoroughly before consuming. Also, during the rainy season, it is best to avoid street food as hygiene practices may not be reliable.