Traveling is exciting and enriching. Discovering new places, getting to know different cultures and meeting new people - all of this is what makes traveling so special. If it weren't for digestion: Who among us hasn't struggled with digestive problems while traveling? In this blog post, we'll look at why traveling can affect your digestion and give you valuable tips on how to prevent this.
Why does travel affect digestion?
Traveling can affect your digestion in several ways.
Dietary changes: Often it is difficult to maintain your usual diet while travelling. At airports, train stations or rest stops, we sometimes have to rely on fast food or less healthy options. Such sudden dietary changes can cause digestive problems such as diarrhea or constipation.
Jet lag: Traveling across time zones can disrupt your sleep-wake cycle and meal times, which in turn can affect your gut. The adjustment period can bring gastrointestinal discomfort, including reduced performance and mild mood swings.
Hygiene: When traveling, you may not have the same hygienic conditions as at home. Inadequate hygiene, especially when handling food or hand hygiene, can allow bacteria or pathogens to enter your body and cause digestive problems.
Stress: Traveling can be associated with stress, anxiety or excitement. Such emotional stress can affect your digestion and cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea or diarrhea.
Dehydration: Air travel in particular can lead to dehydration. The dry air in airplane cabins and limited access to water can affect digestion and lead to constipation. The low cabin pressure can also cause gases to expand in your digestive tract and cause discomfort.
How can you protect your digestion while traveling? Whether you're on long-haul flights or prefer short trips, there are a few things you can do to protect and improve your digestive health while traveling.
Hydration: Stay hydrated! Drink plenty of water, especially when traveling by plane, to prevent constipation.
Healthy diet: Eat probiotic foods like yogurt, kefir or kombucha, which contain good bacteria for your gut. Pack healthy snacks like nuts, seeds, dried fruit and whole grains. These provide you with important fiber and healthy fats.
Our tip: Ayurvedic apple compote & porridge : A delicious recipe that is also super easy to transport!
Probiotic routine: Another important tip to have in your travel luggage is probiotics. As a regular part of your morning routine, they can also help maintain the balance of the intestinal flora while traveling, which is especially important when you are on the road and your diet changes. Various studies have shown that taking probiotics can help prevent traveler's diarrhea and improve overall intestinal health.
Exercise: Use long waiting times at transit stations such as the train station or airport to exercise. This promotes digestion and prevents bloating.
Stress reduction: Plan your trip well to avoid stress. Make a conscious effort to take time to relax and set realistic expectations to minimize travel stress.
Follow these tips and you will notice that your stomach will be relaxed even when you are traveling and you will be able to enjoy your time to the fullest. Have a nice trip!
