Dealing with Vacation Constipation

Have you every noticed that when you travel, you often have a change in bowel habits?  For those of us who suffer from chronic constipation,  this can further exacerbate symptoms and affect our vacation plans. Vacation constipation, also known as travel constipation, occurs when you are not having a bowel movement on your regular schedule.   It is a fairly common condition, even if you are usually regular.  In fact, around 40% of people experience constipation while they travel.Some of the reasons constipation occurs when you are away from home include excessive sitting on the airplane, changes in food and alcohol intake, dehydration and a change in exercise routines. The gut is stimulated by movement, so sitting in a car or plane can cause intestinal clogs. Additionally, on vacation we tend to eat greasier heavier foods and drink less water. Further, airplane travel alone causes dehydration.Additionally, our gut bacteria react to changes in settings and environments, which alters how the bowel works and throws the microflora off balance. Any change in routine, such as traveling across time zones, can cause issues with regularity.  Some studies also show that the movement of the colon follows biological rhythms, which can be thrown off during travel. Lastly, constipation is influenced by stress,  and incidents such as packing, navigating through the crowded airport, extended family visits, etc. can negatively affect bowel function.To combat vacation constipation, drink water on the plane and avoid drinking alcohol while flying. Also, be proactive by eating a lot of fiber at meals and avoiding new foods and ingredients, which may negatively affect bowel movement. Bring  a fiber supplement, stool softener, or magnesium oxide with you on your trip. Take a probiotic a few days before you travel, and take it daily while on vacation. Lastly, stay active and go to the gym and move around as much as possible.