Many of my IBS clients and patients tell me how worried they get at always needing to know where the nearest loo is. Put travelling abroad into the mix and a whopping 70% of us Brits have travelling loo concerns.
These can vary from finding a loo, travelling long distances, how clean the loos will be, whether there will be loo paper or whether the loos will be private enough. With all that worry it’s no wonder our bowels can play up as soon as we’ve packed our suitcase. One of the main keys is preparing for any eventuality, and nearly 19% of us are unprepared according to a study by Dulcolax.
It may sound obvious but knowing that you actually have somewhere to go to the loo is important to actually being able to go. Stress and worry can contribute to constipation so these issues can really spoil this precious time away that you’ve worked so hard for. Travelling can upset your body’s rhythm, getting up in the early hours sitting on a bus, coach, car or plane for long periods of time, and not eating your usual diet. Nearly 65% of us suffer from constipation when on holiday, so along with your sun cream and insect repellent it’s a good idea to carry a constipation remedy. Being constipated can leave you with symptoms of pain, gas and bloating, the last thing you want while in your beach clothes!
Prevention of course is key and here are a few tips while travelling away this summer to ensure constipation is kept at bay
1. Try to keep to your usual toilet routine when travelling even though you may get up at different times of the day.
2. Try not to worry about where the next loo stop is going to be, as stress can cause constipation. Unless you are travelling to a remote destination there are very likely to be facilities near by.
3. Avoid the airport bar if possible before flying as alcohol and fizzy drinks can cause dehydration which may alter the stool regularity.
4. Plan your snacks and drinks. Carry apples, nuts, raw carrot sticks, oatcakes which contain soluble fibre or if abroad enjoy the local fruits like figs, peaches and apricots.
5. Make sure you are hydrated, and drink about one and a half litre of waters daily. You may need more if you are travelling to tropical humid places. Always drink until the urine is pale yellow.
6. Physical activity will help a sluggish bowel, so get off the sun lounger and start walking, swimming, hire bikes, take a walk along the coast or a round of golf.
Visit www.letstalkconstipation.co.uk for more information.
