Summer travel and heat can cause digestive issues

In the summer, when temperatures are high and people travel, there is a tendency for digestive problems to increase. Indigestion and food-borne illness cases tend to be on the upswing.

Experts warn of the dangers of intense heat, changes in diet, and a relaxed lifestyle. To avoid complications, experts recommend heightened hygiene and proper food storage.

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 are? Food spoilage, eating out more often, high temperatures and improper food storage are all to blame.

Holidays can disrupt gut health

Holidays themselves, other than heat and food, play a part. “Changes in routine disrupt intestinal rhythms, lead to irregular digestion, and can destabilise chronic conditions,” explains Dr. Sánchez Yagüe. Alcohol, ice-cream, and fried food can worsen symptoms such as heartburn, diarrhoea, or bloating.

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 diseases

Summer poses additional challenges for those with chronic digestive problems like Crohn’s or gastritis. “Heat, travel stress, and dietary changes can exacerbate symptoms or trigger flare-ups,” warns Dr. Sánchez Yagüe. Dr. Sanchez Yague warns that international travel requires greater caution. He recommends avoiding unbottled water, fruits without peeling, and street food when visiting countries with fewer health regulations.

Tips to keep your gut healthy 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. Dr. Sanchez Yague also emphasizes the importance of seeking medical attention immediately for any red flags such as high fever, persistent nausea, bloody diarrhea, severe abdominal pain or signs of dehydration.

These precautions will help summer travelers to enjoy their holiday without experiencing any discomfort.