Beautiful blue skies, sunny weather, BBQs, and days at the pool are all signs that the summer has arrived. However, the weather won’t be the only thing heating up. If you’re dealing with tummy problems during the summer months, you don’t have to suffer alone. Request a consultation with a GI doctor at Austin Gastroenterology today to learn how to optimize your gut health.
Give your body the break it deserves in the hotter months with a few tips and tricks on how to manage your GI symptoms. Find info below from our Austin, TX gastroenterology team.
How Might Hot Temps Impact GI Issues?
Rising temps often influence GI immunity and digestive ability. This might include loss of appetite on hotter days, dehydration, or a heat-related illness (like heat stroke or heat exhaustion).
Rising temps alter the bacterial composition of your GI tract, according to a study performed by researchers in Zurich, Switzerland. This may help us understand why some stomach pain and annoyance rise once the temperature rises.
An increase in temps causes blood flow to pivot to help control body temperature. Our gastrointestinal system is influenced the most as a result. Thus, you may experience GI concerns that cause increased stomach pain and diarrhea.
Even if you take preemptive steps to beat dehydration and additional illness related to heath, it’s not guaranteed to completely thwart illness. Prolonged symptoms will need to be evaluated by our GI team at Austin Gastroenterology.
Tips to Improve Digestive Health
Taking control when the heat rises is a great way to help you soak in your time with your friends and family. A few simple things to focus on when you’re planning on being in the sun can include:
- Add probiotics into your diet: Kombucha, yogurt, and taking a probiotic may be ways to boost good gut bacteria.
- Make working out a routine: Brisk walking, running, and yoga can help with digestion. Incorporating movement into your daily routine will assist with stomach issues and reduce stress.
- Understand your hydration needs: Make sure you get enough water to make up for your loss through an increase in sweat. This includes getting 8 – 10 glasses of water daily.
- Avoid consuming milk products: It’s true milk may deliver temporary relief after it’s ingested, it might actually heat the body. This includes foods that contain dairy, such as cheese, butter, and ice cream.
Don’t Let Food Poisoning Ruin Your Fun
During the summer, the probability of food poisoning is greater. Preparing food outdoors usually will make handling food safely hard, because bacteria might multiply faster than normal during the summertime heat.
Being aware of food poisoning symptoms is important in order to take proper steps for treatment. Some of the symptoms are:
- Stomach cramps
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Queasy stomach
- Fever
Don’t let the rising temps impact your health. When you know warmer temps are ahead, take the time to safeguard your health by focusing on your body. Give your body water, eat hydrating foods such as strawberries, peaches, oranges, and watermelon, and get proper assistance from our GI providers in Austin, TX when necessary.
Improve Your Digestive Health in Warm Weather
Gut health shouldn’t hinder your ability to enjoy the summer with friends and family. Help your stomach stay healthy this season with help from a GI doctor at Austin Gastroenterology. Our awareness and expertise are used to educate you. Don’t hold up your exciting summer plans and request a consultation at your preferred location in Austin, TX.
