How the Summer Heat Can Affect GI Concerns
8/1/2022
The clear blue skies, warm temps, outdoor parties, and days at the pool are proof that summertime is upon us. But, the weather isn’t the one and only thing getting hotter. If you are dealing with GI symptoms during these warmer months, you don’t have to suffer alone. Request a consultation with a gastrointestinal doctor at Digestive Health Associates of Texas as soon as you’re able to learn how to improve your gut health.
Give yourself a break during warmer weather with some tips on how you can manage your GI symptoms. Read below to learn more from our Dallas, TX GI specialists.
How does hot weather affect GI issues?
The rising temperatures can influence our body's resilience and digestive ability. This may include loss of appetite during very warm days, symptoms of dehydration, or heat-related illnesses (like heat stroke and heat exhaustion).
Rising temps alter the bacterial composition of your gastrointestinal tract, as found in a study conducted by researchers in Zurich, Switzerland. This may clarify why stomach pain and issues arise as temps rise.
Higher temps cause our blood flow to pivot in order to help regulate body temps. Our gastrointestinal system is impacted to a greater deal when this happens. Consequently, we may notice gastrointestinal flare-ups that cause increased stomach pain and diarrhea.
While we can take preemptive steps to beat dehydration and additional heat-related symptoms, it’s not guaranteed to entirely avert illness. Persistent symptoms will need to be reviewed by our gastroenterologists at Digestive Health Associates of Texas. Schedule a consultation with one of our GI doctors to receive the appropriate treatment for your heat-related GI issues.
Tips to improve gut health
Being proactive when temps increase is vital to help you enjoy summer activities with your friends and family. A few key things to keep in mind when you’re going to be in the sun include:
- Understand your hydration needs: Get enough water to account for the loss because of an increase in sweat. This may include drinking 8 – 10 cups of water daily.
- Incorporate probiotics into your diet: Kombucha, yogurt, and even taking a probiotic may be ways to increase good gut bacteria.
- Avoid consuming milk products: While milk might provide some relief once it’s ingested, it can actually heat the body. This can even include foods that contain dairy such as butter, ice cream, and cheese.
- Make physical activity a routine: Walking, running, and even yoga help with digestion. Incorporating movement into your everyday routine will help with stomach pains and reduce stress.
Keep food poisoning from ruining your summer fun
During the hot summer months, the likeliness of food poisoning is greater. Prepping food outside usually will make safely handling food challenging because bacteria can multiply at a quicker rate during warmer temperatures.
Being aware of food poisoning symptoms can help you take the proper steps for treatment. Some symptoms include:
Don’t let the temperature rise get you down and take the time to pay attention to your health by focusing on your body. Drink a lot of water, eat foods with a lot of water such as strawberries, peaches, oranges, and watermelon, and get proper assistance from our GI providers in Dallas, TX when you need help.
Improve your gut health in warm weather
Digestive health shouldn’t hinder your ability to enjoy summertime with your friends and family. Help your stomach stay healthy this season with assistance from a digestive health specialist at Digestive Health Associates of Texas. Our awareness and skill will show you the way. Don’t hold up your summer routine and request a consultation at one of our practice locations in Dallas, TX.