Traveling can be an exciting adventure, but for many, like me, it comes with an unwanted companion: abdominal problems. Although I drink a lot of water and try to eat well, my abdomen still goes down when I travel. travel. To understand why this happens and how to combat it, I turned to Dr. Kelly Bender, a licensed naturopathic physician in California, for expert advice.
Travel affects our gastrointestinal tract in a variety of ways, as Dr. Schulz explains. She points out that adjustments in nutrition are a common factor. “Adjustments in nutrition during travel,” he notes, “either due to whim or lack of familiar foods. ” Beyond nutrition, it refers to two other vital disruptors: new pathogens and travel-related stress. These elements can particularly adjust our digestive processes.
“Your gastrointestinal system is controlled through the autonomic nervous system. So, when you’re stressed, act in fight or soft mode, which slows down digestion,” Dr. Bender adds, losing softness in the body’s physiological reaction to stress.
The demands on the air are different and include dehydration, oxidation, and inflammation. “This can lead to a lot of gastrointestinal symptoms,” Bender says, noting the variety of digestive issues that can arise. Our gut fitness is disrupting our circadian rhythm, especially when crossing time zones, which can disrupt our gastrointestinal functioning.
In addition, Dr. Bender refers to expressing the disorders that travelers would possibly face, such as traveler’s diarrhea, dysbiosis, and slowing down of gastrointestinal tract functions. These disorders manifest as gas, bloating, nausea, and constipation.
To mitigate those risks, Dr. Bender recommends measures.
These undeniable yet effective methods can help with good digestive health while traveling.
Dr. Bender and Shannon Race of Bio. me, a company that specializes in gut fitness and fiber supplements, emphasize the importance of maintaining gut fitness through nutrition, something that is overlooked during travel. “Most immune cells live in the gut, so keeping it in shape is crucial,” says Race.
She recommends adding prebiotics like Bio. me’s daily prebiotic fiber to your routine, which feeds the favorable bacteria in your gut. This can help maintain a balanced microbiome, which is imperative for proper digestion and immune function. Race also advises against dining on the plane, where the features are limited and possibly wouldn’t promote gut health. Instead, planning foods and snacks that are high in fiber and low in processed sugars can make a significant difference in how your gut responds to travel.
The use of probiotics (other than prebiotics) while traveling is highly recommended by fitness experts. “A combination of soluble and insoluble fiber is imperative for proper bowel function,” advises Dr. Bender. Soluble fiber, found in foods such as oatmeal, nuts, and beans help melt stool, making it easier to pass, while insoluble fiber, found in all grains and vegetables, helps food pass through the abdomen and intestines faster.
Dr. Bender suggests psyllium husk for its dual-fiber benefits and partially hydrolyzed guar gum for softer soluble fiber. These supplements can be especially helpful in improving regularity and avoiding constipation, a common travel-related problem. Daily incorporation of a probiotic supplement can also support a healthy balance of gut bacteria, which is imperative for effective digestion and can help prevent bloating and discomfort.
Both experts agree on the importance of staying hydrated, especially when traveling by plane, which can worsen dehydration. Drinking plenty of water helps keep the digestive formula moving and can prevent constipation. In addition, the use of antioxidants and anti-inflammatories would possibly be beneficial.
“Vitamin C, glutathione, and plant ingredients like boswellia and turmeric can help fight inflammation and oxidative stress that can occur during travel,” says Dr. Bender. These supplements can help soothe the digestive tract, decrease inflammation, and promote overall gut health. It’s also wise to avoid or restrict caffeine and alcohol flights, as they can lead to additional dehydration and disrupt your sleep patterns, further impacting your digestive health.
Traveling can be your stomach, but with these expert tips, you’ll be able to better prepare your gut for the journey. From maintaining a balanced diet, staying hydrated to using supplements like probiotics and fiber, these methods can help ensure your reports are fun and comfortable.
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