6 TexasHealthHuguley.org Destination healthy digestion Travelers’ tips to avoid tummy troubles Before you hit the road this summer, plan ahead for three common digestive discomforts. “Travel creates a big change to your daily routine,” says Irene Yu, MD, Colorectal Surgeon with North Texas Surgical Specialists. “Those changes can affect the way your gut works.” Constipation. Dehydration can make you constipated. Boost your water and fiber intake beforehand with fruits, veggies and a supplement, if needed. Continue hydrating on the go, and pack a laxative just in case. Diarrhea. The combination of travel stress and trying new foods can cause diarrhea. Pack an antidiarrheal medicine in case you need it. Traveling to a developing country? Use a safe water source, like bottled water, for drinking and brushing your teeth. Stick to cooked foods. Indigestion and bloating. Travel stress can cause them both. “Also, people tend to eat a lot or eat too fast when they’re traveling,” Dr. Yu says. “When people eat fast, they swallow more air, which can lead to bloating and indigestion.” Try eating smaller, more frequent meals. Relax, slow down and enjoy—you’re on vacation! Enjoy safer summer barbecues Summertime heat can cause harmful bacteria in foods to multiply faster, notes Melissa Collins, FNP-C. “That causes foodborne illnesses to spike during warmer months,” she says. So, remember these tips for your next cookout or picnic: ● Pack enough ice to keep cold foods below 40 degrees. “Keep your cooler out of direct sunlight, and limit how often it’s opened,” Melissa says. ● Cook foods to a safe internal temperature. Verify with a food thermometer. ● Avoid cross-contamination. “Always use separate containers, cutting surfaces and platters for raw and cooked meats,” Melissa says. ● Refrigerate leftovers within two hours—one hour on days that are 90 degrees and higher. If you suspect food poisoning Foodborne illness can start within hours to a few days. Seek medical care for severe symptoms, such as: ● Diarrhea for three days or more. ● Bloody stool. ● A fever of 101.5 or higher. ● Vomiting that prevents you from keeping liquids down. ● Severe dehydration. Schedule an appointment Visit TexasHealthHuguley.org/Collins. Discover more digestive health services Visit TexasHealthHuguley.org/ DigestiveCare.
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