Digestive Health While Traveling
It is common to experience gastrointestinal discomfort when traveling because the digestive system is sensitive to the physical and psychological stress that is related to unfamiliar environments.
The most common gastrointestinal problems include indigestion, abdominal pain, constipation, bloating, gas and diarrhea and they are usually caused by changes in the size and timing of meals, changes in the types of foods eaten, changes to the internal body clock, dehydration, an increase in the amount of time spent sitting, change in normal routine, the inability to respond to the urge to defecate because of a lack of immediate access to a bathroom and jet lag, or contaminated food and/or water.
Tips to help regulate your gastrointestinal tract and relieve digestive discomfort while traveling include drinking bottled or filtered water to maintain adequate hydration but avoiding iced drinks because ice can be a source of bacterial and viral infection. Avoid alcoholic and caffeinated drinks like coffee, tea and cola because they are dehydrating.
When traveling, it is safest to bring your own food, but if that is not possible, you can avoid bacterial, viral and parasitic infections by staying away from raw fruits, vegetables and salads. Fruits and vegetables that have been cooked are the safest, but fruit with thick skin like oranges and bananas that you can peel yourself, are usually safe to eat.
Good digestion leads to healthy immunity, so keep to your regular meal and bedtimes while traveling which will help keep your digestive system on schedule. Eat a good breakfast and eat nourishing meals that contain healthy fats and fiber while avoiding fatty, oily, spicy and overly processed foods. In Tradition Chinese nutrition, foods containing the color yellow can strengthen the digestive system. Try adding sweet potato, carrot, pumpkin, ginger, zucchini, and chestnuts in daily meals to reduce the chances of digestive discomfort.
You will spend a great deal of time seated when traveling by car, train, or air, so get up from your seat and stretch and move on a train or plane and stop occasionally when driving to take some short walks. Movement encourages gastric motility that will help keep your digestive system moving as well.
Stress and anxiety of travel can also manifest as digestive problems. Relaxation exercises like deep breathing techniques, yoga, meditation, and muscle relaxation can compensate for the stressors involved in getting from place to place.
The gut microbiome is key to maintaining overall health and a strong immune response, particularly when traveling. If you are prone to chronic digestive issues, eat fermented foods such as yogurt, sauerkraut, and Kimchi which can be natural sources of probiotics or take a probiotic regularly every morning and include dietary enzymes along with your meals. You can also take our Earth Element herbal supplement to help maintain and support digestive health and function.
If you experience mild indigestion or stomach discomfort while traveling eat lightly, or skip meals, consume bland foods like rice porridge, and drink ginger juice or tea to soothe stomach discomfort. Remember too, that some of the symptoms of COVID-19 include digestive issues like loss of appetite, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and gastrointestinal bleeding. These can also stem from common causes like stomach flu or food poisoning, but if your symptoms are severe and you suspect that you may have contracted COVID-19, seek immediate medical attention.
If you have any particular concerns before you hit the road, consult with your Chinese medicine practitioner who can assist you in preparing for a safe and healthy trip.
Enjoy a happy, healthy summer!