Why is there so much talked about Gut Health during Summers? Why does it matter?
Your gut is home to trillions of microorganisms collectively known as the gut microbiota. These microorganisms play a pivotal role in various bodily functions, including digestion, nutrient absorption, immune system regulation, and mood regulation. When the balance of these microbes is disrupted, it can lead to digestive issues, weakened immunity, inflammation, and other health problems. Therefore, prioritizing gut health is key to supporting overall health and well-being.
As the sun shines brighter and temperatures rise, our attention naturally turns to summer activities, outdoor adventures, and of course, delicious seasonal foods. Your gut health is likely to be affected during the summer and hence, you must be at your best. Being at your best means maintaining your energy levels and feeling great all summer, and it all starts in the gut. The digestive system slows and weakens as the body temperature increases, resulting in a variety of digestive issues.
Some primary factors that open the door to poor gut health are dehydration, constipation, diarrhoea, vomiting, nausea, dehydration, Lack of consistent eating habits, fatigue, etc. The digestive system reacts differently during every season. There can be loss of appetite, food poisoning, heat exhaustion, and dehydration due to hot weather. In this summer-friendly guide, we’ll delve into the world of gut health, how summer can affect your gut health, explore its importance, and how to thrive it.
1. Hydration:
Remain hydrated, specifically if you are spending time in the sun and sweating a lot. Dehydration may cause constipation and it also weakens the immune system. By drinking plenty of water during the day, specifically when you are out in the sun, you can support healthy digestion and the absorption of nutrients. Keep yourself well hydrated by including lemon water, coconut water, and buttermilk. Avoid caffeinated drinks like coffee and aerated drinks should be avoided.
2. Eat foods rich in fiber:
Eat some dark green vegetables and add some scrumptious summer fruits to your diet to supplement your fibre consumption, which assists digestion. You must increase the intake of high-fiber foods such as raw vegetables (adequately washed), salads, bran cereals, whole grains, and fresh fruits such as figs, bananas, apples, mushrooms, and chia seeds. Include greens like spinach/lettuce and lemon juice in salads. These foods are not only nutritious but also perfect for summers.
3. Incorporate pre-and probiotics:
The gut is a host to good gut micro bacterium. One way to boost digestive health is by providing support to those helpful bacteria with probiotic foods and supplements. We can feed our gut with healthy bacteria by increasing the consumption of naturally occurring probiotic rich foods like curd, yoghurt, fermented foods like idli, or supplements like yakult. The prebiotics in both onion & garlic food items promote the growth of good bacteria in the gut and prevent disease-promoting bacteria from spreading into your digestive system. Onions are rich in fiber and can promote better digestion while garlic can help eliminate any digestive problems such as dysentery, colitis, and diarrhea.
4. Plan healthy meals:
Eat balanced meals and avoid spicy, oily and calorically dense meals during the summers. Excessive or regular intake of spicy, junk, fried, and oily food can cause acidity, bloating, pain, stomach inflammation, and other digestive problems. So, try to avoid bakery foods, fries, burgers, Chinese cuisine, pizza, pasta, chips, and especially street food.
5. Get a good amount of exercise:
Try to work out in the mornings or late evenings to manage the temperatures. It will help in better management of the body weight, digestion of the food and bowel movement.
6. Manage Stress:
Chronic stress can disrupt the balance of gut bacteria and compromise gut health. Take time to unwind and relax during the summer months, whether it’s through outdoor activities, meditation, yoga, or simply spending time with loved ones. Prioritizing stress management is essential for supporting a healthy gut and overall well-being.
Conclusion:
You can support your digestive system by staying hydrated, maintaining a balanced diet, managing stress, practising safety measures, and seeking medical advice when required. Give your gut the gift of good health during the summertime, and practice healthy habits that will ensure you don’t have to waste a second of your summer feeling under the weather. In the summer season, the heat wave can significantly affect your digestive health, from dehydration to other digestive health disorders. This is why it is suggested to follow the above tips to enjoy summer guilt-free.
Remember, it’s never too late to adopt healthy habits and make positive changes.
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