Summer is a time when we can kick back, relax, and indulge in some of our favorite treats. However, the risk of food-borne diseases increases in the summer. Some people are intolerant to ingredients in popular summer treats. Some of these, such as lactose intolerance, are well known but other culprits such as processed meats and citric acids often come as a surprise and lead to health problems.
However, you can substitute the foods you are intolerant to with other edibles to avoid unwanted flare-ups. Here are some changes in your diet you can make to stay sick-free this summer!
Table of Contents
1- Sprouts:
Sprouts are nutritious and often added to salad and wrap to make them crunchy and delicious. However, these seemingly harmless seedlings can be a safe haven for E. coli and Listeria, which multiply as the plants grow. Moreover, it is not that easy to clean sprouts. That’s why some nutritionists recommend avoiding sprouts.
2- Eat Fresh:
One of the best things about summer is the abundance of fresh food from fresh herbs to in-season produce. However, this can be a double-edged sword in summer. Foodborne illnesses increase in the warmer months because bacteria multiply more quickly. Perishable food items must be consumed when they are fresh as they can go bad quickly when it’s warm. This can be difficult in summer when many people plan outdoor excursions such as picnics and barbecues. Make sure you handle and store food properly when you are outdoors.
3- Wash Melons Thoroughly:
Cantaloupe, honeydew, and watermelon contain pathogens such as Listeria and salmonella. They are exposed to more germs because they grow on the ground. Some people do not wash melons because the rind isn’t edible. However, bacteria can be trapped inside the skin of melons. When you slice a melon without washing it first, the germs can get transferred from the outside to the inside. Make sure you wash melons properly before consuming them.
4- Wash Your Produce:
You might think that rotten meat or spoiled dairy are the biggest causes of food poisoning but fresh produce can be just as bad. Fruits and vegetables are grown outside and there is a chance that animals brush against it. Fresh produce could have also come in contact with dirt and bacteria. Make sure you wash your produce properly before consuming it.
5- Be Careful With Leafy Greens:
Some kinds of fresh produce pose even a greater risk. Leafy vegetables are known to cause the most outbreaks of disease. The reason behind is that the human norovirus, which causes food poisoning, likes to linger on greens such as spinach and lettuce, The virus can thrive on leaves for days. Thankfully, most cases of food poisoning caused by norovirus aren’t deadly. You can also try cooking your greens to kill the pathogens.
You can consult a nutritionist to find out which summer foods you should cut out of your diet. You can find and book an appointment with a top Nutritionist in Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad through oladoc.com. You can also call our helpline at 042-3890-0939 for assistance to find the RIGHT Doctor for your health concerns.
