Why digestion is slower in hot weather (and what to eat to soothe your tummy)
In summer, we dream of freshness, siestas in the shade and crunchy salads. But sometimes, even when we're eating lightly, we still get that heavy feeling that just won't go away. Bloating, slow digestion, a bloated belly... What if it's all related to the heat? Spoiler: yes. And we'll tell you why - and, more importantly, how you can adapt your diet to cope better with midsummer meals.
When heat slows down... your whole body
When it's hot, our bodies go into energy-saving mode. The aim? To maintain an internal temperature of around 98°F/37°C without blowing up the meters. To achieve this, it prioritizes vital functions and leaves aside things that can wait... like digestion.
Result: blood circulation is directed primarily to the skin (for perspiration and cooling), and a little less to the digestive system. The stomach and intestines then slow down. It's a bit like running your washing machine in eco mode during a heatwave: it works, but it's slower.
What it does: feeling of heaviness, lengthy digestion
In concrete terms, this can result in :
- A bloated belly after normal meals
- Mild nausea at the end of the day,
- More frequent reflux if you eat too much fat or sugar,
- Or general digestive discomfort, especially if you combine heat, stress and heavy drinking.
What to avoid on your plate
When temperatures rise, certain foods should be eaten in moderation, or even avoided:
- Dishes rich in animal fats (aged cheeses, fatty meats): they require a lot of digestive work.
- Heavy sauces, creams and fried foods: a winning combination for a heavy stomach.
- Ultra-processed foods: cold cuts, ready-made meals, potato chips... low in fiber and heavy on the liver.
- Meals that are too cold all at once: surprising your stomach with an ice-cold soup or a soda from the fridge can cause digestive cramps.
The right reflexes for top summer digestion
Fortunately, there are plenty of simple ways to soothe the tummy and ease digestion:
1. Go for cooked vegetables
Raw vegetables are refreshing, but sometimes irritating. Think steamed, roasted or grilled vegetables: zucchini, eggplant, carrot, fennel... easy to digest and just as summery.
2. Fruit, yes, but at mealtimes
Fruit is full of water, soft fibers and vitamins, but eaten at the end of a meal, it can ferment and slow digestion. Ideally, eat them as a snack.
3. Lighten up on dinner
A heavy evening meal takes a lot of energy to digest, at a time when the body is trying to slow down. Instead, opt for a bowl of cold homemade soup, a small grilled fish with rice, or a warm salad.
4. Think of natural aids
- Warm infusions of peppermint or fennel (digestive),
- Plain yoghurt or kefir (if digested well),
- Fresh ginger, to grate into your dishes or infuse.
5. Eat slowly and calmly
It's a proven fact: mindful eating improves digestion. A well-chewed mouthful is better than a sandwich wolfed down standing on the corner of the worktop.
In a nutshell
When it's hot, our bodies don't feel like working hard... and neither does our stomach! Rather than overloading it, we listen to it: we eat more slowly, more lightly, more often if need be. And we prefer warm or room-temperature dishes, rich in soft fibers and water.
Because eating well also means digesting well - even (and especially) under the sun! :)
Adèle Peyches