New Delhi: The monsoon in India has its own rhythm — steaming cups of chai, damp mornings, and, unfortunately, an army of sniffles and sore throats. Pharmacies see familiar faces asking for a “quick antibiotic course” the moment a cold or cough strikes. It’s a routine that feels harmless, even sensible. Yet this habit, common during the damp monsoon months, quietly disrupts another delicate rhythm within the body — the balance that keeps the gut functioning at its best.

In an interaction with News9Live, Dr Pavan Reddy Thondapu, HOD – Medical Gastroenterology, Arete Hospitals, explained how mindless use of antibiotics during monsoon can wreak immunity in winter.

The gut does much more than simply break down food. Within it thrives a rich community of bacteria, fungi, and countless other microorganisms — collectively called the gut microbiome. This hidden network quietly supports nearly every function of the body. It keeps digestion steady, strengthens immunity, and even shapes mood and mental balance. In many ways, these microscopic companions work behind the scenes to keep us healthy and in harmony.

When antibiotics are used unnecessarily, they wipe out bacteria without discrimination — killing both the bad and the good. A short antibiotic course taken for a viral cold can disrupt this delicate balance within days. What follows is not always obvious at first: mild bloating, irregular bowel movements, indigestion, and that vague feeling of sluggishness after meals. Over time, frequent antibiotic use can make these gut disturbances more stubborn.

Why Monsoon Makes It Worse

The rainy season already slows digestion. Humidity, erratic eating hours, and fewer fresh fruits or vegetables on the plate make the stomach more sensitive. In this backdrop, taking antibiotics unnecessarily adds another layer of trouble. The medicine’s job is to fight bacteria, but most seasonal colds and sore throats are caused by viruses. That means the antibiotic does little for recovery but leaves behind a gut struggling to rebuild its microbial harmony.

Doctors often see a post-monsoon spike in patients complaining of acidity, bloating, or irritable bowel symptoms — many of whom have recently finished a “precautionary” antibiotic course. In young adults juggling hectic schedules, this gut disruption can also show up as low energy, skin breakouts, or mood swings, thanks to the gut’s deep connection with the nervous system.

The Domino Effect

When the gut flora is disturbed, digestion becomes less efficient. Nutrient absorption suffers, the immune system weakens, and inflammatory reactions become more common. Ironically, this makes the body more prone to infections — the very thing antibiotics were supposed to prevent. Overuse also encourages the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, meaning the same drugs may not work when truly needed.

What makes this cycle concerning is how subtle it feels. A person may take antibiotics twice a year — once for a sore throat, once for a stomach bug — and not notice much change. But each course chips away at the gut’s diversity, like slowly eroding a coral reef. By the time digestion starts acting up frequently, the microbial balance has already shifted significantly.

How to Protect Your Gut

If a fever, sore throat, or cold appears during the monsoon, the first step is not to reach for antibiotics but to understand what’s causing it. Most viral infections improve with rest, hydration, and simple home care. Warm soups, turmeric milk, or herbal teas can soothe symptoms while the immune system does its job.

When antibiotics are genuinely required — say for a bacterial infection diagnosed by a doctor — there are still ways to protect the gut. Adding probiotic-rich foods like curd, buttermilk, fermented rice, or homemade pickles helps restore healthy bacteria. Including fiber from fruits, whole grains, and cooked vegetables feeds those good microbes, helping them repopulate faster.

Avoid pairing antibiotics with overly spicy or oily foods, which can irritate the stomach lining. And once the course ends, give the gut some rest — plenty of fluids, light meals, and time to heal.

A Season for Care, Not Carelessness

The monsoon’s charm often comes with a dose of caution. It’s easy to confuse care with quick fixes, but the gut rewards patience and balance. Antibiotics have their place — they save lives when used right. Yet when taken mindlessly for every sneeze or sore throat, they can steal away the quiet strength of the digestive system that sustains us through the year.

So this season, before reaching for that strip of pills, pause. Let your body’s own defences do their work, and let your gut — your most loyal guardian — stay in rhythm.