Summer is the best time of year for fresh healthy fruits and vegetables, but it can also come with the temptation of snacks and drinks that may upset your stomach. So how do you know which foods to choose this summer? Here are some of the best and worst summer-specific foods for good gut health and digestion.
Best Summer Foods
Asparagus
Asparagus is a prebiotic containing high levels of fiber! Choosing asparagus as a side to your summer meals is a fantastic choice, especially when you choose it over fries or chips. Asparagus is also easy to grill, making it a great addition to your backyard barbeques.
Watermelon
As is in the name, watermelon has a high water content! It also provides some fiber, promoting regular bowel movements. Watermelon is a great choice for a summer snack to eat by the pool or on the beach.
Bananas
Bananas are prebiotics, and promote healthy bacteria in the gut. Choosing to eat bananas with your yogurt in the morning is a great way to start a summer day. Adding it to a smoothie is also a fantastic choice for your digestive system!
Salmon
Salmon makes for a perfect summer meal, and is easy to find fresh here in Massachusetts! Its anti-inflammatory properties make it easy on your digestive system, and its many other nutrients make it a good healthy choice for your body overall.
Leafy Greens
Though this one might seem like an obvious choice for good digestion, leafy greens like spinach and kale can also promote the growth of healthy bacteria in your gut.
Luckily, summer is the season of farmer’s markets! Newton has farmers' markets on Tuesdays and Saturdays where you can find a large selection of fresh produce.
Worst Summer Foods
Red meat
Everybody loves a good summertime barbeque, but it's essential to choose wisely when it comes to what you’re putting on the grill. Though the occasional burger or steak isn’t a problem for most, eating too much red meat can be harmful to your gut. B Good has locations all across Massachusetts, and offers plenty of healthy alternatives to your traditional hamburger.
Dairy products
Ice cream is a classic summer treat, but can easily upset your stomach. The lactose in dairy products causes stomach upset for about 65% of the population. This is because our bodies cannot fully digest lactose in a healthy manner, leaving us with symptoms like bloating, gas, and gastric issues. Try switching to frozen yogurt if you find you have difficulty digesting dairy products like ice cream.
Citrus fruits
Celebrated for their high levels of vitamin C, citrus fruits are a nutritious and delicious option to up your fruit intake, but they can cause digestive issues for some. Because of their high acidic levels, citrus fruits like lemons, limes, and oranges can cause acid reflux and stomach pain.
If you experience this after enjoying this type of fruit, consider replacing it with another fruit high in vitamin C but lower in acidities, such as honeydew melon, banana, mango, or blueberries.
Alcohol
Beer and pink wine are commonly found at summer celebrations. Excessive consumption, however, can kill the beneficial bacteria in your digestive system. It can also cause acid reflux, heartburn, and many more severe digestive issues if it is consumed excessively over time. Be sure to be mindful of how much you drink in the summer, as the beautiful weather can make it easy to get carried away.
Fried foods
Beachfront food trucks, carts, and restaurants serve mostly fried foods. Here in Massachusetts, you’re also likely to encounter plenty of fried clams, onion rings, and fried fish. Although these are all delicious summertime foods, they can cause serious gastric issues. When possible, opt for baked or grilled seafood with sides that have not been through the deep fryer!
To learn more about foods that could be hurting your digestive system or to set up a consultation with our experienced gastroenterology specialists, contact us today.