Learn How the Summer Heat Can Affect GI Issues
8/1/2022
Clear blue skies, warm temps, barbecues, and time spent out by the pool are all signs that summer is upon us. However, the weather may not be the only thing getting hotter. If you or a loved one are dealing with tummy problems during these warmer months, you don’t have to suffer alone. Request a consultation with a GI specialist at Colorado Gastroenterology today to get more info on how to boost your gut health.
Give yourself a break during warmer weather with a few tips and tricks on how you can keep your GI problems at bay. Find info below from our Denver, CO GI specialists.
What effect do high temps have on GI issues?
The rising temperatures often take a toll on our body's resilience and digestive capabilities. This might include loss of appetite on hotter days, dehydration symptoms, or other heat-related illnesses (including heat exhaustion and heat stroke).
Higher temps can also impact the bacterial composition of your GI tract, according to a study conducted by researchers in Zurich, Switzerland. This could clarify why some stomach pain and annoyance become in warmer months.
The higher temps cause blood flow to deviate in order to help regulate our body temps. The GI system is affected the most as a result. Thus, a person might experience gastrointestinal concerns that cause stomach pain and diarrhea.
While we can take preemptive steps to avoid dehydration symptoms and other symptoms related to heat, it’s not guaranteed to completely prevent illness. Long-lasting symptoms will need to be reviewed by our GI doctors at Colorado Gastroenterology. Request a consultation with our team to obtain the appropriate treatment for your GI symptoms.
Tips to improve digestive health
Being proactive when temps increase is instrumental in helping you enjoy time with your friends and family. A few key things to keep in mind when you’re planning a day of fun in the sun can include:
- Incorporate probiotics into your diet: Drinking kombucha, eating yogurt, and taking a probiotic may help boost good gut bacteria.
- Be mindful of your hydration needs: Drink enough water to offset your loss through an increase in sweat. This may include getting 8 – 10 glasses of water each day.
- Avoid consuming milk products: Milk might deliver temporary relief after it’s ingested, it might actually heat the body. This includes foods that contain dairy such as ice cream, butter, and cheese.
- Make physical activity a routine: Walking, running, and yoga help with digestion. Adding movement to your daily routine will help with stomach issues and reduce stress.
Don’t let food poisoning ruin your fun
During the summer, the chance of food poisoning is greater. Prepping food outdoors may make safe food handling difficult because bacteria might multiply faster during warmer months.
Understanding the symptoms of food poisoning is important in order to make the right decisions for treatment. Some of the symptoms are:
Avoid letting the temperature rise affect your lifestyle. When you know there will be a heat wave, take the time to focus on your health by listening to your body. Give your body water, eat hydrating foods like watermelon, strawberries, peaches, and oranges, and seek out help from our GI specialists in Denver, CO when you need help.
Maintain your GI health during the summer months
Gut health shouldn’t get in the way of enjoying the summer months with your friends and family. Help your intestinal tract cool down this summer with support from a GI doctor at Colorado Gastroenterology. Don’t delay your summer routine and request a consultation at your nearest location in Denver, CO.