Gastroenteritis in summer: how to recognize the symptoms and restore your microbiota

The end of the holidays does not always mean the end of digestive discomfort. Eating out, changes in schedule, and the consumption of contaminated water or food can cause gastrointestinal disturbances even several days after returning home.

The most common symptoms of gastroenteritis are:

• diarrhea,

• nausea,

• vomiting,

• abdominal pain or cramps, and,

• in some cases, fever.

The priority is to prevent dehydration and consult a professional if blood appears in the stool, high fever, severe pain, or difficulty retaining fluids occurs.

Recognizing the symptoms of gastroenteritis allows for the correct response during the acute phase and helps in paying attention to intestinal balance afterward. At Bioksan, we explain which signs should be monitored and how to promote the recovery of the microbiota following the episode.

Why does gastroenteritis increase in the summer?

High temperatures favor the proliferation of microorganisms when food is not stored at the appropriate temperature. In summer, moreover, outdoor meals, buffets, barbecues, and travel increase the risk of breaking the cold chain or of cross-contamination occurring between raw and cooked foods.

The Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition (AESAN) reminds us that many potentially pathogenic microorganisms multiply rapidly when food remains at inadequate temperature ranges, so maintaining refrigeration and proper hygiene measures is especially important during the warmer months.

It is also advisable to take extreme precautions with raw or undercooked seafood, egg-based preparations, insufficiently cooked meats, and water of dubious origin. A change in water does not cause an infection by itself: the risk appears when it contains pathogenic microorganisms or is used without the necessary hygienic guarantees.

These situations can foster gastrointestinal infections and lead to the symptoms of gastroenteritis, which is why proper food storage and good hygiene are especially important during the hot months.

How to differentiate the symptoms of viral and bacterial gastroenteritis

The symptoms of gastroenteritis can be similar in both viral and bacterial infections, so it is not always possible to identify the cause solely by how they manifest. Viral gastroenteritis typically presents with watery diarrhea, vomiting, general malaise, and mild fever; in infections such as those caused by norovirus, vomiting can be especially frequent.

In bacterial infections, similar symptoms can appear, although a high fever, the presence of blood or mucus in the stool, or intense abdominal pain require special attention and professional assessment. When there are doubts about the origin, medical tests are what allow for confirmation.

It is also advisable to differentiate gastroenteritis from food poisoning. This term encompasses conditions related to the consumption of food contaminated by microorganisms or their toxins, and symptoms can appear anywhere from a few hours to several days after exposure.

What to do when faced with symptoms of gastroenteritis in the acute phase

When faced with symptoms of gastroenteritis, the priority is to prevent dehydration and replenish lost water and electrolytes. Oral rehydration solutions offer an appropriate proportion of water, salts, and glucose, making them more suitable than soft drinks, juices, or sports drinks with a high sugar content.

If vomiting occurs, we recommend drinking small amounts of liquid frequently. As appetite returns, we can introduce easy-to-digest foods, such as rice, potatoes, carrots, toast, bananas, white fish, or chicken, and progressively return to a varied diet according to tolerance.

Rather than looking for how to stop diarrhea quickly, it is better to respect the evolution of the condition and avoid self-medication. Anti-diarrheal drugs require special caution when there is a high fever, blood in the stool, or suspected bacterial infection, and antibiotics should not be used without professional indication, as many cases of gastroenteritis are viral in origin.

Once the acute phase has passed, the next step is to pay attention to the recovery of intestinal balance and the microbiota. If these discomforts persist, we can provide more information about their possible causes and prevention in our article on intestinal gas: causes, symptoms, and how to prevent it.

It is worth noting that we should seek medical attention if there is bloody diarrhea, high fever, severe abdominal pain, vomiting that prevents drinking, dizziness, dry mouth, low urine output, or symptoms that persist for more than three days. Elderly people, children, pregnant women, immunocompromised individuals, or those with chronic illnesses are at greater risk of complications from dehydration.

How to recover gut flora after gastroenteritis

Once the acute phase is over, some digestive discomfort may persist for a few days. Abdominal bloating, gas, heavy digestion, or changes in bowel movements can occur while the microbiota progressively recovers its balance, especially after episodes of diarrhea or the use of antibiotics.

To recover gut flora, we recommend advancing gradually and respecting each person's digestive tolerance:

• Resume a varied diet progressively, avoiding unnecessary restrictions.

• Maintain adequate hydration, especially if there is still some alteration in bowel function.

• Incorporate soluble fiber when well tolerated, as it can promote intestinal balance.

• Restore regular meal and rest schedules to help normalize digestive function.

• Introduce fermented foods within a balanced diet, provided they feel okay.

Probiotics can also be part of this process. Their usefulness depends on factors such as the strain, dosage, and the characteristics of each individual, so not everyone experiences the same effects. Some strains have been studied for their potential role in certain digestive disorders, but they should be understood as support for recovering gut flora and not as a substitute for hydration, proper diet, or medical assessment when necessary.

Iromax to support the microbiota after gastroenteritis

Bioksan's Iromax® is a food supplement formulated to alleviate digestive discomfort and contribute to the balance of the intestinal microbiota. Among its indications, Bioksan includes gastroenteritis, bloating, gas, nausea, dyspepsia, and other gastrointestinal disturbances.

Its formula provides, per the recommended daily dose of two capsules, 800 mg of Herbagut®, a patented combination of 14 medicinal plants studied in relation to symptoms such as abdominal pain, constipation, and indigestion; 100 mg of Pylopass®, based on Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17648; and 200 mg of probiotic strains targeted at maintaining the balance of gut flora.

Due to these characteristics, Iromax® can support digestive care when, after gastroenteritis, discomfort such as bloating, gas, or bowel movement disturbances persist. In addition, its benefits also include the relief of digestive symptoms and the maintenance of healthy gut flora.

The indicated usage is one to two capsules a day, taken at different times and with meals, depending on the intensity of symptoms. If antibiotics are being taken, a minimum interval of two hours should be left. It should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and the recommended daily dose should not be exceeded.

Conclusion: recovering well-being

After gastroenteritis, recovering digestive well-being involves respecting the body's timeline and returning progressively to normal habits. If high fever, blood in the stool, or signs of dehydration appear, it is important to consult a healthcare professional.

At Bioksan, we understand that digestive care continues after the symptoms of gastroenteritis disappear. That is why solutions like Iromax® can support this stage and contribute to the balance of the intestinal microbiota.