How to keep your stomach from getting upset while travelling

One of the ubiquitous problems faced by most travellers is their stomach getting upset and that can spoil the fun of travelling. Gas, pain, constipation, and diarrhoea, among others, can play spoilsport if you have digestive issues. A two to three-day trip can go down the drain if intestine-related ailments take a toll on you. Lack of sleep and change in cuisine can trigger these health issues for travellers.

Medical experts cite stress and change in normal routine as the reasons for health problems such as stomach bloating, stomach ache, restlessness, and lack of appetite during travelling. Food intake and sleep pattern get affected and these factors can lead to digestive problems resulting in constipation among backpackers. Constipation can also precipitate gas trouble and that can bring forth a change in hormones and bacterial imbalance in the stomach.

The stomach is also known as the 'second brain' as the enteric nervous system helps the brain to gauge whether the food in the body has any nutrients or is junk. There are many neurons in the intestines that control the functioning of the digestive system. Any kind of stress or anxiety can mar the intricate enteric nervous system of the intestines.

The mode of transportation too will have a telling effect on the stomach. In order to ensure safe air travel, the air pressure inside the aircraft is different from the atmospheric pressure. Though this may not create any breathing problems, the difference in air pressure is not good for the stomach as the expansion of intestines may create health issues, say experts. Intestine-related ailments can also plague travellers who procrastinate visits to toilets while travelling by bus, car or train.

How to prevent stomach-related disorders during travel

You may not be able to follow your normal routine while travelling. And there will not be any fizz if you replicate the usual schedule during sojourns, isn’t it? One should tread a different path while embarking on a journey and that’s the crux of every trip. But one should be aware of how to keep away from stomach disorders while touring and that could help one to be free of mental tension too.

Half of the digestive problem is solved if you include adequate vegetables and water in your diet along with having food from new places. Intake of adequate quantity of curd, whole grains, lemon and leafy vegetables should also be ensured. Make sure that you have food from hygienic eating outlets otherwise you will be hit hard by vomiting and diarrhoea.

The National Institute of Health had vouched for the fact that lack of sleep can create difficulties in emptying the bowels. So proper sleep is a must, no matter where you are travelling.

It is advisable not to rest statically for too long while travelling as your metabolism activities too are in motion while you are on the move. Instead, walk for a while during breaks in the journey. Doing yoga and light workouts during journey breaks can also help to keep gas trouble at bay. If you are not able to do any physical exercise, it is better to seek medical advice and stock pills to have hassle-free trips.