How Heat Affects Digestion
Dr Navjot Singh, head of the Medicine Department at Christian Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana, warns that extreme heat can significantly slow down digestion. When temperatures rise, the body diverts blood flow toward the skin to regulate temperature, which reduces digestive activity. This can lead to bloating, acidity, and loss of appetite. Additionally, heat accelerates bacterial growth in food, increasing the risk of infections if meals are not stored or prepared properly.
Risks from Street Food
Street food poses heightened risks during summer, especially if prepared without proper hygiene or left exposed. Dr Singh notes that common risks include food poisoning, diarrhoea, typhoid, and hepatitis A. Warm and moist conditions allow microbes to thrive, multiplying the danger. He advises consumers to ensure food is freshly cooked and served hot, avoid raw salads or chutneys made with untreated water, and prefer vendors who maintain cleanliness and cover their food. Carrying personal drinking water is also recommended.
Importance of Hydration
Hydration is crucial for digestive health in summer. Adequate water intake helps maintain electrolyte balance, supports smooth bowel movements, and prevents constipation. Dehydration can cause fatigue, dizziness, and worsen digestive discomforts like acidity. Dr Singh emphasizes that proper hydration is the cornerstone of summer digestive health.
Fruits to Eat and Avoid
Certain fruits aid digestion during hot weather. Papaya contains papain, an enzyme that helps break down proteins, making it beneficial. Watermelon and citrus fruits also help keep the gut cool and support digestion. However, mangoes and litchis should be consumed in moderation due to their high sugar content, which may cause bloating or indigestion if eaten excessively.
Special Care for Children and Elderly
Children and elderly individuals face unique digestive challenges in summer. Children are more prone to dehydration and diarrhoea because of weaker immunity and frequent snacking. Elderly people often have reduced thirst perception, making them vulnerable to dehydration, constipation, and infections. Both groups require extra attention to hygiene and hydration, and should prefer light, home-cooked meals.
Dr Singh's advice comes as Ludhiana experiences relentless heat, urging residents to take simple precautions to safeguard their digestive health. He stresses that while conversations around summer health often focus on sunburns and dehydration, the digestive system is equally vulnerable and deserves careful attention.
