The Summer Heat and Gastrointestinal Issues

Blue skies, warmer weather, outdoor parties, and time spent out by the pool are tell-take indications that summertime is here. But, the summer weather isn’t the only thing heating up. If you or a loved one are experiencing GI issues during these warmer months, you aren’t alone. We encourage you to request a consultation with a gastrointestinal doctor at GI Alliance of Illinois as soon as you’re able to get more info on how you can optimize your gut health.

Give your body a break this summer with some tips and tricks on how to manage your GI symptoms. Keep reading for info from our Hinsdale, IL gastroenterology team.

Understanding summer GI issues

The rising temperatures will influence our immunity and digestive capabilities. This may include loss of appetite on hotter days, dehydration, or a heat-related illness (such as heat stroke or heat exhaustion).

Heat waves alter the bacterial composition of your gastrointestinal tract, based on a study performed by researchers in Zurich, Switzerland. This may help us understand why some stomach pain and other issues are higher as temps rise.

The rise in temps causes our blood flow to redirect in order to control our body temps. The gastrointestinal system is affected the most when this happens. As a result, you may endure gastrointestinal issues that cause increased stomach pain and diarrhea.

Even if you take preemptive steps to beat dehydration and other common symptoms related to heat, it’s not guaranteed to totally thwart it. Long-lasting symptoms need to be assessed by our gastroenterologists at GI Alliance of Illinois. Request an appointment with our GI specialists to receive the relevant treatment for your gastro issues.

Tips to improve GI health

Taking control as the heat rises is vital to help you soak in your time with your friends and family. A few easy things to focus on when you’re planning on being in the sun can include:

• Incorporate probiotics into your diet: Drinking kombucha, eating yogurt, and taking a probiotic may be ways to increase good gut bacteria.
• Understand your hydration needs: Make sure you get enough water to make up for the loss due to an increase in sweat. This includes getting 8 ­­– 10 glasses of water daily.
• Avoid consuming milk products: While milk might offer some relief once it’s ingested, it may actually heat the body up. This includes foods that contain dairy such as ice cream, butter, and cheese.
• Make working out a routine: Brisk walking, a running routine, and yoga help with digestion. Incorporating movement into your everyday routine will help with stomach pains and reduce stress.

Keep food poisoning from ruining your fun

During the summer, the likeliness of food poisoning is greater. Prepping food outdoors can make safe food handling hard, as bacteria might multiply at a quicker rate during the summertime heat.

Being aware of food poisoning symptoms is important in order to better understand the treatment. Some symptoms include:

• Vomiting
• Upset stomach
• Nausea
• Fever
• Abdominal cramps
• Diarrhea

Don’t let the temperature rise affect your lifestyle. When you’re expecting a heat wave, take the time to focus on your health by listening to your body. Give your body water, eat foods with a lot of water such as watermelon, strawberries, peaches, and oranges, and get proper assistance from our GI doctors in Hinsdale, IL as necessary.

Cool down and improve your GI health

Gut health shouldn’t get in the way of enjoying the summer with your friends and family. Help your stomach stay healthy this summer with help from a GI doctor at GI Alliance of Illinois. Our knowledge and expertise will point you in the right direction. Don’t hold up your summer routine and request an appointment at your preferred location in Hinsdale, IL.