Why is it more difficult for us to go to the toilet on holiday?

Many people experience difficulty with their bowel movements when they are on holiday, and this can have several causes. Below are some of the main reasons.

On vacation, the daily rhythm often changes, including eating and sleeping times. This can affect digestion and bowel movements. People often eat differently on holiday than at home. This can range from trying new foods to eating more processed or fatty foods, which can affect digestion.

People sometimes forget to drink enough water when they travel, especially if they are engaged in activities or in hot climates. Lower fluid intake can lead to constipation. Traveling, even for pleasure, can be stressful. Changes in environment and routines can cause stress, which can affect bowel movements.

Make sure you eat enough fiber, such as vegetables, fruit, whole grain products and legumes. This helps to keep bowel movements regular. Make sure you stay hydrated by drinking enough water throughout the day. Avoid excessive alcohol and caffeine consumption, as these substances can promote dehydration. Try to get some exercise in every day, whether it's walking, swimming or another form of exercise. This helps stimulate digestion.

By taking these measures, you can reduce the chance of digestive problems during your vacation and enjoy your time away from home more. Taking probiotics preventively has not proven to be useful.

Source: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00384-023-04333-9

Author: Prof. Dr. Dirk Devroey - Latest update: 2024-07-15 - Copyright: Clinifacts 2024