With monsoon around, water-borne diseases can’t be far behind. As the much-awaited rains bring relief from the scorching summer, there’s also an increased susceptibility to a lot of diseases that are common during the season.
The sudden onset of monsoon after an extended hot summer makes an average individual prone to a host of diseases.
Some of the diseases associated with monsoon are malaria, jaundice, gastro intestinal infections such as typhoid and cholera. Apart from these, viral infections such as cold and cough also make their presence felt. Some other diseases that occur during this time are leptospirosis and conjunctivitis.
“Our body’s intestinal and digestive system becomes weak during the rainy season, which makes us highly susceptible to all kinds of infections,” informs Dr Praveer Aggarwal, senior cardiologist, Escorts Heart Institute.
“So we should eat light and avoid spicy greasy, fried and fatty foods as they have heated thermal effect on our body and make us feel sluggish,” he adds.
Contamination of water and unhygienic conditions are very often the cause of many monsoon ailments. Skin conditions, asthma and arthritis also get aggravated because of excess humidity.
During the rains, humidity reaches its peak and has an adverse impact on hair health. Use of styling gel or perming or straightening activity on hair should be strictly restricted.
One should also ensure regular cleansing of scalp with shampoos followed by a conditioner, as there is high chance of dandruff due to dirt accumulated in scalp pores. Do not leave your clothes wet and carry an umbrella. The changing weather causes allergies and acidity problems too.
In order to prevent water-borne diseases, do not drink water, which is not properly boiled and stored. Drinking water should be boiled and properly filtered. Avoid consuming food that is exposed to the surroundings for quite a long time, since food that is exposed for a long time is contaminated by germs, which may cause various infections.
Flies are the most common carriers of germs that mostly cause contamination. Therefore remember to cook the vegetables well and steam them properly to kill the germ content in them, if any.
“Diabetic patients need to take extra care of their feet during monsoon season. These patients should take specific care as not to walk bare-foot since the soil on which they walk is a reservoir of all types of germs,” says Delhi based Dr Rajeev Chawla, diabetologist, Delhi Diabetes Centre.
Asthma patients also need to take special care during monsoon, as they should ensure that there is no accumulation and seepage of water from the vicinity of their residence since that will cause severe health problems. They should also ensure that fungus does not grow in the wooden furniture, and in other articles such as shoes and leather bags. One should avoid roadside food.
During the monsoon, roadside food can lead to various infections and ailments. “The reason behind it is that germs & bacteria’s often breed during rainy seasons & food items kept in the open are most vulnerable to infections,” says Dr. Aggarwala.
One should also eat green leafy vegetables, as these are good for health. Wash & cleanse these vegetables before consuming them. Try to avoid intake of cut fruits & salads during the rains.
Eating out can be done but at good hygienic restaurants to ensure quality food. Raw vegetables should be avoided and steamed veggies should be consumed instead especially during monsoons.
Avoid intake of stale food and thus try to cook only that much of food that can be consumed in one meal. If some food is left, you must refrigerate it and not leave it in open.
One should also drink plenty of water but boiled during the monsoon season even if you are not thirsty as it keeps you hydrated and prevents diaorrhea. During rainy season drink filtered or boiled water. Personal hygiene is a must. “Clean your body with regular bath to prevent germ and bacteria that can cause any type of skin problem,” says Dr Chawla.
Source: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/life-style/rain-rain-go-away-common-diseases-their-prevention/articleshow/6042370.cms
Disclaimer: All information, data and material has been sourced from multiple authors and is for general information and educational purposes only and are not intended to replace the advice of your treating doctor.
The views and nutritional advice expressed are not intended to be a substitute for conventional medical service. If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your physician.
