The monsoon season in India provides respite from the heat of the scorching summer. Monsoons might bring freshness to our surroundings. However, it also brings along potential risks for some diseases and infections. One of the primary difficulties faced during monsoons is the maintenance of food safety and hygiene. Monsoon is the perfect weather for bacteria to thrive and diseases induced by mould, fungus, worms and spoilage might quickly occur. The following precautions for the rainy season can help you maintain food safety and hygiene during this period.
Yes, washing vegetables is such routine advice. However, take extra care while washing your vegetables during the monsoon. Wash them thoroughly as, during the monsoon, vegetables might contain tiny insect larvae in their crevices. If possible, use a vegetable wash during monsoons to take additional safety measures.
Fruits and vegetable storage should be done in the refrigerator to avoid any chances of spoilage. After washing they should be dried properly and stored in paper bags in separate sections in the refrigerator. Check on them and remove any fruit or vegetable in case they start getting spoiled.
The moisture in the air during the monsoon is the main reason why bacteria thrive. Keeping your food stock in airtight containers significantly reduces the risk of spoiling or moulding. Storing items like salt or sugar in glass containers also eliminates the risk of moisture spoiling their consistency. Keep your food items crisp and dry during monsoons by storing them in glass or stainless steel airtight jars.
Refrigerators can keep away mould and reduce the risk of food getting spoiled. However, an unclean refrigerator might have a negative impact as it becomes a breeding ground for fungus or harmful bacteria. Food particles might get stuck in the corners of refrigerators, thus it is crucial to clean your refrigerator at regular intervals. A solution of vinegar and baking soda along with warm water is great for cleaning your refrigerator shelves. Dry your refrigerator racks properly after cleaning them. You can reduce odour and also absorb excess moisture in the refrigerator by keeping a small container with baking soda in one corner.
Monsoons are not a good time to keep your food out for too long. The excess moisture can easily spoil food items like bread and even vegetables. The tropical weather in India is amicable for fungus growth and the moisture in the air during monsoons aid fungal growth in our food. Take care to always store your food in airtight containers or the refrigerator.
Using dry spoons to use condiments is a very underrated precautionary method. During the rainy season, moisture already damps condiments in our kitchens. Use a dry spoon to use condiments like spices, flour, salt, etc as even a little bit of moisture may spoil these condiments.
Your freezer can be very helpful during the monsoons. Freezing your pulses, grains and rice after buying them can help dehydrate the products and help you store them safely during the monsoons. Freeze these products for 1 – 2 days right after purchasing them and then store them in airtight containers.
Vegetables and fruits in the monsoon season can be refrigerated easily and stored but what about other food items? Age-old home remedies like using herbs to keep insects away from food are very beneficial during the monsoons. Herbs and spices like neem, cloves, turmeric and dried chillies can be stored along with pulses and rice to keep insects away from them during the monsoons. These are natural insect repellants. Putting a few grains of rice along with sugar and salt can help them be free from moisture as the rice grains absorb any excess moisture in the container.
Fruits and vegetables top the list if you are looking for healthy food to eat during the rainy season. These help in keeping your immunity levels high and naturally fend off any diseases which might harm you. Seasonal fruits and vegetables during the monsoon should be consumed in abundance as they are the freshest produce available during the season.
Herbs and spices like ‘tulsi‘, ginger, black pepper, turmeric and clove are great to be consumed during the monsoon. These boost our body’s immunity and also help us keep cosy during heavy rains. Adding these to a warm cup of tea can really liven up a gloomy monsoon day.
Bakery items are very prone to attract moulds during the monsoon season. Consume them on the day that you purchase them and avoid storing them for long periods. Only purchase as much as you need and do not purchase them to store for later consumption.
The rainy weather is perfect to enjoy fried snacks, however, be aware to not consume excessive fried items. Strictly avoid street food during the monsoon, however, homemade fried items from time to time during heavy rains will not pose any dangers to your health.
This is the time when fishes (especially saltwater fish) lay eggs. During their breeding season, it is best to avoid including fish in the menu because many people have a hard time digesting fish eggs.
Cooking with leftover oil can trigger stomach infection during the monsoon when our digestive systems are sluggish.
