Tips to Maintain Digestive Wellness

Picture this: you’re all excited to enjoy the monsoon vibes, but your belly has other plans. Bloating comes knocking, making you feel like you have swallowed a balloon. Stomach pain tags along, making you question that plate of pakoras you just polished off. And let’s not forget about heartburn, the unwanted guest that brings that fiery sensation creeping up your chest. Last but not least with burping. Another party crasher with serious timing issues in the middle of a presentation or a romantic date.

Do all these sound familiar?

Well, we get it, the struggle is real! And, you’re not alone. As the rain intensity increases, so do the internet searches for ways to deal with bloating, stomach pain, heartburn, diarrhoea, and all those pesky digestive issues.

So here’s the lowdown on how the monsoon messes up with our digestion: the info out there is conflicting! Some say we release fewer digestive enzymes, while others claim our digestive system slows down. Scientifically, the evidence is still emerging, but one thing’s for sure: high humidity messes up with our gut microbes. These little superheroes in our gut can throw a wild party during the monsoon, which can lead to a host of health issues ranging from immune dysfunction to diarrhoea. It’s all about the way those altered gut microbes interact with our bodies.

Adding another twist to the monsoon digestion saga is the irresistible temptation of endless cups of hot masala chai and mouth watering deep-fried delights like pakoras and samosas. We can’t resist them, can we? But here’s the catch: all that indulgence, combined with our love for cosy indoor activities due to the pouring rain, can really mess up with our digestion. It’s like a tag team of tasty trouble!

So, while we enjoy those hot treats and the cool monsoon weather, here are some handy tips to help you bid farewell to the monsoon-related digestive drama and give your digestive system much needed love and support:

So here’s the lowdown on how the monsoon messes up with our digestion: the info out there is conflicting! Some say we release fewer digestive enzymes, while others claim our digestive system slows down. Scientifically, the evidence is still emerging, but one thing’s for sure: high humidity messes up with our gut microbes.

Watch your diet

Say no to heavy, greasy, and spicy foods that can send your belly into a toss. Opt for lighter and smaller meals that are easy on your stomach. Give your taste buds a treat with light vegetable and chicken broth soups (without cream) and simple dal chawal. Avoid creamy gravies.

Cook it, don’t risk it

Raw and unpasteurised foods can be like kryptonite for your gut this monsoon. So to keep the digestive system in superhero mode, it’s best to avoid raw salads and sprouts (especially during outside dining), cold cuts of meat and foods containing raw eggs like unpasteurised mayonnaise.

Eat hot and fresh

High humidity means mould and prepped foods can spoil faster than you can say “yum”. So, as much as possible, opt for freshly cooked deliciousness instead of leftovers. But hey, we get it, sometimes leftovers are too tempting to resist. In that case, just make sure to give them a thorough reheating to zap those sneaky microbes.

Spice it right

While we love a little kick in our meals, some spices can be troublemakers for your tummy. Take it easy on the chilli powder, garam masala and hot sauces to avoid heartburn.

Stay hydrated

Sip, sip, gulp gulp! Keep yourself hydrated to avoid dehydration and promote smooth digestion. Don’t let those rain showers fool you into thinking you don’t need to drink water. Your tummy will thank you! Set a timer on your phone to remind you to take a gulp of water every hour. Don’t like water? Infuse it with fresh ginger root or a slice of lemon or a spoonful of fennel seeds. You will take your taste buds and your digestion up another notch.

Tap into the power of probiotics

Give your gut superheroes a fighting chance against humidity with the power of probiotics. Fermented foods like hot idlis, dhoklas, thin buttermilk and veg smoothies fortified with a splash of unpasteurized ACV can mean gut bliss.

Be mindful of street food adventures

We know those sizzling street food stalls look tempting, but be cautious! Make sure the food is prepared in hygienic conditions to dodge any unwanted digestive surprises.

Slow down and chew

Chew, chew, chew! Take your time to thoroughly enjoy your meals and give your digestive system a helping hand. It’s a win-win situation: less bloating and burping and a chance to savour every bite!

Move your body the right way

Rainy days have a way of keeping us indoors, missing out on those invigorating runs or post-meal walks. And let’s be honest, the allure of curling up in bed right after a satisfying meal can be hard to resist. But hey!! Let’s break free from these shackles. Incorporate gentle indoor exercises or take short leisurely strolls for 5 mins every hour indoors to keep your digestive system happy and prevent that sluggish feeling.

Follow these tips and don’t let the rain dampen your digestive vibes! These tips can work wonders for many. However, if your digestive troubles persist or worsen, it’s always best to consult a healthcare professional.

Written by:
Dr. Sripriya Venkiteswaran (Ph D. Nutritional Sciences)
Head of Content, Cuddles Institute of Clinical Nutrition