5 tips to keep your digestive system in check during the rainy season

Angelique Agarap

September 7, 2022

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  Have you ever wondered why you always feel hungry during the rainy season? Some would even say that they have more appetite in the cold. Well, this is because your body tries to raise its temperature to combat the cold, thereby increasing your metabolic rate and facilitating digestion. Hence, your stomach tends to growl more often.

  But just because you’re inclined to crave more at this time doesn’t mean you should give in without thinking. Keep in mind that this is also the time of the year when people are more susceptible to diseases, especially in the digestive system. Abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, cramping, and gastritis become more common as the gut sensitivity issue increases.

  That said, here’s how you can keep your gut happy and healthy amid the rainy season:

  Up your fluid intake

  That’s right! Cold weather causes your body’s temperature to drop, leaving your skin dried out and dehydrated as it attempts to warm up. That’s why it’s crucial to keep your body hydrated. The humidity levels are also higher which slows down sweat evaporation, preventing the body from releasing heat. Aside from these, water is extremely beneficial in eliminating toxins from the body. You can also throw in some herbal teas like chamomile tea, green tea, or even ginger lemon tea so that both your immunity and digestive health gets a boost!

  Wash and cook your food properly

  It’s a no-brainer, we know! But bacteria and fungus are frequently found in vegetables and fruits during the rainy season, particularly in green leafy vegetables. It’s critical to fully wash your food before consuming it which brings us to the next point—food must be cooked thoroughly in adequate heat temperatures. Eating fruits that have had their peels removed before consumption, such as bananas, mangoes, oranges, and watermelon is an excellent choice, too!

  Munch on vitamin C-rich foods

  Viruses and bacteria thrive in the rainy season. Therefore, Vitamin C is your best friend! It’s a basic requirement that should be included in your diet to strengthen your immune system. It’s known to treat a variety of illnesses, but is primarily used to boost one’s immunity. Fruits rich in vitamin C include apples, bananas, grapes, oranges, and others. They also have antioxidant functions, which allow them to work on severe infections, particularly acute respiratory distress syndrome.

  Limit seafood, dairy and sugar intake

  Sorry, pescatarians! There’s a high risk of water contamination during the rainy season. So now might be time for you to slow down on eating a lot of seafood because the fish you’re eating could be carrying cholera or diarrhea. Dairy should also be avoided because it’s heavy on the stomach and takes time to digest. Finally, steer clear of refined sugar because it causes inflammation and promotes the growth of bad bacteria in the gut.

  Time your meals

  Timing is everything, even in food! Late breakfast and late dinner disrupt the digestive process. Eating at the same time every day helps to stabilize hormones, which has a positive effect on overall health. The best time to eat is said to be between 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM.

  While the rainy season gives us a break from the scorching heat, it also brings along its share of health concerns. Make the rainy season an enjoyable time and less of a trouble by putting these handy tips to good use. Stay healthy and safe, guys! 😉

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