It is no secret that traveling away from one’s home, whether far or near, can lead to digestive complications that are unpleasant to handle. Traveling comes with its own set of changes that can interrupt normal day-to-day activities, including our eating schedules, our bathroom schedules, and the types of foods/drinks we consume. If you are traveling far, this could even include a time change that can interrupt your normal sleeping schedule.
The systems within our bodies thrive off of having consistency, so when these parts of our day are interrupted it throws your body’s response off, and as a result can lead to unpleasant issues. These issues include, but are not limited to, constipation, irregular bowel movements, and an upset stomach. Due to this connection between digestion and traveling, it is vital to know how to best support your body during your travels in order to avoid unpleasant symptoms.
How Anxiety Can Contribute to Complications of Digestion During Travel
Have you ever wished that you could use your bathroom at home when away? We have all experienced the well known anxiety that comes along with having to use the restroom somewhere unfamiliar or highly public. While we feel this anxiety dissipate shortly after using the restroom, the effect it has on our bodies is more long term.
Anxiety can cause one of two things within your digestive process. It can either lead to slower digestion, which results in constipation and bloating, or it can cause your body to speed up your digestion, which can result in diarrhea or irregular bowel movements. In order to keep your anxiety at bay when abroad, make sure you are making yourself as comfortable as possible to use the restroom in unknown places.
A great way to do this is by ensuring you have hand sanitizer always on hand in case you are unable to find soap or reach a hand washing station in the place you are located. There are also an array of sanitizing sprays you can purchase in order to minimize any potential embarrassment, and instead leave feeling confident. Using the restroom is something that is inevitable for all of us, so it is important to remember that regardless of the anxiety you might feel, it is human nature to relieve your stomach.
Rituals to Incorporate Into Your Traveling Routine for Consistent Digestion
As easy as it can be to neglect drinking water when you are trying to get to your destination, it is important to remember to stay hydrated in order to promote proper digestion. Dehydration causes many complications in the digestive tract, as water is needed to properly pass stool. Since caffeine and alcohol are both drinks that can potentially harm the digestive process, it is best to avoid them as much as possible.
While many people try to overcompensate by eating an excess of foods that are good for their gut, it is vital that instead one sticks to their normal diet as much as possible. The more irregular your diet becomes, the more strain you are putting on your digestive process. This being said, we acknowledge that sticking to your normal diet may not always be possible when traveling. This is why making smart yet enjoyable choices is a great balance to try and achieve.
This includes ensuring you are indulging in some of your unhealthy favorite foods in moderation rather than in excess. It can also mean making selective, yet delicious choices by choosing a local cafe rather than the quickest fast-food you can find. Fast-food joints tend to sell processed foods that are high in saturated fats, which can make your stomach upset.
Above all else, it is important to simply listen to your body’s needs. Our bodies all have the tools needed to let us know when something is off, or when something is needed in order to regulate issues that arise. You should do your best to listen to these signals. For example, if you start to feel overwhelmingly sluggish it might be due to the lack of sleep you have accumulated during your traveling. Instead of pushing your body to its limit, be sure to get rest when needed, and try to avoid overcompensating with caffeine or energy drinks.
Supplements to Add To Your Carry-On to Best Support You During Travel
While we can definitely do our best to avoid digestive problems while traveling, sometimes these issues can become inevitable due to the nature of traveling. Our 3-step wellness routine can become your best friend to take in your carry-on in order to try and alleviate the symptoms that do come up. It includes a probiotic called Probiotic Renu and a vitamin that helps with bloating. The fact they are supplements for bloating that are compact, makes it easy to throw into your bag without taking up too much space.
For even more convenience, get our Mini Travel Pouch set! These mini resealable silicone pouches are designed to securely store and transport your Bloat No More 3-Step Wellness Kit supplements easily, wherever you go.
SHOP THE 3-STEP TRAVEL POUCHES
Alongside these supplements, there are some other carry-on friendly items you can bring along with you on your journey to best support your digestive system. One of these items is chamomile tea which is known to relieve many digestive ailments by relaxing the muscles in your stomach. Keep one in your bag in case any digestive issues arise.
It is important to not neglect the bacteria within your gut while traveling. An imbalance of healthy bacteria in your gut can lead to many complications. A great supplement — aside from Probiotic Renu which has probiotic cultures curated to limit the growth of harmful bacteria — is cranberry supplements. Cranberries have high levels of fiber and promote the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut. Be sure to not over consume cranberry as this can lead to its own digestive issues.
While we realize that digestive issues while traveling are not always avoidable, including these items on your next packing list can make all the difference. It is always best to come prepared rather than having to work your way down from digestive issues. Be sure to check out our 3-step wellness routine to accompany you on your next traveling adventure!