With the unbearable summer heat and rising temperatures, the functioning of our intestines and stomach is affected. The hot weather results in a weaker and slower functioning of these organs. For people that are already suffering from some sort of ailment of the digestive tract, these rising temperatures are not at all favorable for a happy living. To keep all sorts of gastrointestinal ailments at bay, here are some tips from Zen’s consultant laparoscopic surgeon, Dr. Vishakha Kalikar.
Avoid having large meals – To make sure that you don’t get a bloated stomach, feel nauseous or end up vomiting, refrain from having large meals rather, have smaller frequent meals throughout the day. Store all your cooked meals in airtight containers – If you are not going to consume your meals right away, then it is ideal to store your meal in the fridge in good airtight containers. If you are going to eat your food right away then you can leave it at room temperature. Although, do not store your cooked meals at room temperature as that promotes the growth of bacteria causing food-borne infections. Hydrate well – Have plenty of water and stay hydrated during this time especially. Lime juice, lemon water, clear soups, or any other fruit juices are great for hydration as well. Make sure to carry a water bottle when heading outside. Falling prey to water-borne diseases during summer is a possibility. Only have boiled water, bottled water, or water from a purifier.
Practice mindful eating – Chew your meals well rather than eating in a hurry. If you are big on gyming or are into physical activities, then you should avoid eating one hour post your physical activity as the blood supply from the muscles needs to come back to the stomach to help aid digestion. Pay special attention to your children in summer – Parents take care of your children in summer especially as they are more prone to gastroenteritis in summer. Make sure that you maintain an adequate water intake for your little ones so that they are always hydrated and keep them free of any diseases.
