Summer, with its high temperatures and humidity, often brings an increase in cases of vomiting and diarrhea. These uncomfortable symptoms can disrupt our daily lives and lead to dehydration and other complications if not managed properly. Understanding why these issues are prevalent in summer and how to effectively address them can help maintain our health during the hottest months of the year.
Why Vomiting and Diarrhea Are Common in Summer？
Vomiting and diarrhea are more likely to occur in summer due to several factors:
1.Heat and Humidity:The warm, moist environment promotes the growth of bacteria and viruses, which can contaminate food and water. For instance, pathogens like E. coli and Salmonella thrive in such conditions, increasing the risk of foodborne illnesses.
2.Food Spoilage: Perishable foods spoil more quickly in the heat, raising the risk of foodborne diseases. Foods such as seafood, meat, and dairy products are particularly prone to rapid spoilage in hot weather.
3.Hydration Issues: High temperatures lead to increased fluid loss through sweating, and improper hydration can disrupt the digestive system. Additionally, consuming cold drinks to beat the heat can sometimes shock the digestive system, leading to issues.
Understanding Diarrhea
Diarrhea is the frequent passage of loose, watery stools. Like a cold or fever, diarrhea can sometimes be a self-protection mechanism of the body, helping to flush out harmful substances. It is often the body's way of dealing with infections or toxins, aiming to expel them from the digestive tract quickly.What Should We Do?
1. Support the Natural Process
The process of diarrhea should not be abruptly interrupted but should be supported with auxiliary therapies. One simple yet effective method is to give the patient sugar water. This helps maintain hydration and provides some energy without overburdening the digestive system. Sugar water not only provides energy but also prevents hypoglycemia, especially when the patient has difficulty eating.2. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Approach
From the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine, the treatment of diarrhea depends on the type of toxin causing it. TCM categorizes the causes of diarrhea into two main types: cold poisons and hot poisons.Cold Poisons:These are typically treated with licorice, known for its soothing properties and ability to balance the digestive system. Licorice can be consumed as a decoction or included in medicinal recipes to warm the stomach and alleviate symptoms.
Hot Poisons: For diarrhea caused by hot poisons, mung bean soup is often recommended. Mung beans have cooling properties and help to clear heat and toxins from the body. Mung bean soup can be especially refreshing in summer, helping to alleviate symptoms caused by heat toxins.
In addition to these specific treatments, TCM also suggests long-term solutions that may include forced astringent and antidiarrheal herbs based on the condition. Commonly used ingredients include:
Cardamom: Known for its ability to settle the stomach and improve digestion. Cardamom can be used in medicinal recipes to warm the spleen and improve digestive function.
Ginkgo: Helps to improve gut health and reduce inflammation. Ginkgo leaf extract can enhance gastrointestinal resilience and reduce the incidence of diarrhea.
Yam:Often used to strengthen the digestive system and improve overall gastrointestinal function. Yam can be cooked into porridge to nourish the stomach and improve digestion.
Additional Measures
Preventing vomiting and diarrhea is equally important. Here are some recommendations:
- Maintain Good Food Hygiene: Ensure food is thoroughly cooked and avoid raw or undercooked foods, especially in summer.
- Ensure Safe Drinking Water: Drink clean water and avoid untreated water sources.
- Maintain an Appropriate Body Temperature:Avoid prolonged exposure to high temperatures, use air conditioning or fans appropriately, and avoid direct cold air.
- Moderate Exercise: Regular exercise helps enhance physical fitness, but avoid vigorous activity during peak heat times.
Conclusion：
Due to environmental factors promoting pathogen growth, vomiting and diarrhea are particularly troublesome in summer. Understanding that diarrhea can be a natural protective response is crucial, and treatments should focus on supporting the body rather than abruptly stopping the process. Both modern and traditional methods, such as hydration with sugar water and specific remedies from traditional Chinese medicine, can provide relief and promote recovery. By adopting these strategies, we can better manage these common summer ailments and maintain our health during the hottest months. I hope these suggestions are helpful, and I wish you a healthy and pleasant summer.