Tea, Pakoras and Rain? Doctors Reveal the Severe Gut Health Risks You're Ignoring
HealthAuthored by:Ashima Sharda MahindraUpdated Aug 1, 2026, 11:15 ISTMonsoon humidity, contaminated food, and poor hygiene can weaken gut health, increasing the risk of infections, bloating, diarrhoea, and. . .
HealthAuthored by:Ashima Sharda MahindraUpdated Aug 1, 2026, 11:15 ISTMonsoon humidity, contaminated food, and poor hygiene can weaken gut health, increasing the risk of infections, bloating, diarrhoea, and hepatitis. Tea, Pakoras and Rain? Hidden Gut Health Risks Doctors Warn OfThe arrival of the monsoon brings welcome relief from scorching summer temperatures. Along with cool breezes and rain showers come steaming cups of tea, crispy pakoras, and comfort foods that define the season. However, while most people prepare for the rains with umbrellas and raincoats, few think about protecting their gut health—a mistake that can lead to digestive infections, food poisoning, acidity, bloating, and even serious illnesses like hepatitis A and E. According to Dr. Harshil S. Shah, Consultant GI, HPB & Liver Transplant Surgeon at Bhailal Amin General Hospital, the rainy season creates the perfect conditions for stomach-related illnesses, making gut care just as important as avoiding getting drenched. “The rainy season also affects our system. It makes our gut weak. We get infections, acidity, bloating and indigestion,” he said. Why does gut health suffer during the monsoon?While contaminated food and water remain the biggest culprits behind monsoon stomach infections, weather itself also plays a role. High humidity can slow digestion, leaving many people feeling bloated, gassy, or unusually full after meals. Reduced physical activity during rainy days, combined with frequent consumption of fried and spicy foods, further strains the digestive system. The gut also houses a large portion of the body's immune system. Healthy gut bacteria help defend against disease-causing microorganisms. Poor sleep, stress, unhealthy eating habits, and unnecessary use of antibiotics can disrupt this delicate balance, weaken immunity, and increase the risk of gastrointestinal infections. Don’t rush to antibioticsOne of the most common mistakes people make during the monsoon is self-medicating with antibiotics for diarrhoea. Dr. Shah explains that many seasonal stomach infections are caused by viruses, not bacteria. Antibiotics do not work against viral infections and can actually damage beneficial gut bacteria. Overusing antibiotics also contributes to antibiotic resistance, making future bacterial infections harder to treat. “A lot of stomach infections during the monsoon are caused by viruses. Antibiotics do not work on viruses. Taking antibiotics without a doctor’s advice can make our gut bacteria weak. It can also make us sick for longer and make antibiotics not work in the future. Most of the time we just need to drink a lot of water, rest, and take care of ourselves,” he said. Most mild viral stomach illnesses improve with adequate hydration, rest, and supportive care. Persistent symptoms or signs of dehydration, however, require medical evaluation. Kitchen hygiene matters a lotEven homemade meals can become a source of infection if proper food hygiene isn't maintained. Cross-contamination, like using the same cutting board or knife for raw meat and ready-to-eat foods, can spread harmful bacteria. Experts recommend washing hands thoroughly before preparing meals, keeping cooked and raw foods separate, refrigerating leftovers promptly, and avoiding food left uncovered for long periods. Know when it is more than food poisoningNot every stomach problem during the rainy season is simple food poisoning. Waterborne infections like hepatitis A and hepatitis E also become more common during the monsoon. Symptoms such as persistent nausea, vomiting, fever, unusual fatigue, abdominal pain, or jaundice should never be ignored and warrant prompt medical attention. Certain groups, including children, older adults, pregnant women, people with diabetes, and those with weakened immune systems, are at greater risk of developing severe complications from gastrointestinal infections. “The signs start with symptoms like nausea, vomiting and fatigue. If we have these symptoms for a time, especially with fever or tiredness, we should see a doctor,” said Dr. Shah. Simple ways to keep your gut healthyDoctors recommend following these simple habits to protect your digestive system:Drink only safe, clean, or boiled water. Eat freshly cooked meals and avoid stale food. Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly. Limit excessive fried and spicy snacks. Maintain regular meal timings. Avoid taking antibiotics without medical advice. Practice good hand hygiene before eating and cooking. Allow your digestive system time to recover after a stomach infection. The monsoon should be a season of enjoyment - not repeated visits to the hospital. By maintaining good gut health, practicing food hygiene, staying hydrated, and avoiding unnecessary antibiotics, you can significantly reduce your risk of monsoon digestive infections, food poisoning, and other gastrointestinal illnesses. A healthy gut remains one of your strongest defences against seasonal diseases. Ashima Sharda MahindraauthorIs a prolific writer with a varied experience of over two decades of journalism under her belt. She writes passionately about diverse health topics wi. . . View MoreNewsHealthEnd of Article