Why is my digestion bad when I travel?

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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Use over-the-counter products. Digestion relief medication that contains the active ingredients loperamide (Imodium) or bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol, Kaopectate) helps reduce the frequency of loose, watery stools and ease cramping. Take as directed.

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A lack of oxygen or the proverbial thin air, as is common at high altitudes or during flights, can trigger inflammation in the intestinal tract in people with a corresponding predisposition.

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Holiday stress. Stress -- triggered by mall shopping, cooking, cleaning, travel, and family conflict -- can cause upset stomach and heartburn. On top of that, many people cope with stress by overeating and drinking too much.

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You can lower your risk of stomach issues on your next trip by:
  1. Drinking plenty of water.
  2. Eating whole foods whenever possible.
  3. Staying physically active.
  4. Managing emotional and physical Stress.
  5. Being mindful about food habits to avoid overeating.


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Most people improve within 1 to 2 days without treatment and recover completely within a week. However, you can have multiple episodes of traveler's diarrhea during one trip. The most common symptoms of traveler's diarrhea are: Suddenly passing three or more looser watery stools a day.

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It's possible that traveler's diarrhea may stem from the stress of traveling or a change in diet. But usually infectious agents — such as bacteria, viruses or parasites — are to blame. You typically develop traveler's diarrhea after ingesting food or water contaminated with organisms from feces.

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“First of all, the stress associated with catching with your flight and getting to the hotel can make your symptoms worse. But also being away from your usual place of eating and going to the bathroom can disrupt the bowels.

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Increase your dietary fiber to restore regular bowel movements. Limit processed foods and added sugar: These foods increase inflammation in your body and promote water retention. Aim to eat mainly whole foods for a few days after your trip to eliminate that post-vacation bloat!

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You are out of your regular environment and you come in contact with different bacteria and viruses from those you are exposed to back home. You touch many surfaces covered in bacteria and viruses, come in contact with hundreds of people, try new things, get stressed more which ultimately takes a toll on your body.

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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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Gas expands when you go up in altitude, meaning the gas in your tum inflates too. This can cause a distended tum and a pretty uncomfortable bloat. Pairing that with the lack of movement, dehydration and seating position, it can be pretty uncomfortable!

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If you're stressed about travel — the planning, the packing, the flight — it could register in your enteric nervous system, which can affect the regularity of bowel movements, as well as cause gas, bloating, and abdominal discomfort, Poppers says.

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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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