8 Easy Tips to Avoid a Grumpy Gut While Traveling

1. Don’t overeat

Part of the fun of vacationing is eating at new restaurants and trying new foods. However, Ravella says resist the temptation to overeat.

“Overeating stretches the stomach, and research has found that people who overeat are 10 times more likely to need emergency medical attention for food obstruction,” she said.

2. Eat plenty of fiber

To keep your bowel movements regular, Colleen Webb, nutritionist and spokesperson for OMG! Nutrition, says eat as much fibre as you would normally eat at home. The best sources of fibre include fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and beans.

“Stick to cooked vegetables and peeled fruits to reduce your risk of food borne illness,” Webb said.

Ravella agrees, noting the main reason for constipation while traveling is lack of adequate fibre.

“Minimise your intake of processed foods. Pack healthy snacks to eat, or buy them at local groceries. Try to make sure you’re including as many whole-plant foods (which are rich in fibre) as you can, even if you’re eating out,” Ravella said.

3. Drink lots of water

Dehydration is another major cause of constipation, so drinking lots of water while vacationing is a must.

“But find out ahead of time if the water is safe to drink,” Webb said. “Stick to bottled water if there is any question about its safety. And avoid ice cubes in places where the water isn’t safe. 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 GI 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 stools,” Ravella said.

5. Get groceries from local stores

To give your stomach a rest from restaurant and processed foods, buying fresh food from nearby markets and cooking at your resort or hotel is an option.

“This is a great way to learn another culture, save money, and take a break from dining out,” Webb said.

“Eating at home is almost always better for digestive health than eating out,” Webb adds. “It’s more likely you’ll get food poisoning while traveling compared to eating at home. Not only can food poisoning lead to GI misery in the short term, but it can cause post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) that can last a lifetime.”

Traveler’s diarrhoea is another common illness that can occur after eating food or drinking water that’s contaminated with bacteria, viruses, or parasites.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that while traveler’s diarrhoea “can occur anywhere, the highest-risk destinations are in most of Asia (except for Japan) as well as the Middle East, Africa, Mexico, and Central and South America.”

To help reduce the risk of getting traveler’s diarrhoea, the CDC published a food and safety list.

“Follow practices to avoid traveler’s diarrhoea… Try to avoid eating street food, stick to bottled water, and make sure your food is cooked,” Ravella said.

6. Go to the bathroom

While having a bowel movement in a public restroom or shared hotel room is uncomfortable for some people, Webb says don’t ignore your urge to go to the washroom.

“Doing so can cause irregular [bowel movements] and GI discomfort. Ignoring the urge to go can lead to constipation. A few days of constipation can lead to diarrhoea when the urge finally strikes,” she said.

Webb says other common food triggers for diarrhoea while traveling include spicy and oily foods, which are often used in restaurants.

7. Wash your hands

Before eating, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water to avoid spreading germs and illness. The Mayo Clinic suggests washing your hands in the following way:

1. Use warm or cold running water to wet your hands.
2. Cup your hands and apply liquid, bar, or powder soap, and lather well.
3. Rub your hands, palm to palm, for at least 20 seconds. Scrub all parts of your hand, including the back, between the fingers and under the fingernails.
4. Wash your wrists too.
5. Rinse.
6. Use a clean towel to dry your hands.
7. Use the towel to turn off the faucet.

8. Carry medications

Ravella says over-the-counter medications, such as antacids, can help with heartburn. For symptomatic management of mild traveler’s diarrhoea, she says having bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) and loperamide (Imodium) on hand might be a good idea.

“Regarding prescription medications, it’s important to see a healthcare provider first prior to taking antibiotics or other medications for GI symptoms,” Ravella said.

“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,” she said.

And to ensure you’re rested and ready to take on any GI issues, Webb says, “A well-absorbed magnesium bisglycinate chelate supplement can improve jet lag and promote relaxation and sleep while traveling.”