Digestive Health Tips for a Stellar Summer
By Barb Beavis
Functional Nutritionist | Aug 14 , 2023
Summertime and the living is easy! Many of us take full advantage of the warm weather to change up our routine, get out to see friends more, hit the road and hit the beach, and hopefully get a little more activity in.
As your friendly functional nutritionist, I want to issue a little reminder that while it’s fine to change up your routine, it’s important to pay attention to how those little changes might impact your gut health.
When we’re out and about, enjoying ourselves, we sometimes cheat a little - indulging more than we normally do in all the delicious but maybe not-so-great for our gut treats like ice cream, fried dough, and an extra cocktail or two.
There are a few additional factors that can complicate gut health as the temperatures rise. Our risk of dehydration increases right alongside the heat index. In its attempt to stay cool, your body will consume fluids at a faster rate and if you don’t replenish accordingly, you’ll feel it! You may also be expending more energy due to a greater amount of physical activity - which is great - but it can also affect digestive health if you don’t give your body a chance to recover.
As you get out there and enjoy all of that summer fun, just be mindful of your health and make some smart choices along the way. Here are a few helpful tips to keep in mind, whether you’re lounging on the beach or hiking on the trails.
Eat fresh, eat local! There’s nothing like fresh summer produce from your own garden or the farmstand just outside of town. With fiber and polyphenols, fruit and veggies picked at the height of freshness without any delay due to travel time are ideal for keeping your gut healthy this summer. Make yourself an awesome salad… and happy harvesting!
Did someone say H2O? It’s worth repeating. With some of the hottest temperatures on record, it’s never been more important to hydrate. As you feel the heat and start to sweat to cool down naturally, be mindful of replenishing all that fluid. Water is essential for just about every bodily function we have and dehydration can lead to dangerous health complications. Keep a water bottle handy at all times and drink up!
But go easy on the other drinks! While you’re enjoying sunset dining on the patio, vacation rentals with family and friends, or seeing your favorite band playing on the deck, it can be easy to over-indulge in alcoholic beverages. Be sure to pay attention to how much you're drinking and set some reasonable limits. To keep your gut healthy all summer long, best to not have more than 1-2 drinks with any meal, and try to go 3-4 days a week without indulging in alcohol.
Hang on to some routine: Even if your schedule is a little more laid back or you find yourself traveling this summer, keep your health goals in mind. You might be eating out more, but that doesn’t mean you can’t choose the more nutritious option on the menu, swapping french fries for broccoli or burgers for grilled chicken. And don’t forget to get in your run, walk, or yoga while you’re on the road to aid in digestion!
If this is the summer you’ve decided to take a closer look at your gut health, or you’re ready to tackle a chronic condition through functional nutrition, come see us. Summer is best when you’re feeling your best. Find out what food as medicine is all about at Holistic Physiotherapy & Wellness.
And happy summer!
Barb Beavis
Functional Nutritionist