7 Reasons Why Your Stomach Doesn't Want You To Go On Holiday
When your bum decides it doesn't need to work anymore.
Published for DULCOLAX, 11 Nov 2016, 11:59 AM
Do you have tummy troubles when you travel? Sometimes you just... can't... go...
Even though you really really want to.
Or maybe, you just go a little too often...
And it's always at the worst possible time...
Well don't worry because it's totally normal! Here are the reasons why your body unravels into poop mayhem when you're traveling and what you can do about it:
1. Traveling is dehydrating
Water helps things move along in the colon.
When you’re on the go, it’s easy to forget to drink water. Especially if you’re traveling and dread the thought of finding a public toilet in less than stellar conditions…
What you should do: Bring a water bottle with you and take regular sips throughout the day.
2. You’re eating all the yummy food and prefer fried over fibre
The best part of going somewhere new is all the delicious food you can't get back home! Nyum nyum.
Unfortunately, your stomach may not be able to keep up with your eyes. Plus you need fresh fruit and veggies to help you poop.
What you should do: Well... You're not gonna want to hear this, but you should go easy on all that food :( Take a break from deep-fried street eats and get fresh fruits from the local market instead. Your body will thank you later.
3. Your relaxing holiday is too... relaxing
Holidays are definitely a time to rest and relax. But all that awesome lazing means you're not doing much moving. And, well, you gotta move your body in order to move things along inside ;)
What you should do: If you're a regular exerciser, spend an hour in the hotel gym or do some yoga in your room. Not so into exercise? Take a walk by the beach or do some sightseeing.
4. Your tummy naturally gets uptight at any change of routine
Whether it's business or pleasure, your tummy doesn't take to change well. You can't just relax and go, no matter how hard you try. It's not your fault.
Your body requires a lot of coordination and communication between your brain and your bowels. When you're traveling, you may just never be relaxed enough in a new place to go to the toilet.
What you should do: If water, fruits and veggies, and exercise aren't doing the trick, and you're still unable to poop after three days, try taking a safe laxative called Dulcolax.
5. You wake up in a different time zone
Most people "do their business" at around the same time everyday. Your body is used to this timetable.
Jet lag can throw off your inner body clock which is controlled by your enteric nervous system (also known as your "second brain").
Your day gets shifted by a few hours and that throws off your regular digestion cycle. It takes a while for your "second brain" to reset to the new time zone your in.
What you should do: Get as much rest as you can in the first 24 hours. As tempting as it is to make the most of your time, don't plan a guided tour around the historical sites on the day you land.
6. Not being comfortable in another toilet
Are you the kind of person who just can't "go" in a toilet that isn't yours? You are not alone!
Many people struggle outside of their "toilet comfort zone," especially when you're dealing with airport, plane, bus, hotels... There's no place like home!
What should you do: It's really bad to keep it in. You'll feel bloated and uncomfortable, and will make your eventual bowel movement really hard and painful to pass :( When you need to go, head to a clean bathroom (such as your hotel room) and let it go.
7. Not giving yourself enough time to poop
You're super excited to be in this amazing place and just wanna explore and see and taste and wow all the things. Your days are packed, you don't wanna miss the tour bus or be off schedule so you rush your toilet breaks and don't give yourself anytime to relax and go.
What you should do: Stop. Take a break. Allow your body to rest. And give yourself some alone time in the toilet mmmkay?
Just remember these simple steps to keep your stomach in check while you travel
2. Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water
3. Keep your diet balanced with fruits and vegetables
4. Get a little exercise in
5. Take your time in the bathroom
6. Don't hold it in
7. Bring a high quality laxative like Dulcolax with you.
Dulcolax is highly recommended by doctors worldwide to gently stimulate your bowel. It’s effective and allows you to enjoy your travels worry-free with its predictable relief :D
Find out more here.
And while you're at it, grab yourself a brand new luggage bag
Guardian’s Travel Essential contest is giving away a cabin size luggage bag worth RM790. All you have to do is purchase Dulcolax Tables 30s and share your travel essentials on Guardian Malaysia's Facebook. The contest starts from 1st - 30th November; it's the perfect time to get ready for your next big trip!
Find out more at the Guardian Malaysia Facebook page.