Monsoon Is Here: Best Foods to Eat and Simple Heaith Tips to Keep Children Safe
Monsoon Is Here: Best Foods to Eat and Simple Heaith Tips to Keep Children Safe
Doctors recommend fresh, home-cooked meals, proper hygiene and a dry home environment to reduce the risk of infections, allergies and digestive illnesses during the monsoon.
The arrival of the monsoon brings relief from the summer heat, but it also increases the risk of seasonal infections, stomach illnesses and allergies, especially among children. Health experts advise families to pay extra attention to food safety, hygiene and home cleanliness during the rainy season to stay healthy.
Children are particularly vulnerable because increased humidity, damp walls, mould, contaminated food and unsafe drinking water can trigger infections, respiratory problems and allergies. According to health experts, maintaining good hygiene and serving freshly prepared food can significantly reduce the risk of illness during this season.
Healthy foods to enjoy during the monsoon
While hot bhajiyas, samosas and vadas remain popular rainy-day favourites, experts recommend limiting deep-fried foods as digestion tends to slow down during the monsoon. Instead, nutritious home-cooked dishes can provide both comfort and immunity.
Moong dal khichdi is considered one of the best meals during the rainy season as it is light on the stomach, rich in protein and easy to digest. It can be served with a small quantity of ghee and fresh curd for added nutrition.
Ginger-tulsi tea, prepared with ginger, basil, cinnamon or black pepper, may help soothe sore throats and provide warmth during wet weather.
Homemade sprout chaat made from moong, matki or chickpeas is packed with protein, fibre and essential vitamins, making it a healthy evening snack.
Mixed vegetable soup, prepared with carrots, tomatoes, spinach, pumpkin, beetroot or mushrooms, offers vitamins and minerals while helping keep the body warm.
For those craving snacks, sweet potato cutlets prepared with minimal oil or in an air fryer offer a healthier alternative to deep-fried foods. Roasted peanuts, almonds, walnuts and cashews can also provide healthy fats, protein and sustained energy.
Ways to protect children during the monsoon
Health experts advise parents to keep homes dry and free from dampness, as mould growth can trigger allergies, asthma and persistent coughs. Air conditioners can be used in dry mode or with a dehumidifier function to reduce indoor moisture. Keeping the AC temperature between 24°C and 26°C and cleaning filters regularly also helps maintain better indoor air quality.
Children’s toothbrushes should be stored away from toilets and washbasins, rinsed properly after use and kept upright to dry naturally. Parents should avoid covering toothbrushes with caps at home, except while travelling.
Soft toys should be washed regularly in hot water and dried completely, especially for children with allergies or asthma, as dust mites thrive in humid conditions.
Parents should also ensure children wear rubber or EVA footwear, which dries faster than canvas or leather shoes. Feet should be washed and dried thoroughly after returning home, particularly between the toes, and wet socks or shoes should be changed immediately.
Experts also caution against relying only on ironing to remove fungal contamination from clothes. Rain-soaked clothes, towels and uniforms should be washed properly and dried completely before use.
Children should be given only freshly prepared meals, clean drinking water and hygienically stored curd or buttermilk. Roadside juices, cut fruits and iced beverages should be avoided during the rainy season due to the higher risk of contamination. If a child develops vomiting, diarrhoea or persistent fever, medical attention should be sought promptly.
Disclaimer: This article is for general awareness. Parents should consult a qualified doctor if a child develops persistent fever, breathing difficulty, vomiting, diarrhoea or other serious symptoms during the monsoon.
