Now that scorching summer days are here, we need to pay attention to the amount of aerated water and soft drinks we consume, cold or otherwise. City doctors say that the summer season triggers increased gastroenterology cases because of high consumption of cold liquids, stored and served in unhygienic conditions.
“Cases of food-borne diseases such as Hepatitis A, E, leptospirosis and several other complications are on the rise in summer because of unsafe handling of food and especially, the water used in cold drinks. People should consume homemade or hygienically prepared fruit juices (bottled, or tetrapaks) to avoid dehydration. They should stop consuming aerated drinks because their acidity upsets the natural balance in the body system,” said Dr Manisha Bangar, head of gastroenterology and hepatology, Care Hospitals, Banjara Hills.
During summer, citrus fruits like lemons and oranges are great refreshers. They come loaded with vitamins and antioxidants that help combat acidity and stomach problems. Dr Ravishankar, Yashoda Hospitals, said, “Citrus juices and replenishing electral solutions can be consumed when you sweat it out, to avoid dehydration.” Ice made at homes after boiling the water for at least 20 minutes is safest to consume. The common ice making and preserving process makes use of sawdust, rubber tubes and thermocol packaging for insulation, which is a breeding place for all kinds of bacteria, say medical experts.