6 Ways to Keep Your Gut Healthy While On Vacation
Many of us have experienced it -- you get home from traveling, you feel bloated, uncomfortable and you tell yourself you need to ‘detox’. It’s no secret that traveling can wreak havoc on your gut -- you’re out of your routine, likely eating and drinking new things.
Our digestive system can only take so much change in such a short time, so it’s likely to react by flaring up and impacting your entire body: skin changes, constipation, mood swings, fatigue, etc. To avoid this uncomfortable return home, here are a few tips that can help you jump back into your routine a bit more seamlessly.
Drink Sufficient Water
Start on the plane. Bring a water bottle with you and make sure it’s full at all times. This may lead to additional bathroom breaks, but it’s important for healthy bowel movements, healthy skin, and joint lubrication! Your body will thank you later.
Stick With Your Supplement Routine
If you take supplements daily, don’t stop while on vacation. If anything, it’s more important to stay consistent and create a sense of normalcy within your body. It’s common for people to experience travelers diarrhea when on vacation, so having supplements such as probiotics, activated charcoal, and digestive enzymes on hand can help combat discomfort.
Stay Active
You’re likely going to be on the move when on vacation, but if you know you’re going to have a more stagnant day (i.e. travel days) try and get at least 30 minutes of movement in. This will help relieve stomach discomfort and keep your bowel movements more consistent.
Practice Mindful Eating and Drinking
It’s easy to get caught up in overeating and overdrinking when traveling. It’s fun to eat and drink new things! But this can have a negative impact on your body that might cause unnecessary discomfort. Continue to avoid foods that disagree with your body and stop eating when you feel full. Keep your water intake consistent and minimize your alcohol consumption because it can cause major GI issues.
Cook!
If possible, avoid eating every meal out. If you have access to a kitchen and a local grocery store, try to make a few meals a day to give your body a break from processed foods and restaurants.
Go To The Bathroom
It may sound silly, but many travelers find themselves “holding it” because they don’t want to go to the bathroom in public places. This practice can create inconsistent bowel movements, cause constipation and make it difficult to get back on track when you return home.
Traveling doesn’t have to mean coming home and feeling terrible! Try and prepare for what YOUR body needs. Research restaurants, bring healthy snacks, create a schedule and stay organized. These steps can set you up for a successful trip that leaves you feeling refreshed rather than bloated!
