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Constipation & Diarrhea, Travel Companions You Don’t Want

July 7, 2022

If you’ve ever traveled, you know that a few common ailments tend to crop up. A couple of the most common is constipation and or travel diarrhea, which can be quite uncomfortable and inconvenient. This article asks some of the travelers’ most common questions and how to avoid these common gastro issues.

Prone to Constipation While Traveling?

In an ideal world, we’d all like to plan our vacation, go to bed early the night before our flight, and breeze through security without stress. But real life is rarely as simple as packing last-minute, catching four hours of sleep, and rushing to the airport.

Nobody wants to worry about whether or when they’ll need to go potty on a trip. Follow these expert-approved techniques to keep your pipes in good working order.

Changing your sleeping and waking habits might disrupt your circadian rhythm, which is your body’s internal clock. It manages not only sleep and wakefulness but also temperature, hormone levels, bodily systems, and organs.

Constipation can also be caused by dehydration and a poor diet, which are sometimes replaced with insufficient water consumption, a few too many alcoholic beverages, and a less-than-stellar diet of rest stop food and airport newsstand snacks.

Traveler’s Diarrhea

Traveler’s diarrhea, on the other hand, is far more prevalent. It affects up to 40% of travelers, especially those visiting developing nations.

 

Bacteria from undercooked or raw food, tap water, or ice are a frequent cause of traveler’s diarrhea. Even if the meal isn’t contaminated, eating foods you aren’t accustomed to might upset your gut microbiome and result in bowel issues.

People who use antacids to treat gastric reflux are more likely to have gastrointestinal problems while traveling. This is because these drugs stop stomach acid, which acts as a barrier against germs in the environment.

It is important to note that diarrhea usually does not require antibiotic treatment and that using over-the-counter antibiotics in other countries may lead to more severe infections. See an expert immediately if you have blood in your stool or fever.

 

Travel Tips For Staying Regular?

Nobody wants to worry about whether or when they’ll need to go potty on a trip. Follow these expert-approved techniques to keep your pipes in good working order.

Avoid foods that may be tainted. Diarrhea is challenging to prevent sometimes, but the best practice in reducing your danger when traveling in developing nations is to eat fully cooked and still hot meals, consume unpeeled fruits, drink bottled beverages instead of ice in your drinks, and avoid eating unwashed produce.

Moving is the key. Using a hotel treadmill or going for a swim, as well as walking about the airport terminal, will help keep things moving down there as they should.

Drink a lot of water. If you want to avoid constipation, you must drink enough water. The CDC recommends that women consume 2.7 liters of water from all beverages and foods daily, whereas males should consume 3.7 liters. When traveling in regions with guaranteed drinking water, pack a reusable water bottle and fill it up with big bottles of clean drinking water when you’re not.

Fill up on fiber. When we travel, we don’t eat the healthiest meals or foods high in fiber. Filling your suitcase with fiber-rich snacks like fruit, vegetables, whole grains, beans, and legumes will ensure you stay full for longer and have more energy.

Make an appointment with a gastroenterologist. If you’re going abroad, it’s a good idea to book an appointment to determine whether you require vaccinations. If constipation or diarrhea are problems for you when traveling, your doctor may recommend packing a mild laxative and taking probiotic supplements.

 

Gastro Florida Can Help Before Your Travels

Gastro Florida’s team of certified professionals is here to help with your gastrointestinal issues. Set up an appointment to be seen, diagnosed, and treated; our goal is to serve and help you continue on a gut health and wellness path.