Summer is the time to jet set off to those destinations we have been dreaming about all winter. The warm weather offers us a chance to use up our vacation time and enjoy ourselves on a trip away. There are a multitude of mental health benefits that come along with taking some time off, but it is crucial to keep an eye on your digestive health on vacation. The disruption in your routine, the change in eating habits, and the lack of sleep that is often associated with vacations can cause you to experience unwelcome symptoms. Lucky for you, we have compiled a list of ways to protect your gut and overall health while vacationing!
The Mental Health Benefits of Taking a Trip This Summer
In this day and age, taking a break from your job and your day-to-day responsibilities can almost feel shameful. However, taking that vacation can actually be what helps bring more productivity, happiness, and stability to your life. As humans, we often forget that we deserve a break just as much as the next person. Here are some of the ways a summer trip can benefit you this year:
- Increases Creativity and Promotes Brain Health - While on a vacation, one tends to relax more than during their normal life which leads to a renewed sense of self. Traveling, in many cases, is an eye opening experience that offers individuals inspiration for new passions in their lives. Have you ever felt mentally stuck or drained? Traveling can help one to overcome these challenges.
- Reduces Stress Levels - Stress is a common symptom, and when left untreated, it can cause you to struggle mentally and physically. A break from work allows us the chance to unwind without worry. It gives us a chance to participate in activities that make us happy and in turn reduces our stress levels. Do not underestimate the power of rest.
- Boosts Energy Levels - Some days, we might find ourselves working late into the night to the point of exhaustion and sleep deprivation. While on rare occasions, this will not negatively impact you far beyond the following day, if done consistently, this can cause you to become chronically fatigued and burnt out. A vacation or break from work gives you the chance to rest properly and to replenish your energy levels.
How to Set Your Gut Health Up for Success During Your Travels This Coming Season
Pack Your Bloating Supplements - A big part of men and women’s health begins with a person’s gut health. When your gut health is weak, you will experience digestive complications, mental fog, and physical fatigue. The last thing you need is to experience these symptoms while on vacation. With a probiotic supplement, you can strengthen your gut and reduce the harmful bacteria in your system. A probiotic contains beneficial bacteria that feeds your gut. In order to reap the benefits of a probiotic, one must take them consistently each and every day. This is a must-pack vitamin to put in your carry-on so that you can protect your gut on vacation this summer.
Walk While On Vacation - Exercising is one of the best ways to get your digestive system working and help promote bowel movements. While we are not saying you need to hit the gym while on vacation, we do recommend fitting in some leisurely walking where you can. This will help to keep you active, increase your endorphins, and reduce the chance of constipation (which is a common symptom to experience while traveling).
Avoid Triggering Food Items - Traveling is often accompanied by a change in diet due to the exposure to different types of meals while on your travels. While we definitely support experimenting with new foods, we do recommend avoiding foods that you know your body is sensitive to. For example, if you know that you are intolerant to dairy products, we recommend avoiding these during your travels to avoid discomfort. Be sure to read the nutritional facts and ingredients at the places you dine.
Prioritize Whole Foods - In a similar fashion to the tip above, we recommend still including whole foods in your diet while traveling. Vegetables and fresh fruits offer you the nutrients you need to be properly nourished. Find the small ways to incorporate fresh ingredients into your travel meals.
How to Reset Your Gut Post Travel
Now that we have covered how to protect your gut during your travels, let’s break down how to protect your gut when you return home. Despite the dedication to protecting your gut, the change in environment and routine is still bound to cause some interruption to your gut health. Here are some ways to reset your gut and bring it back to a stable state.
Use Our GutCleanse Routine - Sometimes, waste can start to accumulate in your gut and lead to constipation and bloating. Our GutCleanse routine was carefully curated with ingredients that aim at reducing inflammation and eliminating waste from your body. We recommend taking two capsules each night for seven days to reap the maximum benefits to the GutCleanse routine.
Eat Light and Refreshing Meals - In order to avoid causing gut complications, consider eating lighter meals with non-triggering ingredients when you return from your trip. This will help your body have a smoother transition back into reality. Consider eating more meals throughout your day that are smaller in portions rather than a small amount of large meals.
Cut Back on Alcohol - Alcohol causes a load of issues for one’s health ranging from bloating to anxiety. While some people will inevitably indulge in drinking some alcohol during our trips away, we recommend cutting back on alcohol upon your return home. This will give your gut the chance to reset in a healthier environment.
Traveling is a time to unwind, relax, and relish in the moments of peace that we get from time to time. It is a form of self-care that many people tend to underestimate and overlook. We hope we have helped you understand the benefits of taking some time off this summer and how best to take care of your gut health when you do!