Medically reviewed by Dr Godmi Tresa
We all may have faced gut problems while travelling at least once. Why does travelling have an impact on our gut? Have you ever wondered?
When we travel, our routines often change, affecting our well-being, eating habits, and gut health. This blog will explore strategies for maintaining a healthy gut while travelling and offer practical advice for optimal digestive health during your journeys.
The changes in time zones, unusual cuisines, and irregular meal schedules while travelling can affect our digestive system. These disturbances may cause discomfort, indigestion, or even more severe gastrointestinal problems. But can we skip trying all those excellent plates from all over the world? Of course not! Therefore, understanding how to care for your gut while travelling becomes essential.
Our gut, often called the "Second brain," plays a significant role in digestion and overall well-being. It's home to many microbes that help break down food and support our immune system. However, travel can bring changes in time zones, meal timings, and eating unfamiliar foods. These shifts can upset the balance of these microbes, leading to digestive issues like bloating, gas, or diarrhoea.
Your brain goes into a mode called "Vacation Brain". This brain is more active and aware of its surroundings. It switches from regular functioning to concentrating on feeling and experiencing the vacation. This is when your digestion can take a little backdrop.
Disruptions to your gut can affect digestion, energy levels, and mood. Maintaining a healthy gut is crucial to prevent digestive issues from ruining travel experiences. This can be achieved by :
Paying attention to gut health by practising mindful eating and incorporating probiotics can improve our overall well-being.
Grabbing some probiotics for travel is essential for gut health. These friendly bacteria act like superheroes, supporting our digestive system. Changes in routine during travel can upset gut flora, leading to discomfort. Let's learn how probiotics can help.
Probiotics are live microorganisms that offer various health benefits when consumed adequately.
They work by;
One practical way to ensure you get enough probiotics is by taking supplements.
Finding the right probiotics for travel can make a real difference in keeping your gut happy and your journey enjoyable. Here are various types of travel-friendly probiotics and highlight some recommended products.
1. Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium Strains: These probiotics are well-known and versatile. Lactobacillus supports digestion and immune health, while Bifidobacterium aids in maintaining a balanced gut environment. These strains are commonly found in yoghurt and fermented foods.
2. Saccharomyces boulardii: This probiotic yeast prevents traveller diarrhoea and other digestive disturbances. It's a robust option for supporting gut health during trips.
3. Spore-forming Probiotics: These are great probiotics that can withstand travel-related challenges. Their protective outer layer makes them suitable for surviving changes in temperature and other environmental factors.
Make sure you choose the suitable strains of probiotics for your needs.
Another villain who may enter the scene while travelling is constipation. Constipation can tag along with us during travel, making our adventures less enjoyable. Understanding its causes and having effective remedies at hand can ensure a smoother journey.
Along with the routine changes, travelling causes limited physical activity, which contributes to travel constipation.
To prevent or alleviate travel-related constipation, here are some natural remedies and practical tips:
1. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep your digestive system running smoothly. Dehydration can worsen constipation.
2. Fibre-rich foods: Pack snacks like fruits, nuts, and whole-grain crackers. Fibre aids digestion and prevents constipation.
3. Physical Movement: Stretch, walk, or do simple exercises during breaks to stimulate bowel movement.
4. Prunes and Fig Snacks: These natural laxatives can offer quick relief.
5. Herbal Teas: Chamomile, ginger, and peppermint teas can soothe your stomach and encourage regularity.
6. Probiotics: Consider taking probiotics before and during travel to support gut health and regular digestion.
7. Avoid Excessive Processed Foods: High-fat or sugary foods can slow digestion, leading to constipation.
8. Routine Maintenance: Try to eat and use the bathroom regularly to keep your body's rhythm intact.
Travel constipation is common, but armed with these remedies and tips, you can enjoy your journeys without discomfort.
Getting ready for a journey involves more than just packing your bags; it also means preparing your body, especially your gut. By introducing probiotics before departure, you're giving your gut a head start. These helpful bacteria can improve digestion, prevent bloating, and even boost your immune system. They help maintain a balanced gut, which is essential for comfortable travels.
It is a good idea to start about a week before your vacation. This gives the probiotics time to settle in and prepare to handle any digestive challenges that might pop up during your journey. As for dosage, follow the instructions on the label of your chosen probiotic product. It is always best to seek professional help regarding this before travelling.
One of the most exciting parts of travelling is trying new cuisines and recipes. But what if they can be harmful to our digestive health?
Experiencing a traveller's diarrhoea can be frustrating during an otherwise enjoyable trip. This prevalent problem can interfere with our schedules and impact our digestive health. Fortunately, again our helpful remedy is : The PROBIOTICS.
Taking probiotics before and during your trip can help maintain a balanced gut environment, reducing the risk of diarrhoea. They can also help ease the symptoms if diarrhoea does strike. These beneficial bacteria act as reinforcements, supporting your gut's natural defence mechanisms.
Next time, before you book your ticket, prepare your gut. A healthy gut can create a more pleasant and worry-free travel experience. You won't have to stress about changes to your routine or cuisine and can enjoy exploring new places. Don't hesitate to take probiotics before you travel. At Nirva, we offer expert assistance in prioritizing your gut health. Our team of dieticians, health coaches, and doctors are always available to assist you. Book your appointment today with Nirva and prepare to explore the world in good health.
Travelling disrupts your routine, including mealtimes, sleep patterns, and food choices. This can upset the balance of good and bad bacteria in your gut, leading to digestive issues like bloating, gas, or diarrhoea.
Probiotics are live bacteria that benefit your gut health. They can help maintain a balanced gut environment, reducing the risk of digestive problems caused by travel.
Ideally, start taking probiotics a week before your trip to allow them to establish themselves in your gut.
Stay hydrated, eat plenty of fibre-rich foods, maintain some routine in your meals and bathroom habits, and consider natural laxatives like prunes or figs.
If unsure about the water safety, stick to bottled water or purified water to avoid consuming harmful bacteria.
Absolutely! Introduce new foods gradually and prioritize hygiene when choosing street food vendors.
Manage stress through relaxation techniques, pack healthy snacks for on-the-go situations, and get some physical activity during your travels.
Consulting your doctor is recommended, especially if you have any pre-existing health conditions. They can advise on the right probiotic type and dosage for you.
Dr J S S Dev
Dr. J S S Dev is a passionate Ayurveda practitioner dedicated to promoting a holistic approach to health and well-being. With a profound understanding of Ayurvedic principles, he focuses on the power of prevention through ancient wisdom. Through insightful teachings and personalised guidance, he empowers individuals to embrace Ayurveda as a way of life, enabling them to proactively prevent diseases and cultivate a path to optimal health. With a firm belief in the body's innate capacity to heal, Dr. Dev is committed to helping people lead enriched lives by harmonising the mind, body, and spirit using the timeless principles of Ayurveda.