New Delhi:Summer isn't just hot. It quietly messes up your digestion. A lot of people notice that their acidity, bloating, or that burning feeling after meals gets worse all of a sudden. It might seem like it will go away, but if you don't pay attention to it, it could become a problem that lasts longer.
Dr. Narendra K. Shetty, Chief Wellness Officer at Kshemavana Naturopathy and Yoga Centre, says, "During summer, the digestive system becomes more sensitive because of dehydration, heat, and changes in eating habits."
Why your gut has a harder time in the summer
The change is slight but real. Hot weather slows down digestion. The body becomes dehydrated and the fluid that breaks down food in the stomach becomes thicker and less able to break down food efficiently. Besides, hot weather also increases the chances of food poisoning. As the weather gets hotter, eating away from home more often can lead to stomach problems as bacteria reproduce more easily in warm conditions.
Even electrolyte imbalance from sweating can cause symptoms like nausea, fatigue and bloating,” says Dr Shetty.
It starts with hydration
The simplest answer to a problem is sometimes the one that is least used. Drinking enough water helps lower stomach acid and makes digestion easier. But drinking water alone shouldn't be the only thing you do to feel better. Coconut water and buttermilk are two traditional summer drinks that can be very helpful.
Dr. Shetty says that "buttermilk with cumin not only cools the body but also helps with digestion."
Eat less, eat better
The foods you choose make a big difference. Foods that are cool and easy to digest can calm the stomach and lower acidity. Think about foods that are easy to digest, like cucumber, mint, watermelon, muskmelon, ash gourd, and moong dal and rice.
Fried, spicy, and very acidic foods, on the other hand, tend to make symptoms worse, especially when it's hot. Gond katira is a traditional medicine that stands out.
Dr. Shetty says, "When soaked in water, gond katira makes a jelly that cools the body and calms the digestive tract."
Don't forget about your routine.
It's not just what you eat; it's also how you eat. Not eating at the same time every day could make your stomach produce more acid. If you wait a long time between meals, your acidity is likely to get worse. Even small things can make a big difference at times. After meals, sitting in Vajrasana for a few minutes can help with digestion. Managing stress is also important because the gut and brain are closely connected.
Little fixes that really work
The simplest answers are often the best ones. Drinking jeera water, chewing fennel seeds after meals, and not lying down right after eating can all help with discomfort. It also helps to drink less tea and coffee, especially when you haven't eaten. Dr. Shetty says, "Our stomachs do better with regular meals than with sudden changes in diet."
It's not just what you eat that makes you acidic in the summer. It's about how heat, water, and routine work together.
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