Rachel V Thomas

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Climate Change And Gut Health: How Heat, Drought And Unsafe Water Raise Risks, Global Experts Warn

<span>Climate change</span> is not just raising temperatures and intensifying extreme weather. It may also affect digestive health by disrupting food production, threatening water security and changing the spread of gastrointestinal infections, according to two leading gastroenterology experts from the <span>World Gastroenterology Organization</span> (<span>WGO</span>).

Climate change can contribute to heat-related illnesses and influence the geographic spread of <span>infectious diseases</span>, especially in countries like India. 

A February 2025 review in The Lancet Planetary Health outlines how the combined effects of climate change could affect the human gut microbiome, including through food insecurity, malnutrition and exposure to disease-causing pathogens. These challenges could alter the composition of gut microbial communities worldwide.

Research suggests that heat stress may alter gut microbes, digestion and immune function. It may also increase intestinal permeability, potentially allowing toxins and pathogens to enter the bloodstream.

Climate-related drought can disrupt food production and reduce access to nutritious food, potentially affecting the gut microbiome. Environmental changes may also influence food- and waterborne pathogens, increasing infection risks where access to safe water and sanitation is limited.

Speaking to <strong><em>HealthandMe</em></strong>, Professor <span>Geoffrey Metz</span>, professor of medicine at the University of Melbourne, said climate change was becoming an increasing concern for gastrointestinal health.

“Certainly, with global warming, we're seeing a lot more infectious diseases in the gastrointestinal tract,” Metz said.

<h2>How Climate Change Can Affect Digestive Health</h2>

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/from-climate-change-to-amr-to-obesity-17-global-health-threats-by-2100-lancet-warns-article-156323460" data-type="tilCustomLink">'Humanity Can Still Act': Lancet Warns Of 17 Global Health Threats By 2100</a>

Climate change can affect digestive health through several interconnected pathways, including water availability, food production and infectious diseases.

Metz said the consequences of global warming extend beyond rising temperatures.

“The other thing, of course, with global warming—and this is a major interest of the World Gastroenterology Organisation—is that it's not just making us hot, but it's also creating more drought, which interacts with food production. So there's less food available, impacting our nutrition.”

Drought can disrupt food production and reduce food availability, raising concerns about nutrition. Changes in water availability can also make safe food preparation and hygiene more difficult.

However, the extent to which these environmental changes contribute to specific gastrointestinal diseases requires further investigation.

<h2><span rel="noindex">Safe Water And Food Hygiene</span> Remain Essential</h2>

Professor <span>Carolina Olano</span>, professor of gastroenterology in Montevideo, Uruguay, and president of the WGO, highlighted the role of environmental factors in digestive diseases.

“Well, I think it's a combination of many factors. You know that there are some things related to genetics, and we have genetic predispositions to some diseases. But there are also environmental factors related to different diseases, and climate change has an impact too. We are working very hard at the World Gastroenterology Organisation to understand how climate change is affecting different diseases.”

Olano also emphasised the importance of safe drinking water and food hygiene in preventing infections.

“It's also important to have a varied diet and to drink safe, clean water, making sure that the water we drink is safe. Food hygiene is also extremely important.”

She told <strong><em>HealthandMe </em></strong>that handwashing was another simple preventive measure.

“We learned from the COVID pandemic that handwashing before eating is extremely important. These are things we can do every day without spending anything, and they can help prevent many important diseases, especially those related to infections.”

<h2>Climate Change Has Wider Health Consequences</h2>

<strong>Read More</strong>: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/climate-change-is-already-affecting-skin-health-worldwide-study-article-156258509" data-type="tilCustomLink">Climate Change Is Affecting Skin Health Worldwide, Warns Study</a>

The effects of climate change may extend beyond the digestive system, affecting multiple aspects of health.

“Global warming is not just affecting how we feel; it's also having an effect on heart disease, lung disease, gastrointestinal disease, obstetrics and gynaecology,” said Metz, who is also the former president of the WGO.

Olano also pointed to population movements as a factor to consider when assessing environmental and health risks.

“As you know, it's not only about weather and climate change. It's also about how populations move from one country to another and what the impact of these movements is when people move from one region to another.”

“Because, as you know, it's not only about weather and climate change. It's also how populations move from one country to another and what the impact of these movements is when people move from one region to another.”

Understanding these connections is important as researchers investigate how climate-related environmental changes may influence disease patterns across regions.

<h2>What Can People Do To Protect Their Digestive Health?</h2>

While individuals cannot control climate-related changes, Olano highlighted everyday measures that can help prevent infections and support digestive health:

<ul><li>Drink safe, clean water.</li><li>Maintain food hygiene and handle food safely.</li><li>Wash hands before eating.</li><li>Follow a varied diet.</li><li>Stay physically active.</li></ul>

She also stressed the importance of seeking medical advice about hepatitis prevention, vaccination and testing where appropriate, as well as colorectal cancer screening.

