Vacations never go as planned.
That is unless you penciled in a temper tantrum from 10-10:15, locking yourself out of the car from 2-3pm, and a last-minute canceled flight.
Hey, some of us are that prepared. . . #teachmeyourways
But while we can’t predict our airline’s secret cancellation schedule (we’re convinced it exists), we can help you prevent some not-so-fun tummy issues this summer.
Can summer cause upset tummies?
You may be thinking, “where are these tummy issues coming from? And what does summer have to do with it?”
Well, for one, summer is prime time for dehydration.
Think about it – the more our bodies work to keep us cool during hot temps, the more we sweat. The more we sweat, the more water we lose.
And if we’re not replenishing those fluids quick enough, we’re on the expressway to Dehydration Station! Which leads to all kinds of trouble like:
- Upset tummies
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Cramps
- Heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion or stroke.
But dehydration isn’t the only thing to watch out for this summer. Because upset tummies can also come from an unexpected source. . .
Summer Fun!
That’s right – with all its adventures, summer tends to disrupt our sleep, diet, and hygiene.
Just think about that late-night ice cream. Or the new summer desserts you whipped up for the kiddos. And don’t forget about those sweet and salty travel snacks.
Speaking of travel. . . Motion sickness during long car rides and flights can lead to nausea and vomiting. And lack of sleep increases sugar cravings – not to mention the possibility of fussy children.
But that’s not all.
Foodborne illnesses also increase during summer months!
Warmer temperatures cause bacteria to multiply faster making handwashing and proper food handling especially important this summer.
4 Ways to Prevent Upset Tummies
But before you cancel your summer picnic, there are a few things you can do to keep tummy issues far, far, away.
1. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
With a high risk for dehydration, keeping kiddos hydrated is key. During outdoor playtime, schedule mandatory water breaks every 30 minutes.
But don’t stop there. You can also cut up fresh, water-rich fruits and veggies such as:
- Watermelon
- Apples
- Grapes
- Oranges
And for a fun spin, use silly straws, toss in frozen blueberries, or freeze fruit juice into ice cubes.
2. Follow the 4 Steps to Food Safety
Again, germs love to multiply during this summer heat. So whether you’re cooking Sunday night dinner or having a family picnic, follow the 4 Steps to Food Safety:
- Clean: Wash your hands and surfaces often
- Separate: Don’t cross contaminate
- Cook: Ensure proper cooking temperatures
- Chill: Refrigerate properly
3. Slow Down on the Sweets
Vacation goes hand-in-hand with good eating! But foods high in salt and sugar can cause bloating, upset tummies, fatigue, and cavities. So rather than picking up another tub of ice cream, try:
- Natural-sugar desserts like:
- Apples with Unsweetened Peanut Butter and Honey
- Fruit Salad
- Frozen Chocolate Banana Pops
- Healthy Smoothies
- Sugar Swaps – rather than sweetening with sugar, opt for natural sweeteners like honey or monk fruit.
- Skipping the sweets altogether with these healthy summer snacks!
4. Balance Tummies with a Kid’s Probiotic
Probiotics are healthy organisms (think good bacteria) with an important job: they keep our tummies healthy! They balance our gut and lead to better digestion, immunity, and nutrient absorption.
In some studies, probiotics have also helped with:
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Now where can we get this magical tummy helper? Well, for starters, we can consume probiotics through food such as:
- Yogurt (sugar-free remember)
- Kefir
- Sauerkraut
Buuuuuuut, there’s a big problem with that list. . . these aren’t kid-friendly foods. However, if you’ve managed to get your kiddo to eat sauerkraut, we’d love your secret!
That’s why a children’s probiotic supplement is a tummy’s best friend. They're safe and part of a healthy diet for kids. And adding them to our kiddo’s daily routine makes for a healthy, happy tummy!
If you’re wondering where to start, pick up Renzo’s Yummy Tummy Probiotic – a daily probiotic for kids. With 4 of the BEST probiotic strains for kids, zero sugar or junk, and yummy taste, Renzo’s Vitamins are loved by kiddos (yes, even the pickiest) and parents!