Hot weather can kill hunger and make you crave sweet and cold foods that ultimately do more harm than good. Improved gut health helps fight acidity, bloating and constipation in summer. The right probiotics and cold foods should be added to the diet to keep the gut healthy. So instead of your regular dal-rice, you can go for curd-rice or opt for summer-friendly grains like barley and ragi. Drinking curd, sattu, coconut water, sugarcane juice refreshes you and helps prevent digestive problems due to excessive heat. (Also Read: Foods To Eat And Avoid As Summer Approaches)
“As the scorching heat of summer creeps up on the horizon, many of us begin our quest to stay fresh and comfortable. Keeping our stomach cool is often overlooked as we prioritize ways to lower our body temperature through warm clothing or icy air conditioning. The stomach is an indispensable player in our overall health. Yes, and it’s important to maintain its peak performance during the hot summer months,” says Shweta Arora, functional nutritionist and founder of Elevate Health.
Arora suggests 5 simple summer foods that will improve gut health during summer:
1. Traditional curd rice
Curd rice is a delicious way to beat the summer heat while keeping your stomach healthy. Loaded with probiotics, it maintains a healthy balance of gut bacteria and helps reduce digestive issues. Additionally, the light and easily digestible rice used in the dish is perfect for maintaining gut health in summer. Curd rice provides a good source of calcium and protein needed for healthy bones and muscles. Its cooling properties have a relaxing effect on the body, regulate temperature and keep the stomach cool. So, enjoy a bowl of curd rice to cool and nourish your stomach this summer.
2. Barley salad
Looking for a refreshing and nutritious dish to keep your stomach cool and healthy during the hot summer months? Look no further than barley salad. Barley is a high fiber grain that promotes good digestion and reduces the risk of constipation and bloating, making it a great choice for maintaining a healthy stomach. Plus, its fiber content promotes feelings of fullness, making it less likely to overeat and stress your digestive system unnecessarily.
Barley is also a great source of essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin B6, iron, magnesium and selenium, which help support your immune system and reduce inflammation, helping to prevent stomach problems. The best part? Barley salad is light, refreshing, easy to prepare, and can be customized to suit your taste with a variety of vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds. With its fiber-rich, low glycemic index, and nutrient-dense properties, barley salad is ideal for keeping your stomach cool and healthy this summer.
3. Good old uncle
Try the fish this summer. Made by diluting yogurt with water, it is rich in probiotics that aid digestion and reduce bloating and constipation. Buttermilk is also a low-fat and low-calorie drink that is loaded with essential vitamins and minerals such as calcium, potassium, and vitamin B12, all essential for good gut health.
Add mustard seeds, mint and curry leaves for a tasty twist. Mustard seeds are antioxidant and anti-inflammatory; Mint and curry leaves are also rich in antioxidants and have cooling properties that help regulate body temperature. Roast a teaspoon of mustard seeds, add some curry leaves, and let them cook for a minute. After it cools down, add fresh mint leaves, and mix everything with the sauce. This flavored buttermilk drink is the perfect way to keep your gut cool and healthy during the hot summer months.
4. Sprouted Moong Dal Salad
Sprouted mung salad is a refreshing summer dish that supports gut health. It is rich in fiber, enzymes, vitamins and minerals that aid digestion and reduce the risk of constipation and bloating. Additionally, it’s a low-fat and nutrient-dense meal that will help keep you hydrated and cool in the heat.
Adding yogurt to sprouted mung salad is a great option to boost its gut-healthy benefits. Yogurt contains probiotics that help maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria, promote good digestion and reduce the risk of digestive problems. It is also a great source of calcium and protein, necessary for strong bones and muscles.
To prepare this dish, mix the sprouts with your favorite vegetables and herbs, and add a generous amount of yogurt to the mixture. Season it with salt, pepper, and lemon juice for extra flavor. With its versatile ingredients, Sprouted Mung Salad with Yogurt is a light and refreshing meal that is perfect for hot summers and supports optimal gut health.
5. Cold ash gourd juice
Melon juice, also known as melon juice, is an ideal drink for maintaining optimal gut health for hot summers. It is an excellent cold food as it has high water content which keeps you hydrated and fresh. Furthermore, gourd juice helps balance the body’s pH levels, reducing the risk of stomach problems such as acid reflux, bloating and indigestion. Its high dietary fiber content keeps the stomach clean and healthy, regulates blood sugar and lowers cholesterol levels.