Constipation in Summer: What is 'Desertification of the Large Intestine'? | Only 2% of Water Reaches the Large Intestine Even When You Drink It [Gut Health Series 27] | Well-being LAB
[From Well-being LAB]
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Today is about 'physical health.' This is a story for those who want to know why constipation gets worse in the summer.
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■ Even though I am sweating, my bowel movements are poor
I feel like I am drinking plenty of water to combat summer fatigue.
Yet, for some reason, my constipation is getting worse.
'It's strange, I'm drinking more water than in winter.'
Have you ever felt that way? Actually, there is a reason for this related to the 'destination' of the water you drink.
■ Only 2% of the water you drink reaches the large intestine
In summer, sweat is secreted so much that it is said that up to 3 liters or more of water can be lost from the body per day.
Source: Tsunagaru Pharmacy Navi 'Thorough explanation of the causes of summer constipation!'
And even if you hydrate, it is reported that most of it is consumed by the kidneys and skin, and only about 2% reaches the large intestine.
Source: Tsunagaru Pharmacy Navi 'Thorough explanation of the causes of summer constipation!'
▼ What we know
・In summer, more than 3 liters of water can be lost per day through sweat
・Of the water consumed, only a tiny amount reaches the large intestine
・The body prioritizes absorbing the water lost through perspiration
■ The state of 'desertification of the large intestine'
When the body lacks water, the large intestine tries to absorb more water from the stool. As a result, the stool becomes hard and lumpy, and it is said that it can no longer move smoothly.
Source: Hanabito Biyori 'Beware of Constipation and Food Poisoning Due to Dehydration in Summer!'
This state is metaphorically referred to as the 'desertification of the large intestine.' It is an expression that describes a condition where the contents of the gut dry out, stools become hard, and food residue tends to stagnate.
Source: Oligo no Okage 'What is Summer Constipation? A Detailed Explanation of the Causes and Countermeasures for Summer Constipation'
■ The reason for 'Even though I am drinking water'
Many people tend to think that if they drink water, it will reach the large intestine and soften the stool, but in reality, most of the water that enters the intestinal tract is absorbed in the small and large intestines.
Source: Oligo no Okage 'What is Summer Constipation? A Detailed Explanation of the Causes and Countermeasures for Summer Constipation'
This means that the amount of stool does not necessarily soften just by the amount you drink. It is said that the more the amount of sweat, water intake, and dietary changes overlap, the easier it is for the water in the large intestine to become insufficient.
■ Cold drinks add insult to injury
Furthermore, in summer, it is easy to increase the intake of cold drinks, greasy foods, and ice cream, and it has been pointed out that bad bacteria are more likely to become dominant than good bacteria.
Source: Shinjuku Station Internal Medicine and Psychosomatic Clinic 'Why Does Constipation Increase in Summer? The Surprising Relationship Between Dehydration and the Gut Environment'
In other words, summer constipation is not just because 'it's hot and you sweat,' but a seasonal phenomenon where both the water absorption balance and the gut flora are easily disrupted at the same time.
■ The reason why you shouldn't just dismiss it by saying 'I'm drinking water, so it's fine'
What all this research shows is the fact that even if you intend to take in water, the amount that reaches the large intestine is very small.
■ Small improvements you can make starting today
◎ Drink water in small amounts frequently (it is said to be absorbed more easily than drinking it all at once)
◎ Replenish salt and minerals lost through sweat as well
◎ Incorporate room temperature and warm drinks, not just cold ones
◎ Consciously consume dietary fiber and fermented foods
One small step at a time. This is the most sustainable way.
■ But before that, know 'your own gut'
Even if you make the same efforts, some people are more responsive than others. This is because the balance of gut bacteria is different for each person.
Is your gut in a state prone to summer constipation? You won't know unless you check.
Nowadays, you can easily check it at home.
1. Receive the kit
2. Collect a small stool sample
3. Drop it in the mailbox
4. View results on your smartphone in a few weeks
From "vague" measures to measures "based on your own data."
*PR
▼ One of Japan's largest gut flora testing services with 200,000 cumulative tests [Mykinso]
https://px.a8.net/svt/ejp?a8mat=4B3LMT+4XF71U+5SF2+5YJRM
■ In conclusion
Severe constipation even in summer. That uneasy feeling was not just your imagination.
By paying attention to both where the water you drink goes and your gut flora, the perspective you see will change.
Please note that if constipation persists or is accompanied by severe abdominal pain, do not judge for yourself and consult a medical institution.
Thank you for reading this far.
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This article contains advertisements (affiliate links). The content of the article is based on the following sources. Effects vary by individual; if symptoms persist, please consult a medical institution.
【Reference Sources (Links)】
・Tsunagaru Pharmacy Navi "Thorough explanation of the causes of summer constipation! The secret to improvement lies in cold protection and gut health"
https://psft.co.jp/navi/health-prevention/1696/
・Kajin Biyori "Beware of constipation due to dehydration and food poisoning in summer!"
https://serai.jp/kajin/1142339
・Oligo no Okage "What is summer constipation? A detailed explanation of the causes and countermeasures for constipation that is common in summer"
https://www.oligo.jp/columns/columns-649/
・Shinjuku Station Internal Medicine & Psychosomatic Clinic "Why does constipation increase in summer? The surprising relationship between dehydration and the intestinal environment"
https://www.brave.or.jp/articles/w5evh9q9wv3
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Well-being LAB
Held positions as general manager and executive in the finance, insurance, and healthcare industries. Expanded professional network through 8 past job changes, stepping up both annual income and fulfillment. What I realized is that "health is not just about the body." Life becomes rich only when money, career, time, and mental state are all in order. I share information every day on how to "earn while staying healthy and remaining active for a long time."