Monsoons have arrived earlier than expected in the country. In the southern region of Karnataka in Udupi near Mangalore experienced heavy downpours on Tuesday. According to Indian Meteorological Department, the downpours were not monsoon showers but just pre-monsoon spells. Monsoons in India are synonyms with hot cup of chai and some bhajias or pakodas. But put those temptation strings on a halt. As much as rains bring a cool wave after the summers, it is also accompanied by a host of illnesses. Hence, it is of utmost importance to avoid certain foods that could spread diseases.

Foods to Avoid During Monsoons

1 Fried Food: We all know this season calls for hot pakodas and it becomes irresistible to avoid the temptation. The high humidity during this season slows down digestion, making us prone to an upset stomach and bloating. It is also recommended to avoid eating items like pani puri where water is used. The season brings itself with lots of bacteria and insects, which can cause severe infection.

2 Sea Food: Since it is breeding season for creatures like fish, prawns, crabs, etc, consuming them may end up giving you stomach infections or even food poisoning. Stick to eating chicken and mutton to satiate your craving for non-vegetarian food.

3 Leafy Greens: It is important to eat leafy veggies and all our lives we have been asked to consume greens as much as possible but during monsoons they are best avoided. Leafy vegetables are grown in swamps and are not stored hygienically before they reach the consumers. The grime and dampness present in them makes them susceptible to germs. Insects love to nest on broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower, hence avoid these too.

4 Fizzy Drinks: They reduce minerals in our body which in turn leads to reduction of enzyme activity. Instead keep a bottle of water (preferably boiled) or home-made nimbu paani handy. The digestive system is also sensitive, so it is advisable to go easy on dairy products.

5 Fresh or Pre-Cut Fruits: Stay away from raw and chopped fruits especially when they have been kept in the open. The increased moisture in the air leads to bacteria sticking to raw foods. Also avoid fresh juices from vendors.

It is important that to enjoy the lovely rains, one must be healthy. Take care of yourself and your loved ones to have a memorable and enjoyable monsoon. Rains and the cool climate might make you a lazy person. But keep your exercise regime and sweat out that extra moisture and harmful bacteria. Keep hydrating yourself even if you don’t feel thirsty. Also, it is important to take utmost care of children as they have weakened immune system.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 30, 2018 12:05 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).