The monsoon season in India is a sight to behold and leaves the surroundings fresh and nurtured. The season brings with it great seasonal fruits and vegetables like pineapples, pears, bottle gourds, bitter gourd and fresh herbs. Enjoy the full potential of these monsoon vegetables and fruits by following the simple suggestions above. Take care of your food habits and avoid getting too wet in the rain, as it might cause illnesses.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
Monsoon has set in, and streets are flooded at many places in India. It is essential to consider and avoid certain things to prevent bacterial diseases which generally spread via exposure to such contaminated water.
Exposure to water contaminated with infected animal urine or contact with the urine of infected animals such as rodents, cattle, and pets can cause Leptospirosis.
Therefore, it is essential to protect oneself from contaminated water and infected animals especially if one is pregnant or lactating or an older adult.
Drink boiled water or appropriately purified water.
Avoid wading through floodwater. Avoid swimming or dipping head in rivers, lakes or water suspected to be contaminated with animal urine.
If you have any wounds on your feet or body exposed to contaminated water or your job or other activities (trekking, water sports, swimming, boating or animal rearing), involve exposure to contaminated soil or water or infected animals, ensure adequate protection. Cover your wounds, wear waterproof and protective footwear and clothing like gumboots, rubber gloves, etc.
Watch for rodents in the house and contamination of food and water. Get rid of these appropriate using measures at the earliest. If you have pets, ensure appropriate vaccination which is generally repeated annually.
Nevertheless, if you begin to suffer from either fever, headache, muscle aches, indigestion, rashes or a cough seek medical advice at the earliest because these could be symptoms of leptospirosis and initial treatment has better results and improvement.
Children are prone to infections and viral fever during monsoons. Learn tips to keep your kids healthy in the monsoons. Keep skin infections at bay this rainy season with these tips.
Disclaimer: The above information has been prepared by a qualified medical professional and may not represent the practices followed universally. The suggestions listed in this article constitute relatively common advice given to patients, and since every patient is different, you are advised to consult your physician, if in doubt, before acting upon this information. Lupin Limited has only facilitated the distribution of this information to you in the interest of patient education and welfare.
During the early monsoon, humidity in India is very high!
Our skin naturally has several tiny micro-organisms. The local skin temperature and environmental humidity are most conducive to the growth of microorganisms in early monsoon. In addition, in people who suffer from diseases like type 2 diabetes or any condition which lowers immunity, there is a higher risk of infection when the humidity in the atmosphere rises, particularly during the monsoon season. Therefore it is essential to take extra care of our skin health this season too.
Rashes and itching in the region of skinfolds can be caused by skin-on-skin friction, which can increase due to moisture. Such inflammation is bothersome in obese adults as well as children. Also, such inflammation can occur in natural body folds. Inflammation of the skin due to increased moisture or humidity in the environment further increases the risk of infections. Hence, it is essential to reduce moisture in the skin/skin folds using appropriate measures. For eg., Powders are absorptive.
Pay additional attention to personal hygiene measures like regular bath, hand hygiene with soap and water, using alcohol-based hand rub, and trimming nails. Avoid overcrowded places, avoid reuse of essentials or sharing of personal items for example towels etc. If one is physically very active or travels a lot, it is important to shower well and pat dry the body especially the skin folds, and space between fingers and toes thoroughly.
To reduce the risk of foot infections, it is advisable to –
Monsoon and resulting decrease in temperature cause increase in sebum production, clogging of pores and can cause acne, folliculitis. Incidence of rashes increases with the onset of monsoon because fall in temperature with humid weather causes pollen grains to burst open releasing pollen allergens into the air.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
To reduce the risk of skin infections
If one already has some wound, it is essential to watch for infection since moisture increases the risk. Medical advice should be sought.
Children are easily affected by the moisture and dampness in the monsoons. They are more prone to infections. Here is how you can keep children healthy in monsoons. If you have waded through monsoon waters, you are vulnerable to Leptospirosis. Read here how to avoid it.
Disclaimer: The above information has been prepared by a qualified medical professional and may not represent the practices followed universally. The suggestions listed in this article constitute relatively common advice given to patients, and since every patient is different, you are advised to consult your physician, if in doubt, before acting upon this information. Lupin Limited has only facilitated the distribution of this information to you in the interest of patient education and welfare.
Monsoon increases the dampness in the environment which encourages growth and spread of infection-causing germs. If proper care is taken along with an appropriate diet, we can prevent certain infections in children.Eat right
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
