Simple Tips To Prevent Summer-Related Digestive Issues

Simple Tips To Prevent Summer-Related Digestive Issues

Every year, summer brings various health issues such as heat exhaustion, viral illnesses, and stomach problems.

There is a higher chance of eating spoiled and contaminated food during summer.

The summer season is here and the extreme heat might be causing you more problems. The intense heat makes you more likely to have health problems, including digestion issues. Factors like a poor diet, not drinking enough water, and excessive body heat can lead to digestive problems in summer. Digestion also slows down during the summer.

As a result, constipation, vomiting, nausea, stomach pain, acid reflux, and food poisoning become common. Therefore, it is crucial to follow essential steps to prevent digestive discomfort during summer. Keep reading to learn some tips from an expert.

Digestive Issues During Summer: Causes and Tips to Manage

"Excessive heat can significantly affect your digestive system, mainly due to dehydration. The body sweats more when it is hot outside. If the lost fluid is not replaced, you may experience dehydration, which can lead to constipation and slow digestion," explains Dr. Harsh Kapoor, Chairman, Institute of Gastroenterology at Metro Hospital, Noida.

"Extended exposure to heat can cause heat stress, which can trigger gastrointestinal problems and stomach cramps. Additionally, heat can speed up bacterial growth and food spoilage, increasing the risk of foodborne illnesses such as food poisoning, which presents as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea," he adds.

Vomiting and diarrhea add to overall fluid loss and worsen dehydration. It also disrupts your body's electrolyte balance and hinders the proper functioning of your digestive system.

Tips to Prevent Digestive Issues in Summer

1. Stay well-hydrated: Drink at least 8 to 10 glasses per day, and more if you're outside. This includes water, drinks with added salts, and Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS).

2. Wear appropriate clothes: If you are going outside, wear sunglasses and light, breathable clothes to beat the heat.

3. Eat right: Eat fresh food only. Avoid junk food and pre-cooked foods that haven't been stored properly in the fridge. Choose freshly prepared, home-cooked meals and well-washed fruits and vegetables.

   Be cautious with dairy and baked products. Avoid creamy items, as they can quickly spoil in the heat and cause foodborne diseases.

4. Eat small meals. Having small, frequent meals allows your body to digest food properly. Heavy meals can be very uncomfortable in the summer.

5. Seasonal fruits and vegetables: Most summer fruits and vegetables have high water content, which can improve overall hydration.