Four strategies to prevent stomach infections during this season

Seasonal stomach infections pose significant challenges for anyone affected. Contrary to the belief that dining out presents the highest risk of contracting gastroenteritis or stomach infections, it’s essential to recognize that humid weather conditions provide an ideal breeding ground for bacteria and viruses on food and various surfaces. Therefore, being mindful of our eating habits and practicing food safety measures becomes crucial to prevent stomach infections.

While there are various home remedies available to alleviate the discomfort caused by stomach infections, no one wants to suffer the consequences of consuming their favorite foods. Stomach infections, also known as gastro infections, affect individuals of all age groups and should be promptly addressed. Severe cases of gastro infections can lead to compromised immunity and an increased susceptibility to other viral diseases.

Furthermore, as highlighted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and various studies, gastrointestinal symptoms can serve as triggers or indicators of COVID-19. While these symptoms may not manifest in every COVID-19 positive individual, they should not be ignored.

Some common symptoms of stomach infections include watery stools, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, mild fever, muscle pain, and fatigue. Depending on the cause of the stomach infection, symptoms may persist for 2-3 days and can be alleviated with diet modifications and medications. However, there are preventive measures that can be taken to reduce the risk of stomach infections. Read on to learn more:

Avoid Consuming High-Risk Foods

Your dietary choices significantly impact overall health, particularly during seasons when stomach flu or infections are prevalent. Certain foods are deemed risky during specific times of the year, necessitating extra caution in dietary selections. It’s advisable to avoid consuming raw or uncooked meat, stale or raw fish, and unpasteurized milk during this season. These foods can heighten the risk of infections, potentially leading to stomach flu and other illnesses. Therefore, adhering to the following tips can assist in making healthy dietary choices and maintaining wellness:

• Incorporate High-Fiber Foods into Your Diet
• Ensure Adequate Intake of Vitamin-Enriched Foods
• Limit Consumption of Caffeinated Drinks
• Avoid Reliance on Junk Food and Packaged Ready-to-Eat Foods, which are often high in preservatives
• Individuals with Milk or Dairy Allergies should refrain from consuming dairy products for optimal gut health

Consume only clean, purified water

The human body composition consists of approximately 60%-70% water. Similar to the necessity of food for survival, maintaining adequate water intake is crucial for health and hydration. Insufficient water consumption can lead to various signs and symptoms of dehydration. However, it’s essential to emphasize that water quality is as important as quantity. Stomach infections often result from consuming contaminated food and water. Therefore, during seasons characterized by viral infections, flu, and seasonal illnesses, it’s advisable to prioritize filtered RO water or bottled water to safeguard against stomach infections.

Practice Social Distancing to Minimize Contact with Others

Maintaining social distancing isn’t solely effective for controlling COVID-19. If someone in the family is suffering from viral or bacterial gastro issues, it’s crucial to avoid sharing plates, food, water glasses, and linen, as these items could potentially harbor viruses and bacteria. Here are some guidelines to follow if you’re caring for a patient with stomach flu at home:

• Keep their surroundings clean and sanitized.
• Always wear a mask and gloves when serving them or handling their belongings.
• Wash their linen and eating utensils separately from those of other household members.
• Avoid giving them food that has been stored in the fridge for more than two days to prevent contamination.

Ensure Proper Food Storage

Ensuring proper food storage is crucial for preventing contamination and avoiding stomach flu. Following food storage guidelines helps maintain the nutritional quality and safety of food items. Here are some key considerations for storing food safely:

• Wash raw vegetables and meat thoroughly before cooking, and refrigerate perishable items promptly to maintain their freshness and nutritional value.
• Store cut fruits and vegetables separately to prevent cross-contamination.
• Avoid storing cut fruits for extended periods, as they may undergo chemical changes that could potentially be harmful.
• Keep raw and cooked meat segregated to prevent the spread of bacteria.
• Follow the storage instructions provided on the packaging of frozen foods to maintain their quality and safety.

By taking these basic precautions, such as consuming clean and healthy foods and maintaining cleanliness in the surroundings, you can reduce the risk of stomach infections and promote overall well-being.