Summer travel and heat: A recipe for digestive issues

As summer brings soaring temperatures and travel plans, digestive problems tend to spike, with cases of indigestion and food poisoning on the rise.

Experts warn that intense heat, dietary shifts, and relaxed routines can wreak havoc on the stomach, needing heightened hygiene, proper food storage, and adequate hydration to prevent complications.

Dr. Andrés Sánchez Yagüe, a digestive health specialist at Quirónsalud Marbella Hospital, highlights that common summer ailments include “heavy digestion and flare-ups of chronic conditions like irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease, or gastritis.” The culprits? High temperatures, improper food storage, dining out more frequently, and consuming spoiled products.

How holidays disrupt gut health

Other than food and heat, holidays themselves play a role. “Changes in routine disrupt intestinal rhythms, lead to irregular digestion, and can destabilise chronic conditions,” explains Dr. Sánchez Yagüe. Heavy meals, alcohol, ice cream, and fried foods can worsen symptoms like heartburn, bloating, or diarrhoea.

To prevent food poisoning, Dr. Sánchez Yagüe advises strict measures: “Maintain good hygiene, refrigerate food properly, avoid homemade sauces with raw eggs, and be cautious with raw seafood or fish.”

Travel, heat, and chronic digestive conditions

For those with chronic digestive disorders like Crohn’s or gastritis, summer poses extra challenges. “Heat, travel stress, and dietary changes can exacerbate symptoms or trigger flare-ups,” warns Dr. Sánchez Yagüe. International travel demands even greater caution, with recommendations to avoid unbottled water, unpeeled fruits, and street food in countries with less stringent health regulations.

Tips for a healthy gut this summer

To keep digestive issues at bay, Dr. Sánchez Yagüe suggests sticking to regular meal times, staying well-hydrated, avoiding overindulgence, maintaining strict hygiene, and listening to your body’s signals. He also stresses the importance of seeking immediate medical attention for red flags like high fever, persistent vomiting, bloody diarrhoea, severe abdominal pain, or signs of dehydration.

By taking these precautions, summer travellers can better protect their digestive health and enjoy the season without discomfort.