As the rains bring cool relief and lush green views, they also open the floodgates to something far less pleasant: digestive issues. From bloating and acidity to full-blown stomach infections, many people experience gut discomfort during the monsoon season. But why does your stomach become so sensitive just when you’re craving hot chai and pakoras?
Reasons for an Upset Stomach During Monsoon
- Contaminated Water & Food
Rainwater runoff can contaminate drinking water supplies and the raw ingredients used by street vendors. Add to that poorly washed fruits, vegetables, or open food exposed to humidity, and you’ve got a breeding ground for bacteria, viruses, and parasites.
- Common culprits: E. coli, Salmonella, and Norovirus.
- Weakened Digestive Fire (Agni)
According to Ayurveda, the digestive fire or agni is naturally low during the rainy season. This means your body is less efficient at breaking down food, leading to:
- Indigestion
- Gas and bloating
- Acid reflux
Heavy, greasy meals and raw foods can further strain your digestive system during this time.
- High Humidity Slows Digestion
The muggy monsoon air doesn’t just affect your mood—it impacts your metabolism too. High humidity slows down the secretion of digestive enzymes, making it harder for your body to process food. This results in that familiar post-meal heaviness, or worse, diarrhea and nausea. - Overindulgence in Fried & Spicy Foods
It’s natural to crave deep-fried snacks during the rains, but going overboard can irritate the stomach lining and lead to acidity, indigestion, or loose motions. Especially when these foods are cooked in reused or unhygienic oil, they can become a serious health hazard. - Risky Foods During Monsoon
Some otherwise healthy foods can turn tricky in this season:
- Leafy greens may carry bacteria or parasites due to moist soil.
- Seafood is best avoided, as the monsoon is the breeding season, and freshness is hard to guarantee.
- Fermented or leftover foods can easily spoil in humid conditions.
Tips to Protect Your Gut in Monsoon
- Drink boiled, filtered, or packaged water
- Eat freshly cooked, warm meals
- Use gut-friendly spices like ginger, cumin, ajwain, and turmeric
- Avoid raw foods, cold dairy at night, and excessive sweets
- Sip on herbal teas like tulsi-ginger or cinnamon-clove
Your digestive system works harder than usual during monsoon, so give it the care it deserves. By staying cautious and making small tweaks to your diet, you can enjoy the rains without worrying about a rumbling tummy ruining the mood.