Methods to Keep Your Stomach Cool and Healthy in Summer

Digestive issues tend to escalate rapidly during the summer months. Intense heat, dehydration, and heavy meals often lead to common problems like upset stomach, gas, acidity, and weakness. Consuming light, cooling, and probiotic-rich foods during this season helps alleviate digestive troubles. Fermented foods—traditional items where beneficial bacteria develop naturally—are considered particularly beneficial for gut health.

Things You Will Need

• N/A

Method

1. Rice Kanji: A Super Drink

Rice Kanji is highly beneficial for the body during summer. It is prepared by cooking rice in an excess of water. It acts as a probiotic and provides a cooling effect to the stomach. In villages and traditional Indian households, it has long been a staple of the light summer diet.

2. The Classic Curd-Rice Remedy

The traditional practice of soaking leftover night-time rice in curd or buttermilk in an earthen pot overnight is making a comeback. By morning, it transforms into a mildly fermented food that is easy to digest and offers a cooling effect. This traditional method leaves the stomach feeling light and cool.

3. The Kanji Vada Option

Kanji Vada is another popular summer preparation in many households. The Kanji base is allowed to ferment for 3–4 days, fostering the growth of beneficial bacteria. To make it a healthier option, one can skip adding the deep-fried vadas.

4. Rajasthan’s Rabdi: Also Beneficial

A special type of Rabdi is prepared in Rajasthan during the summer. Unlike the sweet dessert version, this is a traditional beverage made from pearl millet (bajra) or barley flour and curd. It is cooked for a period of time before serving. It helps cool the body, soothe the throat, and improve digestion. The presence of probiotics makes it a gut-friendly food.

5. Why Are These Traditional Foods Making a Comeback? 

Fermented foods are considered helpful in reducing gas and bloating. Consuming them regularly helps improve the gut microbiome. They can make food tastier and easier to digest.

6. Provides a cooling effect to the body and the gut:

They can help alleviate the frequent thirst and fatigue experienced during summer. Traditional indigenous drinks are known to keep the body refreshed and energetic for extended periods. The beneficial bacteria present in them help strengthen the digestive system. They are also regarded as natural cooling foods. Fermented foods possess a natural tanginess that enhances flavor; this practice was also considered a part of natural kitchen science.