How To Keep Digestion Regular While Traveling

December 10, 2021 Daniela Casale

Christmas and New Year´s are around the corner and that means there will be a lot of traveling. Families coming together, catching planes to meet with the Grandma and Grandad across the country and of course a lot of eating.

If you have any plans of traveling anytime soon, well you might stick with us and learn how to keep your digestive system regulated and feel your best. Sometimes it's hard to keep the digestive system on track while traveling. It's very common to experience digestive problems like constipation or diarrhea while catching a flight. From the nerve wracking airport experience to sitting on a plane for hours to not getting nearly enough sleep on a red-eye and eating not so gut-healthy foods. Traveling can be tough on your digestive health, but it is possible to keep your gut happy.

Fortunately, there are some things you can do to help your digestive system stay happy while traveling.

Drink Lots of Water

A common cause of constipation is dehydration. And long flights can be very dehydrating for various factors, including the change in routine, being seated for too long or an increase in alcohol or caffeine.

How to prevent this? First, drink a whole bottle of water before you leave and make sure you take to the airport your reusable water bottle that you can refill after you get through security.

Then, be very conscious about it and remember to drink water regularly throughout your flight, train ride, car ride, etc. Also, try and avoid a lot of caffeine or alcoholic beverages, which dehydrate you. And once you arrive at your destination, take that reusable bottle everywhere, this way you can avoid dehydration.

Eat high-fiber foods (but not too much)

We tend to eat a lot of unhealthy food while traveling, which is typically low in fiber. Fiber is a complex carbohydrate that supports digestion, helping to prevent constipation and bloating.

Try and incorporate one to two servings of high-fiber foods like beans, legumes, fruits such as avocado, raspberries, blackberries, and apples. As well as vegetables like artichoke, green peas, brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes and whole grains: popcorn, oatmeal, whole wheat bread and barley.

Make sure to enjoy these high-fiber foods as you travel, just remember that fiber can also help move things along if you’re feeling blocked up.

Stay physically active

Lack of movement can slow down or disrupt your usual digestive processes. Before you depart, try to plan when you will exercise while on vacation. Movement in your new destination is not only important for overall health and mood, it’s also important for your gut-health. Try to add a walk after breakfast, do some yoga, or take advantage of your hotel’s pool or gym, it can help to reset your body’s bowel clock.

Also, when you're in the plane or train, remember to take some active pauses. Take a moment to stand up, walk and stretch. Your gut will thank you!

Maintain a Healthy Diet

"Traveling often comes together with a shift in diet and hydration levels—and often, stress as well. All these things can impact how we feel." - gastroenterologist Marvin Singh MD.

So, be mindful of how much your diet is changing, it is ok to enjoy cocktails and desserts, of course, just be aware of the excesses. For example, excessive amounts of fried food, processed food, or sugar can constipate you.

Follow these tips and you'll be just fine while traveling.

Pack your own healthy snacks, make sure they are the ones you absolutely love. Try to avoid eating fried food everyday, know your limits and listen to your body. The more whole grains, fruits and veggies you can add to your diet, the better. Increase your prebiotic by drinking a bottle of Waku everyday and your gut will be happy.

Drink a bottle of Waku

Waku contains prebiotics, which according to Health Lines, promote the increase of friendly bacteria in the gut, help with various digestive problems, and even boost your immune system.

Also, the powerful blend of anti-inflammatory botanicals that Waku contains will soothe your gut. This can help keep things moving like normal, even when you’re traveling.