Healthy Gut, Healthy You: How to Keep Your Gut Healthy and Happy this Summer!
Posted By Author on September 26, 2024
Summertime is reaching its peak here in Charleston, which means days spent lounging on Folly Beach or grabbing a bite on Sullivan’s Island are growing closer (if not already here)!
Ahead of planning that beach day with your closest friends or taking some much-needed PTO, there is something that almost never makes our summer bucket lists – maintaining our gut health.
A summertime carefree attitude often leaves our guts getting burned out, forcing us to deal with the repercussions. At Charleston GI, our gastroenterologists want to make sure that you head into summer feeling your absolute best – and that starts with a happy gut.
Keep reading to learn more about how to keep your gut healthy this summer, plus gut-healthy drinks and snacks to keep you feeling good while lounging at the pool.
What Makes the Summer Months So Rough on the Gut?
Just as the summer season is known to wreak havoc on your hair (hello, frizziness and humidity), it can also negatively affect your digestive health.
A few of the main factors that can open the door to poor gut health or worsening GI symptoms include:
Dehydration: High temperatures mean that your body needs extra fluids to stay cool. Failing to consume fluids at a higher rate to replenish what was lost could result in dehydration
Inconsistent eating habits: Summer is all about treating yourself to some sweet treats and enjoying some vacation time. Eating meals you normally wouldn’t or just indulging in inconsistent eating habits could cause turmoil in your gut.
Exhaustion: The hustle of summer activities – not to mention hours soaking in that Vitamin D – may leave you with little energy to spare.
If you are suffering from a GI condition, consult our GI doctors near you for a personalized approach on how to make the most of your summer and prioritize your gut health.
Six Tips for Keeping the Gut Happy and Healthy this Summer
Before your fun-in-the-sun-summer turns into a summer slump due to unruly GI tract issues, there are ways to help you balance your gut health so you can make the most out of your vacation!
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!
Dehydration has been known to cause some frustrating GI symptoms, such as constipation. When you spend time in the sun, carry a reusable water bottle so that you can stay hydrated throughout the day!
Fiber-Rich Foods are Key
Adding more fiber to your diet this summer could be the difference between spending time in the bathroom versus your beach chair. Dark green vegetables, bananas, peaches, and berries are just some of the items you can snack on to add more fiber to your diet.
The Pros of Probiotics
When it comes to your gut health, it’s all about maintaining the right amount of good bacteria. Probiotic foods and supplements can aid your digestive health by adding necessary good bacteria and helping to keep your gut in tip-top condition.
Prep Healthy Meals
Summer barbeques, refreshing ice cream, and vacations mean indulging in sweet treats more than our bodies are used to. Try to enjoy these delectables in moderation and find time to prep healthy meals or snacks to help balance your digestive system.
Stay Active!
Summer is often the time when responsibilities fade, and we let loose a bit more than usual! Enjoy the sunsets (or sunrise!) with a light jog around your neighborhood to make sure that your gut stays active and ready to go for whatever the day brings!
Prioritize Self-Care
Stress, unfortunately, does not have a summer vacation and can take a toll on your overall gut health. Practice self-care activities, such as yoga or meditation, to help reduce stress levels and give your mind and body some much-needed TLC.
The Best Gut Healthy Snacks to Keep You – and Your Gut – Cool
When it comes to lounging by the pool or a sunset beach picnic, you’ll need some snacks to help you pass the time! Here are some gut-healthy snacks that are both delicious and promote a healthy tummy:
Apple and peanut butter
Plums, grapes, and berries
Hummus and veggie sticks
Pistachios
Fruit and yogurt smoothie
Watermelon
Beat the Heat – and the Inflammation – with Help from Charleston GI!
Don’t let the summer heat get you – or your gut – down! Our team at Charleston GI is here to help.
When it comes to keeping your gut happy and healthy in the summertime, our Charleston gastroenterology clinic can offer tips to keep your GI symptoms at bay and provide the knowledge and expertise to keep your GI tract running smoothly through every season.
We have four convenient Charleston area locations to choose from: West Ashley, Mount Pleasant, Summerville, and Carnes Crossroads. Our gastroenterologists near you are ready five days a week to offer you relief.
