Why does traveling mess up your bowels?

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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Travel constipation happens when you don't keep to your regular schedule. Sitting for hours, like during a long flight and train or bus rides, and having your usual diet interrupted are two possible culprits. Constipation can last for a day or two or longer.

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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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Traveler's diarrhea The primary symptom is indicated by the name, but traveler's diarrhea can also cause abdominal cramping, vomiting and even fever, if the infection is bad enough. This is more common when traveling to certain areas of the world where the risk of gastroenteritis is high, says Dr. Quigley.

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After returning from a trip, it's important to reset your digestive system. If you're feeling bloated, a post-vacation detox eliminates the sugar and salt cravings you may have developed while away. Hit up the grocery store for whole and nutrient-rich foods, including fresh produce and lean proteins.

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Traveler's diarrhea appears to be most common in warmer climates, in areas of poor sanitation and lack of refrigeration. In addition, the lack of safe water and taking short cuts to preparing foods are also major risk factors. In areas where food handling education is provided, rates of traveler's diarrhea are low.

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Acute infectious diarrhea associated with travel (i.e., travelers' diarrhea) has been identified as an important risk factor for the development of initial-onset IBS.

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If you have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), travel can present some not-so-fun challenges. The cramping, bloating and other icky symptoms of IBS can make travel by plane or vehicle anxiety-ridden and stressful.

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Learn some ways to treat travelers' diarrhea
  1. Drink lots of fluids. If you get diarrhea, drink lots of fluids to stay hydrated. ...
  2. Take over-the-counter drugs. Several drugs, such as loperamide, can be bought over-the-counter to treat the symptoms of diarrhea. ...
  3. Only take antibiotics if needed.


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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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Here's a simple detox plan to rid your body of that salt-sugar-alcohol-fat overload and bring back your curves without major sacrifice.
  1. Skip the coffee. ...
  2. Bottoms up! ...
  3. Eat raw veggies with every meal. ...
  4. Get your daily fiber fix. ...
  5. Eat home-cooked meals. ...
  6. Spice up your workout. ...
  7. Break up with sugar.


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