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( Source: Franz26 / Pixabay )
Summer means something different to each of us – for some people it goes too fast, for others it goes too slow, for others it is unnecessarily hot. What is certain, however, is that temperatures are rising, bacteria are multiplying and stomachs are getting angry… The holidays themselves promise a well-deserved break, but something much less poetic is lurking around the corner: sudden, persistent and not very elegant intestinal problems.
With them come “guaranteed” recipes from the days when cola was the cure for almost everything. But while some of the old wives’ tales seem harmless and have almost no impact on our health, others can prolong – or even worsen – health problems. In such cases, it’s not only common sense that comes in handy, but also studies and recommendations that have a slightly more convincing basis than the bubbles in a glass of soda…
Although a very unpleasant affair, summer diarrhoea is a fairly common ailment even today. It is not nearly as deadly as in the past, when tens of thousands of children died of this viral disease in the United States between 1910 and 1930, but it is still a worldwide problem that can often become a local epidemic.
In the summer heat, diarrhoea-causing bacteria multiply much faster – a warm environment combined with poor hygiene, high humidity and poor-quality or even contaminated food is simply ideal for them. Because of this, intestinal problems in the summer months become a common issue and health complication even for healthy individuals – not only in exotic regions, but also here in our country.
Diarrhoea isn’t just unpleasant in itself – one of the biggest risks it brings with it is fluid loss. Dehydration deprives the body of water and important minerals faster than we often realise, especially in the sultry months when we sweat more than usual.
The most common symptoms include:
For children, the most at risk groups in this regard are:
In children in particular, as well as the elderly and chronically ill, it can literally be life or death – their bodies cannot fight water deficits as effectively as a healthy adult. Regular fluid intake is therefore essential, not only pure water, but ideally also rehydration solutions that replenish lost electrolytes such as sodium, potassium and glucose.
And what definitely doesn’t help? Sugary drinks, caffeine and alcohol – these can make dehydration worse.
━━ Intestinal problems in the summer are an unpleasant, but not uncommon matter.
( Source: Yuris Alhumaydy / Unsplash+ )
Trying to replace liquids with bubbly cola may sound harmless, but it is not the right solution. Research points out that cola is very low in electrolytes and too high in osmolality (too much sugar, not enough beneficial substances), which paradoxically promotes water loss from the body instead of absorption.
In addition, the high sugar and caffeine content of carbonated drinks of this type can even worsen diarrhoeal symptoms. In fact, there is no scientific research to support the claim that Coca Cola is a suitable remedy for diarrhoea – hence it is a myth.
When the body is struggling with diarrhea, it’s important to help it, not make it worse. The advice, which is guaranteed and backed by years of experience, is:
A so-called rehydration solution – a mixture of water, salt and sugar – is ideal to help the body absorb fluids more efficiently. It can be bought at the pharmacy, but you can also prepare it at home in an emergency.
Avoid dairy products, fried, fatty or hard-to-digest food. Instead, reach for crackers, rice, boiled carrots or bananas – your body will rest for a while and digestion will calm down.
Washing your hands regularly and thoroughly – especially after using the toilet and before eating – is absolutely essential. But in summer there is also a risk of infection from poorly stored food or contaminated water, so also pay attention to food hygiene, such as washing fruit and vegetables, and cooking meat sufficiently.
If you are unsure of your health whenever anything seems wrong, it is always best to consult an erudite professional. A doctor is needed if diarrhoea lasts for more than 48 hours (or even less for children), or if there is fever, blood in the stool, severe abdominal pain or signs of dehydration.
Summer diarrhea may not be a topic to talk about with enthusiasm, but it definitely deserves more attention than a bottle of over-sweetened Coke. The sooner you give your body the proper fluids, rest and a dash of common sense, the sooner you can get back to normal without complications.
Although old wives’ advice has its charms here and there, not all of it is scientifically sound. It’s all the more worthwhile to know what really works – especially when summer is particularly generous for bowel problems.
