Scientists don’t know exactly how many people experience difficulties with bowel movements on holiday, a phenomenon sometimes called traveller’s constipation.
Sitting still for a long time, Varma says, can slow the muscle contractions that move food through your digestive system.A departure from your sleep routine can be a culprit. Changing time zones can disrupt your circadian rhythm, the internal clock that regulates sleep and digestion, Rao says: “If you’re not waking up at your usual time, your colon gets confused.”
Rao cautioned against bubbly drinks, like soda water or soft drink. While they can help with hydration, they may make you feel gassy and bloated.Schedule permitting, Garg says, you could try shifting your sleep schedule toward the time zone you’re visiting. Once there, exercise, even just 15 minutes of walking, can stimulate your colon.
Soluble fibre supplements, such as psyllium, tend to work well for constipation, she says. But be sure to drink them with water, which makes your stool softer and easier to pass. And it’s always a good idea to check with your doctor before taking any supplements.