How To Stay Regular Even While Traveling
If you have stomach problems, traveling and vacations can seem more like a daunting chore rather than a relaxing getaway.
Being away from home and your familiar surroundings, aka the golden throne, has a tendency to upset your digestive system.
Whether it’s because of food differences, flight layovers, lack of sleep, or just general upsets in your schedule, your belly seems to take the brunt of the troubles.
These troubles can end in constipation, which is very common when traveling.
One way or the other, we want to limit or completely eliminate any belly upsets.
Being backed up for days or trying to find a bathroom at every corner needs to be stopped!
Here’s how to make sure you’re worry free when traveling:
1. Don’t Skimp on the Liquids
Dehydration is one of the main causes of constipation.
Drinking plenty of water helps soften the stool and makes it easier to go.
Depending on where you’re traveling, water may not be the most convenient liquid.
Fruit juices and clear liquids will also suffice in keeping you hydrated and regular.
Word to the wise, caffeine and alcohol don’t count as liquids.
These two are actually both very dehydrating and make stomach problems even more severe.
2. Eat Plenty of Fiber
Paying attention to your fiber intake while traveling can seem like a total bummer but it can do wonders.
You can easily get your recommended dose (38 grams for men and 25 grams for women) by eating foods high in fiber.
These foods include: fresh veggies, fresh or dried fruit, whole grain cereals and breads, beans, and flax seeds.
3. Don’t Eat the Airplane Cheese
Be prepared with your meals and try to avoid airplane food.
It’s tempting to eat quick and easy junk food such as pizza, hot dogs, tacos, and burritos at the airport.
Then once you get on the plane, you’re bombarded with highly processed snack foods or questionable food items.
Dodge the peanuts and pretzels being thrown your way and opt for something healthier and less processed.
4. Don’t Forget to Move
Traveling is exhausting but a lot of it you’re potentially stationary such as in a car, plane, train, or bus.
When you stop moving, so can your digestive system.
If your belly hurts, it’s easy to curl up into the fetal position and moan.
That won’t do you or any potential travel partners any good.
Whenever you can, try to stay active and walk, run, bike, take the stairs, swim or hike on a daily basis while traveling.
Keep moving so your digestive system follows suit.
5. Keep Bathroom Routines as Normal as Possible
To keep things moving, designate a time each day for when you would normally go to the bathroom.
This can be inconvenient and may end up with you using public restrooms.
However, if you’re prepared and keep a schedule, it will take away some of the stress and anxiety of being away from your own throne.
6. Catch Some Z’s
The hustle and bustle of traveling and layovers can leave you sleep deprived.
A lack of sleep can throw off your regularity.
Don’t cut yourself short on sleep and make it your mission to get 7-8 hours as much as possible.
7. Probiotics are Your On-the-go Friends
Keep these friendly bacteria by your side at all times.
Probiotics are champs at alleviating constipation and belly troubles such as gas and bloating.
These friendly buggers balance out the good and bad bacteria in your body.
This makes them ideal for keeping you regular while traveling.
Some probiotics even suggest upping your dosage while you’re traveling.
(Be sure to read the directions before doing so, just so you don’t go overboard.)
For great probiotic options to take while traveling, check out our 10 best probiotic supplements!
In Conclusion…
Don’t let traveling keep you from being regular.
Be sure to drink enough water, eat high fiber foods, avoid fatty or processed foods, keep with your normal schedule, sleep, exercise, and last but not least… take a probiotic supplement.
If you follow these guidelines, the next time you travel should be a breeze!
