The truth about why it’s so hard to poo on holiday revealed
HOLIDAY constipation is a real thing, it turns out.
You know how it starts, you get to your destination and all of sudden the bloat begins.
And when you eventually find your hotel toilet you can’t seem to go, no matter how hard you try.
Sometimes this feeling lasts for days, and you could even end up not going for a number two your entire holiday.
So why do we get vacation constipation? And how can get rid of it?
It’s usually because of the sudden change in eating routine, gastroenterologist Vijaya Rao explained.
Your body is used to the foods you regularly eat at home, so when that changes, your digestive system gets confused and reacts differently.
“A lot of times it’s just the change in routine, coupled with the extra stress of travelling,” Dr Rao, a professor of medicine at The University of Chicago School of Medicine, told Health.
The constipation can start when you’re on your way – whether it’s on the plane or a long road trip.
Toilet access is somewhat limited while travelling and this can disrupt your digestive system, Dr Vijaya explained
And chances are you also feel less comfortable pooping in a hotel toilet, so you hold on a little longer than normal.
Your sleep also plays a role in the digestive process.
Normally when we travel our sleep is disrupted a bit, meaning our bodies don’t process food as well as they usually do.
Studies have actually linked sleep disorders to digestion issues.
All of this, coupled with the different foods you are eating, can wreak havoc with your insides.
But, luckily, there are ways you can beat the bloat and get back to enjoying your holiday.
1. Protect your gut
Before your trip, take some probiotics (live bacteria and yeasts, usually added to yoghurt or available as supplements) to keep your guy happy and healthy.
Some research suggests probiotics can soften stools and ease constipation.
Dr Rao said more research is needed into how probiotics work, but it can’t hurt to take them.
2. Keep it moving
Moving around can actually help your bowels, so get walking!
Even when you’re on the plane you should try to get up and move as much as you can.
This will get your blood flowing to keep your digestive system working, the doctor said.
3. Eat right
Keeping your bowel healthy starts with what you are putting in it.
If you’re indulging and eating lots of high-fat, unhealthy junk foods coupled with too much booze – hey no judgement, you’re on holiday – then you’re likely to have some toilet trouble.
That doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a few on your holiday though, just make sure you are also drinking plenty of water and eating lots of high fibre foods like fruit and vegetables to get everything moving.
And if you are still struggling to poop, a laxative can help get your bowels moving again, the expert explained.
Word of warning: be sure you are always close enough to a toilet when they kick in.
NORMAL FOR YOU
When it comes to going for a number two, plenty of people aren’t really sure what’s normal.
Depending on your diet, age, and activity, regularity can mean anything from three bowel movements a day to three each week.
Keeping an eye on what’s ‘normal’ for you though is crucial, as is being aware of the signs and symptoms of bowel cancer:
- Bleeding from the back passage, or blood in your poo
- A change in your normal toilet habits – going more frequently for example
- Pain or a lump in your tummy
- Extreme tiredness
- Losing weight
If you notice any changes to your usual habits that last for three weeks, don’t be embarrassed, speak to your GP.