Traveler’s constipation. Is this a problem for you? If so, you are one of the estimated 40% of people who suffer from constipation when you travel. Talk about a way to mess up a great vacation!
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Why do people suffer from traveler’s constipation?
- Different meal times, sleeping schedule and jet lag can throw off your circadian rhythm and affect your digestive process.
- Safe toilet syndrome – not being able to relax enough to go in an unfamiliar bathroom.
Today, I am pleased to introduce Jess Brassington, a nationally certified holistic health coach who empowers her clients to take control of their health through food and lifestyle changes. Here, she shares her experiences with traveler’s constipation and how she “nips it in the bud” before she even starts a trip.
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Take Control of Traveler’s Constipation and Make Traveling Comfortable Again
Are you ready for vacation and a little travel time? There is so much to do. Are you prepared? Finding your luggage. Picking out just the right outfits. Deciding on regular or travel size toiletries. Figuring out how many pairs of shoes you can bring.
But… did you remember to include your digestive health? I don’t know about you, but many times in my past travel efforts, I had a history of not being able to go the restroom ( at all ). It was so frustrating!
My husband and I decided to get away on a much-needed trip, alone! We chose the Bahamas. A place you don’t want to think about constipation and being miserable.
I knew we would be around many public restrooms and of course, my fear of pooping (yes, I said the *P* word) in public restrooms doesn’t ever help a situation where there is a problem already.
If you’ve ever had a fear of “going” in public restrooms, read here how I overcame my fears!
Who wants to be uncomfortable when you are planning a romantic getaway? Or a special trip with your family? Not me. I’d had enough of this problem! I decided I wouldn’t let this problem affect my travel plans and my much needed R&R. I made up my mind to be intentional about digestive health BEFORE I left for a trip.
This is what I do now to prepare for traveling away from home.
TRAVEL TIPS To Avoid Traveler’s Constipation
Take probiotics at least 2 weeks before you leave
I’m BIG on probiotics, prebiotics, enzymes, and great gut health in general. So many Americans suffer from symptoms stemming from an imbalance in their guts due to stress, processed foods, medications, etc. I take these daily but it’s especially important before a trip. You’ll be flying, exposed to a new area, foods, and germs. Support your immune system to keep it healthy and create a better environment to handle these changes and remain above the wellness line.
Bring Probiotics With You
I bring probiotics along with me on travels and make my husband take them also! Probiotics help restore the “good” bacteria in our guts that are often killed off by environment and lifestyle choices. Professional Supplement Center has a great selection of high quality probiotics.
Take probiotics before & during your trip to avoid traveler's constipation. Click To TweetDo you experience traveler’s constipation or other tummy issues while traveling? If so, let me know! I want to help and bring more tips people need!
From Cathy – I love Jess’ idea of getting ahead of the issue by taking probiotics. But there are also some things you can do while traveling to help avoid traveler’s constipation.
- Take a walk when you wake up. Exercise increases the motility of the GI tract.
- Don’t sit for too long. If you are on a long flight, set a timer on your phone and take a walk every hour. If you are waiting in the airport – walk around. Don’t sit waiting for your next flight. Traveling by car? Schedule regular breaks to stop and get out of the car.
- Don’t skimp on fiber. Most of us don’t think a lot about fiber when we’re traveling. We’re focused on decadent treats and enjoying regional favorites – at least that’s what I do! You can still do that, but be sure and include produce at every meal and have fruit for at least 1 or 2 snacks.
- Drink lots of water. This will keep you from getting dehydrated and helps fiber more effective.
Do experience any kind of “digestive distress” when you travel? What are your tried and true methods to remedy those painful and inconvenient episodes?
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I love that you have addressed this issue as I definitely suffer from poop problems when traveling. Although I have no problem pooping in a public restroom, I think my issue is that I have a defective bladder and I pee all the time, so I limit my fluid intake while traveling to prevent frequent pee trips. But then I also get constipated from being slightly dehydrated. I can’t win! Ha. Great topic for discussion and great tips.
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
I think your tip to drink lots of water is a key one. When we’re in a strange country, we’re not always comfortable that the water is safe. I think that is when bottled water is a must – and of course it can be expensive. I also think the idea of probiotics is a clever one. Today, I’m reminded It’s a Wonderful World!
You really know how to bring up the interesting topics Cathy!!
I know I don’t drink as much water when I’m traveling, but I always take my probiotics!!
