A couple of days into the vacation that you've been dreaming about, and... BAM, your GI tract rebels! Unfortunately, it’s an all-too-common scenario when we take a detour from our normal, daily routine.

But the good news is there are proven ways to help prevent digestive roadblocks from ruining your next big adventure!

Let’s unpack the best advice for avoiding a fun-stealing grumpy gut.

1. Just Add Water

You’re probably vigilant about regularly filling and refilling that water bottle at home and the office. But what happens when you vamoose from your familiar confines and take to the road? Likely, you may neglect vacation hydration, and that's a big mistake as dehydration is a major cause of constipation[i].

Reaching your daily fluid intake on the road can be challenging but not impossible. For air travel, pack an empty reusable water bottle and fill up at the water stations near the gates. For road trips or camping, consider toting a large H20 container that you can refill your water bottles with. The recommends women aim for 2.7 liters of fluid per day, while men should go for 3.7 liters.

2. Fiber is Your Friend

It’s no secret that fiber helps keep your digestive system running smoothly. To keep bowel movements regular, it’s best to eat as much fiber as you normally eat at home.  That means incorporating fruits, veggies, nuts, and whole grains into your travel menu.

But don’t overdo it, experts warn. According to the , high-fiber foods combined with dehydration can actually cause an increase in bloating and constipation. It's great to maintain a healthy diet on vacation, but don't eat more fiber than usual. 

3. Get Moving

Exercise, with all its digestive health benefits, is especially important while traveling.[ii] Like hydration, getting enough movement in your travel day can be tricky. But there are plenty of ways to sneak in your steps, even if your day is filled with planes, trains, and automobiles.

Wear good walking shoes, so you can take a brisk walk whenever the opportunity arises. Exploring a new city? Consider ditching the car, skipping the parking headache, and renting bikes for a movement infusion. Stuck in a hotel without a gym? Pace the halls or climb those stairs to up your physical activity tally. Your gut will thank you! 

4. Schedule Bathroom Breaks

We’ve all been there. Because you’re overwhelmed by all the new experiences, you ignore what your body is telling you. But if your body is telling you to go to the bathroom, don’t put it off.

Public restrooms or shared bathrooms may not be your cup of tea, but if you ignore the urge it can lead to or worsen constipation[iii]. It’s best to maintain your schedule. For instance, if you always use the bathroom after your first cup of morning Joe, schedule that time into your vacation day. 

5. Pre-Meal Supplementation

Let’s get real here. For many of us, vacation is a time to throw caution to the wind and indulge in local culinary specialties. (Hello Chicago-style deep-dish pizza, we mean you!) But here’s the thing, you don’t have to miss out on luscious eats to avoid an intestinal travel tantrum. Sometimes all it takes is some pre-meal support from digestive enzymes and pre and probiotics.

Taken daily, Digestive Enzymes from Zenwise® can help break down those hard-to-digest foods, including protein, dairy, raw veggies, fried foods, and alcohol. † Plus, the formula includes a prebiotic and a 10-strain probiotic blend, featuring Reliably Alive™ DE111®, that supports regularity and gut and immune health. †

This AVA-Certified Vegetarian supplement is available in convenient On-The-Go tins.  Tuck in purse or pocket to fend off occasional gas, bloating, and stomach upsets that can put a damper on your vacation plans. †

Looking for additional digestive supplement advice before your big trip? Our knowledgeable customer service team can’t wait to help. Reach them at support@zenwise.com or M-F from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST at (800) 940-1972.

And as always, all Zenwise® products are backed by the "Eat Freely...or it’s Free" guarantee!

Zenwise®. Then Eat.™

 

†These statements have not been evaluated by the food and drug administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

[i] https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/water-a-fluid-way-to-manage-constipation#:~:text=Dehydration%20is%20one%20of%20the,water%20from%20your%20food%20waste.

[ii] https://www.livestrong.com/article/356356-immediate-effects-of-exercise-in-the-digestive-system/

[iii] https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/concerned-about-constipation#:~:text=Ignoring%20an%20urge%20to%20have,the%20delay%20is%20too%20long.