How Do Summers Impact Your Digestive Health? Expert-Suggested Strategies To Maintain Gut Health

Summertime stomach health tips: It’s vital to take care of your stomach all year round, but in the heat, it becomes even more critical. The diversity of microorganisms that inhabit your digestive tract is referred to as your gut health, and it has the potential to impact not just your digestive system but also your mood, mental stability, and a host of other physiological processes. Maintaining a healthy digestive system is critical for general health, and it becomes even more important in the warmer months.

Dr. Govind Nandakumar, Consultant in Surgical Gastroenterology and Laparoscopic GI Onco Surgery at Manipal Hospital in Yeshwanthpur, Millers Road, Varthur, Hebbal, and Sarjapur, Bangalore, shared some practical advice on how to maintain gut health over the summer months with Jagran English.

How can the summer impact gut health?
Dr. Nandakumar argues that it is crucial to remain hydrated in the summer since the warmer months provide a greater danger of dehydration. Drink plenty of liquids, such as isotonic water, which has the potential to be a more effective hydration option than regular water. A fantastic alternative is coconut water. The danger of waterborne illnesses may increase in the summer because of the possible shortage of pure water and the mingling of clean and filthy sources. Drink clean water at all times, preferably from a reliable source. To ensure the safety of your water, boil it if this isn’t feasible.

Eat less chopped fruits and vegetables that have been exposed to unsanitary conditions. If you must eat somewhere with questionable hygienic standards, choose hot food since it lowers the possibility of dangerous pathogens. Recall that not all bacteria are bad for you; gut health depends on having a balanced microbiome. Make maintaining a healthy gut environment a top priority to enhance your general health.

With their live cultures of good bacteria, handmade curds and pickles have long been valued in our Indian culture for their capacity to support intestinal health. Probiotics may support the restoration of intestinal health when antibiotics upset this equilibrium. Antibiotics should only be used when absolutely essential, since overuse of them is prevalent in our nation even though they are often unnecessary. Reduced use of needless antibiotics can help maintain gut health and fight antibiotic resistance.

Sustain a clean environment by keeping clean and filthy water apart to avoid cross-contamination. This is the first tip for maintaining good gut health.

2. Remain hydrated: Especially in the hot months, make sure you’re getting plenty of clean water to drink.

3. Select wholesome food: Steer clear of cold, exposed meals from unclean sources, and pay attention to where you eat.

4. Use antibiotics sparingly: Avoid using antibiotics needlessly, as this might upset the normal balance of gut flora.

5. Restore good bacteria: To promote gut health, include foods containing living cultures, including homemade curds and pickles.

6. Seek medical help for changes in bowel habits: Rather than waiting for symptoms to worsen, see a healthcare professional if you encounter changes such as constipation, diarrhea, or stomach discomfort.