Preparing for Summer with IBS

Living in Miami, Florida, summer seems to be the season year-round. Floridians are used to intense heat, humidity, and blaring sunshine. We love the heat, and I’d say we are pretty good at coping with high temperatures.

Summer in Florida can be unbearable for non-natives. When we are in the thick of summer season, temperatures easily hang out within 90 and 100 degrees. And when you have Irritable Bowel Syndrome, these hot temperatures can become challenging.

Five tips that have helped me

Extreme cold or hot in my experience can tend to ramp up IBS symptoms. So, what are some ways we can keep symptoms in control during the hot summer? Let’s take a look at some of the tips I have compiled:

1. Stay hydrated

This is obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people aren’t mindful of drinking water throughout the day. Dehydration onsets quicker than we think. A way to help stay hydrated is to carry a water jug with you and sip from it. There is always the famous Stanley Cup you can purchase or you can always just order any bottle off of Amazon and it will do the trick. Whatever gets you to drink water throughout the day is all that matters.

2. Drink an electrolyte powder

Electrolyte powders are important for remaining hydrated. Water alone sometimes is not enough, especially if you are sweating. A pinch of Celtic sea salt is best or purchasing an electrolyte powder. I use a powder from the brand Needed and it is an excellent way of replenishing hydration throughout your day.

3. Pack an emergency bag

Always be prepared for an IBS emergency. Sometimes the heat can exacerbate symptoms—it has happened to me before. Always have your emergency bag on you. In mine, I have underwear, wipes, feminine pads, and peppermint oil.

4. Eat safe foods

It is easy to grab for a popsicle, ice cream or other ice cold snacks to cool down. But those can easily become a trigger for our IBS due to the additives. Make sure you eat your safe foods only. If you know you will be out in the heat for a long period of time. Plan ahead. Bring a lunch box with frozen fruit to munch on. Or find a cold snack that contains your safe ingredients and bring it with you.

5. Use a mister/cooling wrap

I swear by these two products. I once went to Disney World in the middle of the summer and without both the mister and cooling wrap, I’m not sure what I would have done. You can purchase both on Amazon. They are wonderful tools to help keep you cool. The mister is essentially just a small spray bottle with a small fan attached to it. As you walk in the heat you can fan yourself and spray water on your face. The cooling wrap is a water absorbent cloth that you lay on the back of your neck. Drench it with cool water, place on your neck and feel the relief. It is amazing how such a simple product can make all the difference in the blaring sun.

How about you? How do you manage the summer heat with IBS? Are there any tips or products you would like to share with the community that has helped you? Share below we love to hear from you.