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Just keepin’ it real!!! Between the post that includes the incontinence products and this one – I really seem to be into the bathroom topics! Need to plan my editorial calendar a little better next time! LOL!
These are all great points. I carry my fiber supplements with me on every trip and drink plenty of water. It seems to work very well!
Marcia – fiber supplements are a good idea. Had not thought of that!
I take Magnesium for many reasons, but one of them is that it helps with regular “going.” I imagine you could double up if necessary (although I’m a psychologist not a medical doc!) Thanks for these other suggestions!
Yes – Magnesium is good for a lot of things. I take it too!
super tips on this post and very timely too as i am just about to fly out and visit my mother who lives in florida!
I will increase my water intake thats for sure!
thanks for sharing
best ashley
This is a huge issue for me! I can go up 2 sizes in clothing on a trip, it’s painful, miserable and it exhausts me! Taking probiotics is a great tip, we also make sure that we can find a great salad bar and eat tons of roughage, it helps. Having fruit in our hotel room, along with coffee is another helpful idea, and I now travel with tea bags that will help get things going. I hate being down on a trip!
This is a much bigger issue than I realized. Hope the probiotics help!
I never realized this was something many people suffer from when they travel. This ALWAYS happens to me, even when I’m away from home for a week! And I often get more exercise while traveling than any other time.
It’s amazing how any change in routine can mess you up. And yes, I was surprised that so many people suffer from it too.
This post made the most-clicked list on The Blogger’s Pit Stop. Be looking for a feature on Friday. Congratulations.
Kathleen
Blogger’s Pit Stop
[…] TIPS TO AVOID TRAVELER’S CONSTIPATION by Cathy […]
Great info! I clicked on the probiotic link but the site was overwhelming. Can someone give me some advice as to where to begin? Thanks, Cindy
Cindy – I asked Jess, who wrote the post, to respond to you since she is the one who knows about probiotics. Did she contact you?
I am definitely in the #2 group and sometimes #1 as well. Thank you for these trips because sometimes it can ruin your whole trip.
Rena – glad you found these tips from Jessica helpful! Travel can wreak havoc on our tummies!
Thankfully, I don’t have this problem but hubby does, before, during and after vacation!!! He’s just full of sh** – lol
Antionette – I hope some of Jessica’s suggestions in this post are helpful!
This has plagued me in the past, and it can wreak havoc on a vacation. Thanks for al the good advice!
Valerie
I didn’t know about probiotics Cathy. I do suffer so these tips are very useful. I knew about lots of water and fibre but as I said the probiotics idea is new to me. Thanks so much for sharing your post with us at #Overthemoon. I have shared on social media. Have a great week and see you at next week’s link up! Sue from Sizzling Towards Sixty & Beyond
http://www.sizzlingtowardssixty.com.au
Sue – you are getting double duty on reading my posts! Probiotics are advertised a lot here in the States. I don’t know that much about them either.
My husband, who is otherwise Mr. Regular, always gets constipated when we travel. I bring magnesium citrate supplements and distribute them to everyone in my family who hasn’t pooped in a couple of days. That works great, along with your suggestions.
Thanks for the tips. I am forwarding this on.
I don’t typically have a problem but definitely drinking lots of water is so important. It is often more difficult when eating out to keep up the fruit and vegetable quotient so I suggest buying some high fibre fruit like apples to supplement any purchased meals.
Definitely a sufferer of travel related constipation and it could be travel of less than 10 miles. I will look into using the probiotics before and during my travels to see if it helps. I’m heading to Florida next week. So the timing for this is perfect!
Olivia – so glad this was a timely post for you. I hope that probiotics work well for you!
Tips we can all do with Cathy. I think most of has have had this problem when travelling but I hadn’t thought to take probiotics before I travelled. Thanks for sharing your tips with us at #BloggersPitStop.
Jessica did a great job on this guest post. I think the probiotics is an excellent suggestion. Thanks for reading and commenting, Sue!
This happens to me on our road trips of any longer than two hours. I know it’s from drinking enough water, then sitting in the car for hours. Even getting out and walking every two hours doesn’t cut it! Perhaps pro-biotics is the answer!
I’d definitely give those probiotics a try, Terri! Getting “backed up” while traveling is no fun!
I am always amazed how dogs and young children are never bothered by this! Yet us adults… ugh! Great tips for us all. Thank you! #BloggersPitStop