Everyone at least once suffered from constipation and constipation while traveling. In fact, constipation is one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders that affects during holidays or when you go away from home for a medium to long period. This is the so-called occasional constipation or traveller’s constipation and can also affect people who normally do not have bowel or bowel problems.
The causes of travel constipation
We can talk about constipation when you are unable to go to the bathroom for more than three days in a row, following a malfunctioning of the colon that cannot get rid of solid waste. If the problem persists for more than a week it is necessary to consult a doctor, as it can turn into a serious intestinal blockage which must be resolved in a timely manner to avoid serious consequences.
Because constipation occurs during a trip or while on vacation
In general, the journey causes a change in the rhythms of the body and therefore also the biological clock that regulates the need to eat and to evacuate. Furthermore, it is often difficult to use a toilet as soon as you feel the need during the journey, causing a strain that affects normal rhythms. In addition, jet-lag disorders affect digestive functioning and the speed of metabolism: a major change of time zone often means having lunch and dinner at different times from those of your routine, as well as a decrease in the fluids consumed daily, thus causing dehydration and therefore a hardening of the stool.
Here is a summary of the most common causes of traveler’s constipation :
- Trying and experimenting with new foods and drinks can impair the functioning of the digestive system, irritating the colon and blocking normal bodily functions.
- During the relocation, immobility, the absence of bathrooms and inadequate intake of food rich in fiber and water are all factors that affect intestinal regularity.
- Cohabitation with other people can inhibit the act of stool evacuation
- The different activities that you do on vacation compromise the healthy habits of the body.
- Generally, fewer vegetables, fruits and fiber-rich foods are eaten during a trip to adapt to the needs of the place and time.
Natural remedies for constipation that strikes on vacation
There are various natural methods to avoid or fight constipation during a trip in a simple way and without resorting to too drastic methods such as enemas. These are our tips for not getting constipated during the holidays:
- Go to the bathroom when you feel the need, constipation often begins when you skip the moment of the evacuation.
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day to avoid dehydration.
- Exercise and avoid inactivity which can cause your metabolism to slow down.
- Remember to add a good amount of fiber to your daily meals to ensure that your gastrointestinal tract is cleansed.
What to pack
Flax seeds and anatural laxative and can be added to meals. Magnesium supplements are also helpful in case of constipation. In fact, some studies have shown a correlation between constipation and low magnesium levels in the body. If you decide to take a specific dietary supplement against constipation , remember to read the package leaflet carefully so as not to exceed the doses, as overdoing the laxatives could prevent the absorption of important nutrients. A perhaps little known but effective supplement for regulating intestinal functions and Cascara.Cascara is a shrub commonly called Cascara Sagrada, or sacred bark, because legend has it that it was used to build Noah’s Ark. Its properties are known to relieve digestive and intestinal problems such as constipation .
Psyllium: a natural regulator
Psyllium is a herbaceous plant that takes its name from the Greek “psylla” or flea, due to the shape of its seeds similar to fleas. The fiber obtained from the cuticle of Psyllium seeds is useful for the regularity of intestinal transit, helps to normalize the consistency of the stool and therefore facilitates the moment of evacuation. You can learn more about everything you need to know about psyllium to regulate the intestine in the article How to promote intestinal regularity in a natural way: here is psyllium!
Rhubarb: a plant with laxative virtues
Rhubarb extract promotes the regularity of intestinal transit, the body’s purifying functions and digestive function. When given in small doses it is useful as a digestive, while in larger doses it works as wellnatural laxative . In particular, it allows the increase in the volume of feces and therefore facilitates its expulsion. Rhubarb can be taken as an infusion, in the form of an extract or as a component of a specific dietary supplement against constipation.
