The rainy season comes with unwanted holidays for children, those that come with gut infections. Most parents worry about diarrhoea or stomach cramps, but few know that these tummy troubles can also affect their child’s mood and focus. Studies reveal the gut-brain connection, showing how poor gut health can leave kids feeling tired, irritable, and even anxious.
Understanding the link is key to keeping your child healthy, happy, and focused during the monsoon, says Dr Vrukshal Shamkuwar, Consultant Head PICU and Paediatrics at Medicover Hospitals, Navi Mumbai. “Stomach infections during the monsoon are not uncommon. Contaminated water, street food, and unhygienic surroundings make it easy for tummy bugs to spread,” he says.
According to Dr Shamkuwar, most parents notice the physical symptoms like vomiting, loose motions, or stomach aches. “But many don’t realise that gut infections also affect how their child feels and behaves. The gut and brain are closely linked. When a child’s gut is upset, it can trigger mood swings, low energy, irritability, and even trouble with focus and learning,” explains Dr Shamkuwar.
Also read | Gastrointestinal infections management: Stay hydrated, avoid heavy meals and raw salads, more
The reason behind this, he says, is the gut-brain axis, a network that constantly sends signals between the stomach and the brain. “When the balance of healthy bacteria in the gut is disturbed due to infection, it can impact the production of important mood-related chemicals like serotonin. Inflammation in the digestive system can also affect brain function, making children feel off-balance emotionally,” he says.
Protect your child’s gut and mood this monsoon with these 5 tips from Dr Shamkuwar:
- Stick to safe drinking water: Always give your child clean, filtered or boiled water. Avoid giving them outside juices, drinks with ice, or flavoured sodas sold on the street.
- Maintain strict hygiene habits: Encourage handwashing before meals and after using the toilet. Good personal hygiene is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent infections.
- Avoid risky street food: Street food, raw salads, and roadside snacks may be tempting, but they often carry harmful germs during the rainy season. Stick to home-cooked meals.
- Include gut-friendly foods: Add curd, fruits, and fibre-rich items to your child’s diet. These support the growth of good bacteria and help keep the digestive system balanced.
- Act quickly if illness strikes: If your child shows signs of tummy upset, vomiting, diarrhoea, or stomach pain, give plenty of fluids and seek medical advice without delay. Early care helps prevent complications and reduces the risk of mood-related effects.
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