Spending time in the heat can sometimes lead to diarrhea. When the body becomes overheated or dehydrated, it can disrupt digestion. High temperatures can also affect your food, causing it to spoil, which may lead to serious stomach conditions, such as food poisoning.
Bacterial gastroenteritis is a bacterial infection that typically occurs when the body is exposed to contaminated foods or beverages.
Symptoms can vary, but often include:
Diarrhea from bacterial gastroenteritis can cause the body to lose a lot of water, leading to dehydration and contributing to other health challenges. Hot weather can worsen dehydration. These medical and environmental factors, combined with the body’s natural response to sweat to stay cool, can result in more fluid loss.
Dehydration can impact many areas of health, including digestion. Dehydration occurs when your body loses more water than you consume. Several factors can play a role in dehydration, including not drinking enough fluids, excessive sweating, and diarrhea.
Heat-related illnesses, like heat stroke or heat exhaustion, may cause or contribute to diarrhea. When the body gets too hot, it loses water and electrolytes through sweat. Electrolytes are minerals that contribute to your overall health by maintaining nerve and muscle function, as well as fluid balance in the body.
Those who experience diarrhea from heat-related illnesses may lose even more fluids, creating a cycle. Your doctor can offer guidance regarding heat-related illnesses and how they impact your overall health.
Hot weather can also influence your dietary choices. Some foods can contribute to or worsen loose stools. For example, eating greasy, spicy, or sugar-rich foods may cause gastrointestinal discomfort. Certain drinks may also play a role in diarrhea, such as ones that are diuretics, meaning they make you lose fluids faster. Drinking a lot of them may lead to dehydration and worsen heat-related health conditions.
Hot weather can make some foods spoil quickly. It’s important to be careful at summer cookouts to avoid food poisoning. Dishes made with fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy, and meat should be stored properly to prevent spoilage.
Pre-existing health conditions may make it more difficult to manage gut health in hot weather. Chronic (long-term) health conditions may cause diarrhea or influence how your body manages its fluids, such as:
Some prescribed medications may also affect fluid retention or cause loose stools as a side effect. It’s important to talk with your doctor if you have pre-existing conditions that seem to be exacerbated in the heat.
High temperatures and hot weather can take a toll on the body, especially for those with a history of sensitive GI systems. To stay healthy and avoid heat-related diarrhea, consider these tips to stay cool and hydrated:
- Stay in the shade: Avoid excessive exposure to heat by staying in the shade or indoors, especially during the hottest parts of the day.
- Drink plenty of water: Staying hydrated is essential in the heat. Even if you don’t feel thirsty, sip on water often to stay ahead of dehydration.
- Be mindful of your food choices: Avoid or limit foods that can cause an upset stomach, such as greasy or spicy foods.
- Eat light, refreshing foods: When available, choose easy-to-digest food like fruit and veggies. Try to include cold food that can help keep your body temperature down.
- Follow safe storage guidelines: Store foods appropriately in the refrigerator or in a cooler if eating outdoors.
Heat-related diarrhea can be caused by several different factors. As such, there’s no one-size-fits-all remedy or treatment. Consider these self-care tips for managing diarrhea caused by heat:
- Replenish fluids: Dehydration is a common side effect of diarrhea. Drink plenty of water or drinks containing electrolytes to replace lost fluids.
- Avoid sugary or caffeinated beverages: Caffeine acts as a diuretic, causing you to urinate more frequently. High blood sugar levels can also cause frequent urination.
- Cool your body down: Stay in a cool place to recover. Consider using a fan, taking cool showers, and wiping sweat with a damp cloth to help lower your body temperature.
- Eat easy-to-digest food: Choose simple, bland foods that are easy to digest, such as bananas and toast.
- Practice good hand hygiene: Wash your hands often to avoid spreading germs, especially when sharing food.
- Use over-the-counter medications carefully: Be cautious when using medications, like antidiarrheals, and only use them as directed by your doctor.
Diarrhea is a common GI complaint, especially in warmer months. However, certain signs and symptoms warrant a visit to a doctor.
Seek medical care if you have diarrhea along with any of the following symptoms:
- High fever
- Difficulty breathing
- Confusion
- Vomiting
- Chest pain
- An unexplained rash
- Fatigue
- Blood in your urine or stools
If left untreated, symptoms could worsen, possibly leading to dehydration or an infection that can damage your organs. Getting seen early can help resolve symptoms before they become serious. When in doubt, call your doctor.
