Protecting gut health in summer is even more important than at other times of the year. By maintaining a proper balance in your gut microbiota, you’ll improve your digestive health. During these warmer months, it’s important to eat fresh and carefully selected foods.
That’s why at Proasis we want to help you choose wisely what to include — and what to avoid — in your summer diet. Probiotics in summer are more crucial than you may think.
Why is it important to maintain a balanced gut microbiota in summer?
Taking into account seasonal microbiota is key to optimizing digestive health. In summer, temperatures rise, we’re more exposed to heat, and we tend to change our eating habits, especially during holidays. All of this often negatively affects gut flora and can lead to gastrointestinal issues.
If you manage to maintain balanced intestinal flora, not only will you digest properly, but you’ll also strengthen your immune system and enhance the absorption of essential nutrients for the body.
So, adopting habits that support gut health is vital. And the key lies in nutrition. The good news is that there are many cool and gut-friendly foods to guide you in the right direction.
Top cold foods to support gut health in summer
Worried that eating well in summer will be hard for your gut? Quite the opposite! There are plenty of delicious options. We’ve selected the top 8 foods for your gut health this summer — you’ll love them!
Probiotic ice creams
Eating certain ice creams in summer supports your seasonal microbiota. Sounds great, right? Just choose those labeled probiotic — that is, made with Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium — as these help balance gut flora.
The range of probiotic ice creams at Proasis is unmatched. Choose from five fantastic flavors: forest fruit yogurt, stracciatella with Belgian chocolate chips, Madagascar vanilla with caramel, chocolate with Belgian chocolate pieces and Alphonso mango.
The added bonus? They’re low in sugar and trans fats, making them just as refreshing as they are gut-friendly — and absolutely delicious!
Natural or Greek yogurt (unsweetened)
Also a fantastic probiotic source. It promotes easy digestion, keeps you full, and pairs well with fruit or smoothies. If you love creative cooking, use it as a base for salad dressings too.
Fruits rich in water and fiber
These are especially appealing in summer, especially after working out or when we need hydration. Watermelon, melon, pineapple, mango, and papaya all promote intestinal transit and contain natural digestive enzymes. For example, pineapple has bromelain, and papaya contains papain.
Cold digestive infusions
Great options include mint, chamomile, fennel, and ginger. They soothe the stomach and reduce bloating and cramps.
Try them as cold brews — steeped in cold water for 4 to 12 hours instead of being prepared hot. Always served chilled to beat the summer heat.
Salads with soluble-fiber-rich vegetables
Nothing beats a fresh salad in the heat. Use avocado, spinach, cucumber, carrot, and escarole to promote smooth digestion and avoid irritation. Add a splash of apple cider vinegar for a light prebiotic touch that enhances probiotic benefits.
Cold water or milk kefir
A powerhouse probiotic, even more so than yogurt. In summer, opt for the lighter water-based version. It brings a twofold benefit: it boosts immunity and improves digestion.
Cooked and chilled whole grains
Oats, quinoa, and brown rice are excellent gut-health allies in summer. Enjoy them cold in salads or bowls, alone or mixed.
Thanks to their prebiotic content, they’re a valuable source of fermentable fiber — perfect for vacation snacking.
Dark chocolate (≥70%) in small amounts
In moderation, dark chocolate is a great choice. It encourages the growth of beneficial bacteria. Try it in probiotic ice creams or as a healthy topping on yogurt or kefir-based desserts.
Common summer foods that harm your digestive health
Knowing what you should eat is important — but knowing what to avoid is essential too. These common summer foods can harm your digestive system:
- Fried or greasy foods like fries, empanadas, and snacks. They’re hard to digest, delay stomach emptying, and disrupt gut microbiota.
- Regular industrial ice creams (non-probiotic). High in sugar, trans fats, and emulsifiers — they can cause bloating and discomfort. Once you try Proasis probiotic ice creams, you’ll forget about the others.
- Processed meats like sausages, burgers, and deli meats — low in fiber, heavy to digest, and microbiota-disrupting.
- Sugary drinks and cocktails. They cause fermentation in the gut, leading to bloating and dysbiosis.
- Ultra-processed desserts like cakes, pastries, and commercial cookies — full of trans fats and refined sugar. They may cause inflammation and constipation.
- Very aged or creamy cheeses. These can be hard to digest and cause gas or gut imbalances if overconsumed.
After reading this, you’re more aware of how your summer gut health is in your hands. You now know what to eat — and what to skip. It’s really just a matter of forming new habits. Once you try Proasis ice creams, you’ll see that taking care of your gut and overall health doesn’t have to be hard.
Research Sources
- https://www.proasis.com/
- https://vithas.es/consejo/7-alimentos-de-verano-que-cuidaran-y-protegeran-nuestra-salud-digestiva/
- https://www.39ytu.com/expertos/cuidar-tu-microbiota-en-verano
Image
- Source: Pixabay
- Author: (Anonymous)
- Link: https://pixabay.com/photos/smoothie-drink-spinach-green-1724728/
