How Poor Monsoon Hygiene Influences Gut Health and Long-Term Risks

Monsoon season brings welcome relief from summer’s heat. Unfortunately, it also brings an increase in infection rates, especially for those infections associated with the gastrointestinal tract. All of the following can contribute to an increased risk of gastrointestinal illness during the monsoon season: drinking contaminated water, living in unsanitary conditions, and not washing your hands often enough. If you know how the relationship between poor hygiene practices during the monsoon season and gastrointestinal health affects your family, then you will be better prepared to reduce your and their risk of preventable health problems.

The digestive system is very sensitive to sudden changes in the environment. During monsoon season, these environmental conditions produce a favorable environment for a variety of microorganisms (i.e. bacteria, viruses, parasites) to thrive. These conditions include:

• An increase in the relative humidity.
• An increase in standing water (sewage/or waste).
• An increase in contaminated water sources.
• An increase in easy access to contaminating germs from unwashed hands.

Environmental conditions like these may disrupt the balance of healthy bacteria in the gut microbiome, which makes you more susceptible to gastrointestinal infections (e.g., gastroenteritis, food poisoning, typhoid, jaundice [i.e., hepatitis A/E], and worms).

1. These environmental conditions have a potentially negative impact on the gut microbiome (i.e., the microbiome is the total number of bacteria residing in the gut).

2. Due to an increase in moisture (humidity) and lower temperatures, you are more susceptible to becoming ill as a result of contaminated food, particularly street food, sliced fruits, and leftover(s) and cooked food.When food is handled with poor hygiene practices the following health problems may occur due to the growth of E. coli, Salmonella and Shigella on contaminated foods and through opened packages (and through contact with/among other contaminants).

• Food poisoning.
• Stomach cramps.
• Acid reflux.
• Bacterial dysentery

In addition to the above-mentioned examples, raw vegetables that are washed in water that is contaminated with fecal material pose a health risk to gut health as they have bacteria/invisible pathogens on them.

•  Poor Hand Hygiene.

Poor hand hygiene is one of the primary causes of poor hygiene practices and thus the reason for having bad gut health.

Hands can carry:

• Dirt.
• Parasites.
• Bacteria.
• Viruses/viruses particles.

All of these can enter your gastrointestinal system when you eat food, causing infections, gut inflammation and dysbiosis. Due to the rapid spread of germs during monsoons, it is extremely important to keep your hands clean.

• Mold & Fungus Exposure.

A damp environment provides an excellent place for mold to thrive. Mold spores can enter through the respiratory tract when they are inhaled and can also enter by accident when cooking/handling food. These spores will interfere with the digestive system and can result in the following symptoms:

• Nausea.
• Vomiting.
• Abdominal cramps.
• Weak immune system.

Long-term exposure to mold and fungus can negatively affect the diversity of gut microbiomes and impair the body’s immune system.

Acute Gut Problems from Poor Hygiene Practices during Monsoon.

• Acute gastroenteritis.

Acute gastroenteritis is characterized by vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection.

• Food poisoning.

Food poisoning is usually the result of consuming food that has been left out for a day or longer or water that has been contaminated and can result in nausea and abdominal discomfort.Hepatitis A/E: Hepatitis A & E are contagious liver infections caused by consuming contaminated water or food. They can cause liver damage and impede during digestion.

• Typhoid: Typhoid is a dangerous bacterial illness that affects the intestines.
• Parasitic Worm Infections: The incidence of parasitic worm infections can greatly increase when an individual does not maintain good personal sanitation. Parasitic worm infections can lead to decreased absorption of nutrients from their foods.
• Long-Term Consequences of Neglecting Gut Hygiene in Monsoon Months: Failure to treat infection from monsoon flooding can lead to serious health issues that develop long-term.

1. Chronic Disorders of the Digestive System: Untreated infections may cause a weakening of the intestinal wall, resulting in even greater digestive problems. Examples of chronic digestive disorders:

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

• Acid Reflux

• Chronic Digestive Disorders

• Constipation/Diarrhea (Chronic)

 2. Reduction Of Nutrient Absorption: People who experience gut infections frequently are not able to absorb vital nutrients such as iron, vitamin B12, folate and vitamin D.

A lack of these nutrients can result in:

• Fatigue

• Weakness

• Hair Loss

• Immune Suppression 

3. A Compromised Immune System: A healthy gut provides approximately 70% of the body’s total immunity. When gut health is compromised through repeated infections, the body becomes more susceptible to new infections, allergies, and long-term health problems.

4. Severe Dehydration: People with recurring cases of diarrhoea during the monsoon months can develop chronic dehydration. Chronic dehydration negatively affects kidney function and the entire metabolism.

5. Damage To The Liver: Untreated hepatitis A & E infections can result in significant liver problems, such as compromised liver detoxification and digestion.

How To Protect Your Gut Health From Monsoon Floods:

• Drink clean purified or boiled water

• Use soap to wash your hands before you eat

• Avoid eating out (ex: Street-vended food, cut fruits, raw salads outside)

• Store your water in food-safe containers

• Wash all vegetables with warm water

• Always eat freshly prepared meals

• Avoid refrigerated leftovers older than 24 hours

• Consuming probiotics (ex: yoghurt, buttermilk, fermented foods) can boost your immune system

• Ensure that your living environment is free of moisture and mold

Strict hygiene is the only way to protect your gut health and prevent long-term health consequences during the monsoon months.

When To Consult A Physician

Consult a physician if you experience:

• Persistent diarrhoea that lasts longer than two days

• High fever

• Symptoms of dehydration

• Jaundiced (Yellowness of Eye/Skin)

• Severe abdominal pain

• Continuous vomiting

Proper and timely diagnosis is the best way to prevent many possible complications.

Having a healthy gut is essential for maintaining a healthy body. Poor hygiene practices negatively affect how the digestive system functions.Gut health plays a significant role in both short-term and long-term health. Maintaining the cleanliness of your environment, safe eating habits, and practicing good personal hygiene are a few steps to protecting your gut health and boosting your immunity during the monsoon season, as emphasised by GEM Hospital .

For expert digestive care, accurate diagnosis, and specialists’ treatment, schedule an appointment with GEM Hospital today!