Since Delhi rotates under a red warning with temperatures up to 45 ° C, doctors walk with stomach related complaints, from swelling and acidity to diarrhea and nausea.

Doctors have said that intense heat can have a serious impact on digestive health.

While there is no direct connection between heat and digestive problems, experts explain that the body’s natural reaction for excessive heat can indirectly affect intestinal function.

“Dehydration has some effect due to high temperatures. Blood flow is a hypothesis of redirection. In warm weather, blood flow is usually directed to the skin to cool. It reduces blood flow in the digestive system, which said Dr. Manoj Gupta, head of digestive and surgical gaptrology.

How heat heat affects the intestine

The human digestive system depends on enough blood flow and optimal enzyme activity to break the food efficiently.

During high temperatures, however, the body prioritizes thermoregulation – diverting blood towards the skin to help to release heat through sweat.

This redirection results in sluggish digestion, causing symptoms such as heaviness, low hunger, acid reflux, and indigestion in the stomach.

Dr. “Digestive enzyme activity also decreases due to high temperatures. This pattern is seen every year during heatwave,” Gupta said.

Gastroenterologist and liver specialist Dr. of Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals. Sudeep Khanna said, “We are currently looking at two broad patterns of patients. Many of my patients already have intestinal axis disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and functional dyspepsia, such as red meat and some foods such as red and some people, which are red meat and some. Gastrointestinal issues, mainly.”

Another important factor is dehydration, which becomes normal because people sweat more during excessive heat. When the body is dehydrated, the production of saliva and gastric juice decreases, complicating digestion.

Constipation and cramps are common complaints, especially between the elderly and who are not maintaining enough fluid.

In addition, increasing consumption of cold beverages, street food and raw salads during this season, often without proper hygiene, can increase the risk of food -borne diseases, diarrhea and infection.

“Consumption of stale food is being seen by bacterial infections, cutting fruits in contact with air, or contaminated water and milk. With various viral infections, including Kovid -19, we are observing cases of diarrhea, although they are not always present with classical symptoms,” Dr. Khanna said.

What about Covid-19?

Some gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea and abdominal discomfort were usually seen in Kovid -19 patients during earlier waves.

However, Dr. Gupta said that while the Kovid-related GI symptoms were a concern in the past, they are no longer prominent.

“We saw Covid-19- Related GI problems, but it is not very prevalent right now. Even though not all people are being tested and only patients with severe infections are getting regular tests for Covid-19, it is difficult to say whether GI problems are due to Covid-19.”

Keep digestive issues in bay

To prevent digestive problems during ongoing heatwaves, doctors recommend some simple but effective precautions:

• Stay hydrated: Drink water, coconut water, or homemade electrolyte drinks. Avoid caffeinated or sugary soda that can spoil dehydration.
• Eat light and fresh: Choose for fresh ripe food that are easy on the stomach A dish in South Asian cuisine made of rice and lentilsCurd rice, boiled vegetables, and fruits with high water content such as watermelon and cucumber.
• Avoid oily and spicy foods: They can increase acidity and indigestion during hot weather.
• Maintain cleanliness: Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly, and be cautious about food outside the house.
• Listen to your body: If your appetite is low, do not force heavy food. Small, frequent food can help.

“Diet, hydration, and overall health all play a role. We see this pattern every year.