Gastrointestinal infections management: Stay hydrated, avoid heavy meals and raw salads, more

Stomach bugs: Wash the veggies with salt, vinegar, or warm water. It removes dirt and reduces the risk of ingesting harmful pathogens. (Image: Canva)

Gastrointestinal infections during monsoons are primarily caused by bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Contaminated water, improper food handling and storage, and poor hygiene practices are common sources of these pathogens. Consuming contaminated food or water can introduce harmful microorganisms into the digestive system, leading to infection and subsequent symptoms.

Stomach bugs, or viral gastroenteritis, refers to inflammation of the stomach and intestines caused by viral infections. Pooja Shah Bhave, consultant dietician and diabetes educator in Mumbai, explains, it is mainly caused by viruses such as norovirus, rotavirus (common in children), adenovirus, and astrovirus. She further adds, unlike bacterial food poisoning, which is caused by different pathogens, viral gastroenteritis shares symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach and muscle cramps, often accompanied by low-grade fever, headache, and light-headedness. Symptoms usually appear within 24-72 hours after exposure to the virus.

Food poisoning typically results from consuming spoiled or bacteria-infected food, often involving pathogens such as Salmonella or E. coli, explains Bhave. On the other hand, stomach bugs spread through direct contact with infected individuals or contaminated surfaces, including exposure to stool, saliva, or vomit. During the rainy season, there's an increased risk of contamination when drainage water mixes with fresh water sources, notably affecting street food prepared under unhygienic conditions or washed with contaminated water.

Stomach bugs can be challenging, especially during the rainy season when the risk of infection is higher, tells Bhave, unlike food poisoning, which often requires antibiotics, treating stomach bugs focuses on supportive care and symptom management.

Here are some treatment and prevention tips to manage stomach bugs suggested by expert Pooja Shah Bhave.

Recharge with fluids and electrolytes: Rehydrating with fluids and electrolytes is vital to replace losses from diarrhea and vomiting, preventing dehydration.

Get rest: Rest allows the body to recover and boosts immune function to fight off infections more effectively.

Eat home-made food: Light meals like khichadi, idli, and curd rice are easier to digest and reduce strain on the digestive system during illness.

Take medication to reduce fever: Fever is a common symptom of infections and may require medication to manage discomfort and aid recovery.

Vaccine for children: Vaccination against rotavirus is recommended to prevent severe gastroenteritis in children, reducing hospitalisations and complications.

Restore with probiotics: Probiotics like curd and buttermilk promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, aiding in digestion and immune health.

Avoid heavy meals: Avoid heavy meals and and high-protein foods. These can worsen gastrointestinal symptoms, delayrecovery and increase discomfort.

Hydrate: Fluids such as strained soup and ORS replenish electrolytes lost through diarrhea. They support hydration and recovery.

Wash vegetables: Wash the veggies with salt, vinegar, or warm water. It removes dirt and reduces the risk of ingesting harmful pathogens.

Avoid raw greens: Raw lettuce and rocket leaves can harbor bacteria and parasites, increasing the likelihood of gastrointestinal infections.

Peel the fruits/ veggies: Peeling the fruits and veggies removes surface contaminants and reduces exposure to potentially harmful microbes.

Say no to raw salads: Raw salads and unpasteurised dairy products can contain pathogens that cause foodborne illnesses, especially during the rainy season.

Cook well: Incomplete cooking may not eliminate harmful bacteria, posing a risk of gastrointestinal infections if consume.

Clean water: Drinking clean and safe water reduces the risk of waterborne infections, ensuring hydration without exposure to contaminants.