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Does traveling mess with your bowels?

But when you pack your bags, keep digestive health in mind. Tummy problems like diarrhea, constipation, and indigestion are all-too-common travel companions. Travel disrupts many of the body's natural rhythms, including digestion says Dr.



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Research suggest that most humans poop fairly regularly in the morning, and rarely do so at night. Traveling to a different time zone and/or experiencing jet lag can shift your usual schedule forward or back by several hours, which may mess with the usual restroom routine.

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Typically, this occurs due to how traveling may disrupt the body's natural rhythm. For example, time changes, altered eating schedules, and insufficient sleep and activity levels can all affect digestion. As such, travel is a common cause of constipation.

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Symptoms are usually mild. You may have traveler's diarrhea if you experience three or more loose stools within 24 hours. You may also experience: Urgent, frequent bowel movements.

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During travel, people tend to have higher stress levels and changes in their daily patterns. They may also eat different foods than usual. Any one or a combination of these factors could trigger an IBS flare in some individuals.

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Travellers' diarrhoea is when you have 3 or more bouts of loose, watery poo in 24 hours. Most cases are mild, but for some people it is severe. Travellers' diarrhoea tends to happen in the first week of travel. Symptoms last on average 3 to 5 days and usually get better without you needing specific treatment.

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The most common symptoms of traveler's diarrhea are: Suddenly passing three or more looser watery stools a day. An urgent need to pass stool. Stomach cramps.

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Away from home, we're less in control of what we eat and when we eat. We might treat ourselves to snacks and desserts more frequently on vacation. Maybe we're eating fewer vegetables and therefore getting less fiber, which can lead to constipation, says Dr. Quigley.

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Although most cases of travelers' diarrhea (TD) are acute and self-limited, a certain percentage of people afflicted will develop persistent (>14 days) gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms.

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Water or an oral rehydration solution is best. Drink at least 1 cup (240 milliliters) of liquid every time you have a loose bowel movement. Eat small meals every few hours instead of three big meals. Eat some salty foods, such as pretzels, crackers, soup, and sports drinks.

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