## Austin's Gut: City Chlorine Crashing Summer Guts?

By Franklin Everett Shaw

November 9, 2025

It’s August in Austin, and the air hangs thick and heavy, a tangible thing you can almost taste. The only escape seems to be the cool embrace of Barton Springs, Deep Eddy, or one of the countless neighborhood pools dotting the landscape. But what if that refreshing dip is subtly undermining your health? What if the very thing offering respite from the Texas heat is also wreaking havoc on your gut?

The connection between Austin’s chlorinated water, summer swimming habits, and a potential rise in gut health issues is a topic worth diving into. It’s not about fear-mongering; it’s about informed choices and proactive steps to protect your well-being. Let’s explore this potential link and, more importantly, arm you with the knowledge to navigate it effectively.

Chlorine, a necessary evil in municipal water treatment, disinfects our drinking water and keeps our swimming pools safe from harmful bacteria. Austin Water diligently maintains chlorine levels to meet safety standards. However, chlorine doesn’t discriminate; it eliminates all bacteria, including the beneficial ones residing in your gut.

Think of your gut as a lush rainforest, teeming with diverse microbial life. This microbiome plays a crucial role in digestion, immunity, and even mental health. Chlorine, in essence, is a forest fire, indiscriminately wiping out both the good and the bad.

Now, consider Austin’s summer culture. It’s practically synonymous with swimming. We flock to pools, lakes, and rivers to beat the heat. This increased exposure to chlorinated water, both through ingestion and absorption, can significantly impact the gut microbiome.

Anecdotally, many Austinites report experiencing digestive discomfort, bloating, and other gut-related issues during the summer months. While correlation doesn’t equal causation, the timing is certainly suggestive. Could the increased chlorine exposure be a contributing factor? It’s a question worth exploring.

So, what can you do? Let’s break down a practical, actionable plan to mitigate chlorine exposure and support gut health, specifically tailored for the Austin lifestyle.

Step 1: Water Filtration - Your First Line of Defense

Investing in a quality water filtration system is paramount. Don’t rely solely on the city’s treatment; take control of your water quality at home.

• Whole-House Filter: This is the gold standard, filtering all water entering your home. It’s a significant investment (typically $500-$2000 installed), but it protects your entire family and all your appliances. Look for systems that specifically target chlorine and chloramine, another disinfectant used by Austin Water.
• Under-Sink Filter: A more affordable option, these filters are installed under your kitchen sink and provide filtered water on demand. Brands like Aquasana and APEC offer excellent chlorine-reducing models (around $150-$400).
• Pitcher Filter: While less effective than the previous options, a good pitcher filter like a Brita or PUR can still reduce chlorine levels. Be sure to replace the filter cartridges regularly (every 40 gallons or so).

Challenge: Many Austinites live in apartments or rentals where installing a whole-house or under-sink filter isn’t feasible.

Solution: Opt for a high-quality countertop filter or a shower filter. Shower filters can significantly reduce chlorine absorption through the skin, which is surprisingly high during hot showers.

Step 2: Probiotic Power - Replenishing the Gut Flora

Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when ingested, can benefit the host (that’s you!) by improving the gut microbiome. They help replenish the good bacteria that chlorine may have wiped out.

• Choose the Right Strain: Not all probiotics are created equal. Look for strains like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, which are well-researched and known to support gut health. Specific strains like Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and Bifidobacterium lactis HN019 have shown promise in mitigating the effects of chlorine exposure.
• Dosage Matters: Start with a lower dose and gradually increase it to avoid digestive upset. A typical starting dose is 5-10 billion CFUs (colony-forming units) per day.
• Timing is Key: Take your probiotic on an empty stomach, ideally in the morning or before bed, to maximize absorption.

Pitfall: Many people buy cheap, ineffective probiotics that don’t survive the journey through the stomach acid.

Solution: Invest in a reputable brand with enteric-coated capsules, which protect the probiotics from stomach acid and ensure they reach the intestines. Research brands like Seed, Klaire Labs, or Garden of Life.

Step 3: Dietary Support - Fueling a Healthy Gut

Probiotics are important, but they need fuel to thrive. A diet rich in prebiotic foods provides that fuel.

• Prebiotic Powerhouses: Prebiotics are non-digestible fibers that feed the beneficial bacteria in your gut. Excellent sources include:
  • Onions
  • Garlic
  • Asparagus
  • Bananas (especially slightly green ones)
  • Oats
  • Apples
• Fermented Foods: Incorporate fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, kombucha, and yogurt into your diet. These foods are naturally rich in probiotics and can further diversify your gut microbiome.
• Limit Processed Foods and Sugar: These foods can feed the bad bacteria in your gut and disrupt the balance of your microbiome.

Common Mistake: Focusing solely on probiotics and neglecting the importance of prebiotic foods.

Solution: Think of prebiotics as the fertilizer for your gut garden. You need both the seeds (probiotics) and the fertilizer (prebiotics) for a thriving ecosystem.

Step 4: Post-Swim Recovery - Minimizing Chlorine’s Impact

Even with the best filtration and supplementation, you’ll still be exposed to chlorine when swimming in Austin’s pools and natural water sources. Here’s how to minimize its impact:

• Shower Immediately: Rinse off thoroughly with soap and water after swimming to remove chlorine residue from your skin.
• Hydrate: Drink plenty of water to help flush out toxins and support your body’s natural detoxification processes.
• Consider a Post-Swim Probiotic Boost: Take an extra dose of probiotics after swimming to help replenish any bacteria that may have been affected by the chlorine.

Specific Austin Scenario: Swimming in Barton Springs. While it’s a natural spring, it’s still treated with chlorine.

Actionable Insight: After your Barton Springs dip, head to Juiceland on Barton Springs Road and grab a smoothie with added probiotics. It’s a delicious and convenient way to replenish your gut flora.

Step 5: Listen to Your Body - The Most Important Step

Pay attention to how your body responds to these changes. If you experience persistent digestive issues, consult with a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian specializing in gut health. They can help you identify any underlying issues and develop a personalized plan to restore your gut health.

The potential link between Austin’s water chlorination, summer swimming, and gut health is a complex issue. However, by taking proactive steps to filter your water, supplement with probiotics, eat a gut-friendly diet, and practice post-swim recovery, you can minimize chlorine’s impact and support a healthy gut microbiome. Don’t let the fear of chlorine keep you from enjoying Austin’s vibrant summer scene. Instead, arm yourself with knowledge and take control of your health.