The Summer Heat and Gastrointestinal Concerns

Beautiful blue skies, sunny weather, BBQs, and laughter by the pool are all indications that summer is upon us. But, the summer weather might not be the one and only thing heating up. If you’re dealing with GI issues during these warmer months, you’re not the only one. You can request a consultation with a gastrointestinal doctor at Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates as soon as you’re able to learn how you can boost gut health.

Give your body the break it deserves in the hotter months with a few tricks and tips on how you can manage your GI symptoms. Read below to learn more from our New Orleans, LA GI specialists.

How might hot temps impact GI issues?

Rising temps will influence the body's resilience and digestive capabilities. This can include loss of appetite on hotter days, symptoms of dehydration, or other heat-related illnesses (like heat exhaustion and heat stroke).

Heat waves change the bacterial composition of your GI tract, according to a study performed by researchers in Zurich, Switzerland. This could help us understand why some stomach pain and issues rise once the temperature rises.

The higher temps cause blood flow to divert to help regulate body temperature. Our GI system is affected more when this happens. Consequently, we may notice gastrointestinal concerns that may cause increased stomach pain and diarrhea.

Even if you take proactive steps to avoid dehydration and additional symptoms related to heat, it’s not guaranteed to totally thwart it. Persistent symptoms need to be assessed by our GI specialists at Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates. Schedule an appointment with our GI specialists to get the proper medical attention for your GI symptoms.

Tips to improve gut health

Taking control when temps rise is vital to help you focus on your time with friends and family. A few easy things to keep in mind when you’re going to be in the sun can include:

• Avoid consuming milk products: While milk might offer temporary relief after it’s ingested, it might actually heat the body. This even includes dairy products such as butter, ice cream, and cheese.
• Make working out a routine: Brisk walking, a running routine, and yoga help with digestion. Adding movement to your daily routine can assist with stomach pains and even reduce stress.
• Consider your hydration needs: Get enough water to make up for your loss through your sweat. This includes drinking 8 ­­– 10 glasses of water daily.
• Incorporate probiotics into your diet: Drinking kombucha, eating yogurt, and taking a probiotic may be ways to encourage good gut bacteria.

Keep food poisoning from ruining your summer fun

During summer, the likeliness of food poisoning is greater. Preparing food outside usually will make safe food handling challenging since bacteria can multiply faster than normal during warm weather.

Understanding food poisoning symptoms is important in order to better understand the treatment. Some symptoms are:

• Fever
• Vomiting
• Stomach cramps
• Queasy stomach
• Diarrhea
• Nausea

Don’t let the temperature increase impact your health. When you’re expecting a heat wave, take the time to focus on your health by paying attention to the needs of your body. Drink a lot of water, eat hydrating foods such as watermelon, strawberries, peaches, and oranges, and get proper assistance from our GI doctors in New Orleans, LA when you need help.

Maintain your digestive health over the summer months

Your gut health shouldn’t get in the way of enjoying the summer months with your loved ones. Help your stomach cool off this season with assistance from a GI doctor at Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates. Our awareness and expertise can help educate you. Don’t hold up your summer plans and request a consultation at your nearest location in New Orleans, LA.