Common Digestive Health Issues and Tips for Travelers

Traveling opportunities are all year round, so it is time to travel. Whether you are going to Disney or across the world, poor digestive health is something you want to avoid. Nothing is worse than having a crippling belly ache while waiting for your favorite ride. Having a healthy gut is essential to enjoying your vacation. Before you go, it is vital to discuss common issues that travelers may experience and some ways to work through or prevent them.

Common Digestive Issues for Travelers

There are many reasons your gut can be uncomfortable while you travel. Knowing what they are is the first step to preventing them from happening. Some common digestive issues for travelers include:

• Travelers diarrhea

• Constipation

• Indigestion

Diarrhea

Diarrhea is one of the most inconvenient issues you could have while traveling. Early symptoms of diarrhea are stomach cramps and an intense desire to use the restroom. Diarrhea is a loose and watery stool that can be acute, lasting a couple of days, or chronic, lasting a period of weeks. A few main causes while traveling include bacteria, viral infections, and even stress. If you suffer from diarrhea while traveling, drink a lot of water, as diarrhea leads to dehydration. If hydration and over-the-counter medicine do not solve the problem after 5 days, contact a doctor. Also, seek help if there is blood in your stool or you have severe stomach pain.

Constipation

Constipation is the common name for infrequent, hard, dry, and small stools. It happens when waste moves through the large intestine too slowly. This allows the body to absorb too much moisture from it. Symptoms of constipation are stomach pain, infrequent bowel movements, difficult or painful bowel movements, and bloating. Common causes are medication, lifestyle changes, travel, a lack of physical activity, ignoring the urge to use the restroom or other medical conditions. There are several things you can do to relieve yourself of constipation. Try adjusting your diet, drinking more water, changing your medication, and taking laxatives.

Indigestion

Indigestion is common with dietary changes that may come along with traveling. Common symptoms of indigestion include feeling bloated, a burning sensation in the abdomen, stomach pain, and feeling full. Indigestion happens because of overeating or eating local foods you are not used to while traveling. It is also caused by drinking alcohol. Before you travel, learn how your body reacts to foods and drinks to avoid indigestion. If you cannot avoid it, you can treat indigestion on your own. Over-the-counter remedies such as antacids, stomach medicine, and anti-gas medicine should help.

Travel Tips for Better Digestive Health

When you are abroad, there are several things you can do to strengthen your digestive health. Following these three easy tips can help you avoid the common problems mentioned.  Sometimes, they are unavoidable. Following these simple tips can prevent them and still give you some relief if it is already too late.

Hydrate

Hydration is important for good digestive health. Dehydration can lead to issues like constipation and indigestion. Being hydrated is an important way to keep your stools regular and in good shape. Drinking a lot of water should be a priority while traveling. Depending on where you travel, be weary of tap water and try to drink out of water bottles. Tap water in some places upsets travelers’ stomachs. Juices, teas, and probiotic drinks like kombucha are also great for you. Remember to stay hydrated, and you will feel good.

Be Active 

Physical activity is often overlooked by people when it comes to their digestive health. Traveling involves a lot of sitting. Whether you are traveling by train, plane, or bus, most of it is sitting on your rear end. Movement increases your blood flow, which boosts the movement of waste through your digestive system. Physical activity is also a proven remedy for stress, which is a common cause of digestion issues. Remember, when you are able to walk while you are traveling, make it a point to be active!

Watch Your Diet

Vacation does not mean that your diet has to be horrible. Even while traveling, there are many dietary options for staying healthy. First, do not overeat. Eating too much can lead to an upset stomach and indigestion. Having smaller meals more frequently is a good way to keep yourself from overfilling. It also gives you the opportunity to try more local food. When eating local food, do not be afraid to order the healthy option. Eating healthy is a great way to keep your stomach tamed. Try to avoid sugar and processed foods while focusing on fiber-rich foods and a lot of fruits and vegetables. There is a lot of great food in the world, so enjoy it and be healthy!

At GastroMed, we recognize that traveling can often exacerbate common digestive issues. To assist travelers and locals alike, our gastroenterologist Miami specialists are on hand to provide insights and care. With multiple Miami locations, we are committed to making your journey to better digestive health as smooth as your travels.