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

The end of the holidays doesn't always mean the end of digestive discomfort. Eating out, changes in routine, 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 cramping, and,

• in some cases, fever.

The priority is to prevent dehydration and consult a professional if blood appears in the stool, high fever develops, pain becomes severe, or there is difficulty keeping fluids down.

Recognizing the symptoms of gastroenteritis allows for proper action during the acute phase and helps in paying attention to intestinal balance afterward. At Bioksan, we explain which signs to watch for 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 kept at the proper temperature. Furthermore, in summer, outdoor meals, buffets, barbecues, and traveling 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 in inappropriate temperature ranges, which is why maintaining refrigeration and proper hygiene measures is especially important during the hot months.

It is also advisable to take extra precautions with raw or undercooked shellfish, egg-based dishes, insufficiently cooked meats, and water of questionable origin. Changing water sources alone does not cause an infection: the risk arises when it contains pathogenic microorganisms or is used without the necessary hygienic guarantees.

These situations can promote gastrointestinal infections and lead to the symptoms of gastroenteritis, so proper food preservation and good hygiene are especially important during the warm 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 usually presents with watery diarrhea, vomiting, general malaise, and a mild fever; in infections such as those caused by norovirus, vomiting can be particularly frequent.

In bacterial infections, similar symptoms may appear, although a high fever, the presence of blood or mucus in the stool, or severe abdominal pain require special attention and professional evaluation. When there are doubts about the origin, medical tests are what allow it to be confirmed.

It is also helpful 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 the symptoms of gastroenteritis in the acute phase

Faced with the symptoms of gastroenteritis, the priority is to prevent dehydration and replenish lost water and electrolytes. Oral rehydration solutions offer an appropriate ratio 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 as tolerated.

Rather than looking for how to stop diarrhea quickly, it is better to respect the course 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 instruction, as many cases of gastroenteritis are of viral origin.

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

It deserves special attention to remember that we should seek medical attention if there is bloody diarrhea, high fever, intense abdominal pain, vomiting that prevents drinking, dizziness, dry mouth, little urination, or symptoms that persist for more than three days. The elderly, children, pregnant women, the immunocompromised, or those with chronic diseases are at higher risk of complications from dehydration.

How to recover intestinal 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 appear while the microbiota gradually regains its balance, especially after episodes of diarrhea or the use of antibiotics.

To recover intestinal flora, we recommend moving forward gradually and respecting each person's digestive tolerance:

• Resume a varied diet progressively, avoiding unnecessary restrictions.

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

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

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

• Introduce fermented foods into a balanced diet, provided they sit well.

Probiotics can also be part of this process. Their usefulness depends on factors such as the strain, the dose, and individual characteristics, so not all produce 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 intestinal flora and not as substitutes for hydration, proper diet, or medical evaluation when necessary.

Iromax to support the microbiota after gastroenteritis

Bioksan's Iromax is a dietary supplement formulated to relieve 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 like abdominal pain, constipation, and indigestion; 100 mg of Pylopass®, based on Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17648; and 200 mg of probiotic strains aimed at maintaining the balance of the intestinal flora.

Because of these characteristics, Iromax can support digestive care when, after gastroenteritis, discomforts like bloating, gas, or alterations in bowel habits persist. Furthermore, its benefits also include the relief of digestive symptoms and the maintenance of healthy intestinal flora.

The indicated method of use is one to two capsules a day, taken at different times and with meals, depending on the intensity of the symptoms. If antibiotics are being taken, a minimum interval of two hours must be allowed. 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 timelines and progressively returning to normal habits. If a 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 accompany this stage and contribute to the balance of the intestinal microbiota.