When traveling for a holiday, business trip, or any other purpose, many of our daily routines and activities change.
Your eating schedule, activities, and bowel movement routine can all be disrupted by travel. One common issue that can arise is constipation. Have you experienced this before?
For those planning to travel and wanting to avoid constipation, here are some helpful tips. Read on to the end!
The first and most common advice is to stay well-hydrated. When traveling, we often engage in more activities than usual, such as walking a lot and exploring new places.
Therefore, our bodies need adequate hydration. My husband and I usually bring a tumbler from home when we travel because airports, tourist spots, and hotels often have water dispensers.
This practice is both efficient and ensures we stay well-hydrated, helping to prevent constipation. You might consider bringing your own tumbler on your next trip.
Even when you're on the go, it's important to consume plenty of fiber, such as vegetables and fruits. While this is easier to manage when traveling domestically, it can be more challenging abroad.
During our trip to Japan, my husband and I always bought individually packaged fruits like oranges or bananas from convenience stores.
Besides eating fruit, try to include vegetables in your meals. Ensure your diet includes not just protein and carbs, but also a good portion of vegetables.
If you don't have access to fresh fruits and vegetables, opt for juices or smoothies, which are more practical. Juice and smoothie vendors are often easy to find, especially in places with vending machines dedicated to these drinks.
By following these tips, you can help avoid constipation while traveling.
One helpful tip is to try to eat at the same time every day. Consistent meal times for breakfast, lunch, snacks, and dinner can help maintain your metabolism, reducing the likelihood of constipation.
When traveling long distances, especially across different time zones, your body and digestive system need to adjust. Stay active with light exercises like stretching, sit-ups, and push-ups in your hotel room.
Additionally, walking a lot while exploring can also help you stay fit and prevent constipation. Travel often involves plenty of walking, which can help in keeping your digestive system active.
It's important to listen to your body's signals. Long journeys by train or plane can disrupt your regular bowel routine, making it uncomfortable to leave your seat.
However, it’s crucial not to ignore your body's needs. If you feel the urge to use the bathroom, don't hold back. Doing so can contribute to constipation.
Tip: To make things easier, choose a seat near the toilet on trains or planes, and remember to move around occasionally during the trip.
If you find yourself constipated and haven't had a bowel movement in more than three days, taking supplements or laxatives might be necessary. However, consider this a last resort.
Frequent use of laxatives isn't ideal, so prioritize staying hydrated and eating more fiber to avoid reaching this point.
These are some tips to help prevent constipation while traveling. I hope you find them useful!
