Summer Digestion: Hydration, Nutritious Foods, and Avoiding Problematic Eats

During the summer months, it’s crucial to maintain a healthy digestive system by staying hydrated and consuming nutritious foods. Drinking an adequate amount of water is key to preventing constipation and promoting regular bowel movements. Water helps soften stools, making it easier for the body to eliminate waste. It’s important to adjust your water intake based on factors such as body size, activity level, and health status, with most adults needing around 1.5-2 liters of water per day.

In addition to staying hydrated, consuming a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables can provide essential nutrients and healthy fiber to support digestive health. Antioxidant-rich fruits like apples can help reduce inflammation, while fiber aids in reducing constipation and inflammation. It’s recommended to prioritize nutritious foods and limit sugary treats that can disrupt the balance of gut bacteria and lead to intestinal inflammation.

A balanced diet isn’t just about what you eat but also what you avoid. Highly seasoned foods that are high in salt and preservatives should be limited as they can trigger heartburn and indigestion. Acidic foods and carbonated beverages should also be avoided as they can irritate the stomach lining.

Good fats from sources like avocados, nuts, and olive oil can benefit digestive health by aiding in nutrient absorption, maintaining the intestinal lining, and reducing inflammation. Conversely, limiting highly processed foods with added sugars can disrupt the balance of gut bacteria and lead to intestinal inflammation.

To support digestive health during the summer months, it’s important to develop good habits like chewing food thoroughly