Climate change presents a broader public health challenge, but safe water, food hygiene and infection prevention remain important measures for reducing avoidable digestive health risks.

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Climate change is not just raising temperatures and intensifying extreme weather. It may also affect digestive health by disrupting food production, threatening water security and changing the spread of gastrointestinal infections, according to two leading gastroenterology experts from the World Gastroenterology Organization (WGO).Climate change can contribute to heat-related illnesses and influence the geographic spread of infectious diseases, especially in countries like India. A February 2025 review in The Lancet Planetary Health outlines how the combined effects of climate change could affect the human gut microbiome, including through food insecurity, malnutrition and exposure to disease-causing pathogens. These challenges could alter the composition of gut microbial communities worldwide.Research suggests that heat stress may alter gut microbes, digestion and immune function. It may also increase intestinal permeability, potentially allowing toxins and pathogens to enter the bloodstream.Climate-related drought can disrupt food production and reduce access to nutritious food, potentially affecting the gut microbiome. Environmental changes may also influence food- and waterborne pathogens, increasing infection risks where access to safe water and sanitation is limited.Speaking to HealthandMe, Professor Geoffrey Metz, professor of medicine at the University of Melbourne, said climate change was becoming an increasing concern for gastrointestinal health.“Certainly, with global warming, we're seeing a lot more infectious diseases in the gastrointestinal tract,” Metz said.How Climate Change Can Affect Digestive HealthAlso read: 'Humanity Can Still Act': Lancet Warns Of 17 Global Health Threats By 2100Climate change can affect digestive health through several interconnected pathways, including water availability, food production and infectious diseases.Metz said the consequences of global warming extend beyond rising temperatures.“The other thing, of course, with global warming—and this is a major interest of the World Gastroenterology Organisation—is that it's not just making us hot, but it's also creating more drought, which interacts with food production. So there's less food available, impacting our nutrition.”Drought can disrupt food production and reduce food availability, raising concerns about nutrition. Changes in water availability can also make safe food preparation and hygiene more difficult.However, the extent to which these environmental changes contribute to specific gastrointestinal diseases requires further investigation.Safe Water And Food Hygiene Remain EssentialProfessor Carolina Olano, professor of gastroenterology in Montevideo, Uruguay, and president of the WGO, highlighted the role of environmental factors in digestive diseases.“Well, I think it's a combination of many factors. You know that there are some things related to genetics, and we have genetic predispositions to some diseases. But there are also environmental factors related to different diseases, and climate change has an impact too. We are working very hard at the World Gastroenterology Organisation to understand how climate change is affecting different diseases.”Olano also emphasised the importance of safe drinking water and food hygiene in preventing infections.“It's also important to have a varied diet and to drink safe, clean water, making sure that the water we drink is safe. Food hygiene is also extremely important.”She told HealthandMe that handwashing was another simple preventive measure.“We learned from the COVID pandemic that handwashing before eating is extremely important. These are things we can do every day without spending anything, and they can help prevent many important diseases, especially those related to infections.”Climate Change Has Wider Health ConsequencesRead More: Climate Change Is Affecting Skin Health Worldwide, Warns StudyThe effects of climate change may extend beyond the digestive system, affecting multiple aspects of health.“Global warming is not just affecting how we feel; it's also having an effect on heart disease, lung disease, gastrointestinal disease, obstetrics and gynaecology,” said Metz, who is also the former president of the WGO.Olano also pointed to population movements as a factor to consider when assessing environmental and health risks.“As you know, it's not only about weather and climate change. It's also about how populations move from one country to another and what the impact of these movements is when people move from one region to another.”“Because, as you know, it's not only about weather and climate change. It's also how populations move from one country to another and what the impact of these movements is when people move from one region to another.”Understanding these connections is important as researchers investigate how climate-related environmental changes may influence disease patterns across regions.What Can People Do To Protect Their Digestive Health?While individuals cannot control climate-related changes, Olano highlighted everyday measures that can help prevent infections and support digestive health:Drink safe, clean water.Maintain food hygiene and handle food safely.Wash hands before eating.Follow a varied diet.Stay physically active.She also stressed the importance of seeking medical advice about hepatitis prevention, vaccination and testing where appropriate, as well as colorectal cancer screening.Climate change presents a broader public health challenge, but safe water, food hygiene and infection prevention remain important measures for reducing avoidable digestive health risks.

climate change and gut health: how heat, drought and unsafe water raise risks, global experts warn

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