Travelling is fun. When you are about to travel, you need to watch what you eat. It is not a time to eat as you please lest you have tummy troubles. Travel can be stressful for your digestive system. You may not have your normal, healthy diet available, and you may be eating new foods in new locations, including more processed foods. To keep your tummy healthy while travelling, consider the following expert tips.
1. Don’t overeat
Eating at new restaurants and trying new foods is part of the fun of travelling. However, you need to resist the urge to overeat because it stretches the tummy. Research has found that people who overeat are 10 times more likely to need emergency medical attention for food obstruction.
2. Eat more fibre
To keep your bowel movements regular, nutritionists advise that you eat more fibre than you would normally eat at home. The best sources of fibre include fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and beans. The main reason for constipation while travelling is the lack of adequate fibre.
3. Drink lots of water
Dehydration is another major cause of constipation, so drinking lots of water while travelling is compulsory. Stick to bottled water if there is any question about its safety because contaminated water will disrupt the gut.
4. Choose beverages wisely
Overconsumption of drinks that contain a lot of sugar, caffeine, or alcohol can irritate the digestive system, especially in people who have sensitive stomachs. Coffee and alcohol can speed up digestion, meaning there is less time for the intestines to absorb water, causing water, diarrhoea-like stools.
5. Wash your hands
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before you eat. Do this to avoid spreading germs and illness. Your hands are quick to pick of germs, wash your hands thoroughly or use hand sanitisers to break free from germs.
6. Carry medications
Regarding prescription medications, it’s important to see a healthcare provider first prior to taking antibiotics or other medications for gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. Always see a healthcare provider if you have more than mild to moderate symptoms or any alarm symptoms, including fevers, bloody diarrhoea, or bloody vomiting, severe abdominal pain, [or]intractable GI symptoms.