Did you know that contaminated food and water are the usual sources of infection that cause diarrhea?

The Department of Health (DOH) reported that a combination of diarrhea and gastroenteritis of presumed infectious origin is the third leading cause of death among children under five years old. Diarrhea can be prevented by drinking water from safe sources. Clear water is not necessarily safe to drink. Boiling water kills almost all potential germs.

The revised Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos (NGF) recommends "consume safe foods and water to prevent diarrhea and other food and water-borne diseases". The NGF was developed by nutrition experts led by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST). Aside from the NGF, the National Nutrition Council promotes the Ten Kumainments, in laymanized terms, laid on a bread tablet so that the “masang Pilipino” could easily understand. As in, 10 Kumainments No. 6 says “Tiyaking malinis at ligtas ang ating pagkain at tubig.”

Food should always be properly prepared and cooked well. For instance, fruits and vegetables should be washed thoroughly in clean water before eating or cooking. The public is encouraged to eat home-cooked foods. Also, always cover food to keep it safe from contaminants, insects and other pests.

Proper hygiene, such as regular washing of hands before eating and after using the toilet, should also be practiced. Here are three things to remember and practice: 1) washing of hands regularly; 2) drinking safe water; and 3) eating clean foods to prevent diarrhea and other gastrointestinal diseases.

Summer months are here. We cannot just beat the heat but we can still maintain our good health by keeping ourselves hydrated, drink eight (8) glasses of clean water daily and become nutritionally-fit by eating a variety of food everyday.

Know, live and promote good nutrition!

Author:   Angelita M. Pasos
               Nutrition Officer III