While you are traveling or away from home, you might end up at rest stops, bathrooms at gas station or the airplane lavatory several times, without ever intending to and this could leave you stressed, distressed and out of focus. So, while you are eating on the go, even a slight alteration in your eating habits, insufficient intake of fluids and travel stress can all result in problems with varying intensities, like constipation, heartburn, and traveler’s diarrhea.
Preventing Diarrhea
One of the main reasons behind traveler’s diarrhea is eating bacteria-laden food or drinks. When eating on the go, people with intolerances toward certain foods might also fall prey to traveler’s diarrhea. The best way to avoid diarrhea altogether:
- Staying away from unpasteurized beverages and food
- Ensuring the meat is completely cooked through and served hot
- Avoiding eating from street vendors
- Drinking bottled water and avoid ice unless you are sure it was made with mineral water
- Don’t eat uncooked fruits and vegetables and never even look at unpeeled fruits unless you have peeled them yourself
Curing Diarrhea
If you are unable to digest the food you are consuming while traveling, you can remember these quick tips to stop diarrhea from ruining your trip:
- Say no to greasy foods that come loaded with fat and even foods that are rich in fiber.
- Let go off all the caffeine in your life
- Stay as far as possible from dairy products
- Avoid unnecessary sweetened drinks
Curing Constipation
While you are making sure diarrhea doesn’t ruin your trip by making you pay endless visits to the toilet, you might also want to give some consideration to constipation as it is not pleasant either. Lack of bowel movement can make you go through abdominal pain and discomfort and you might end up not paying attention in your business meeting. It gets a tad difficult to stick to your schedule while experiencing the problems which come with eating on the go:
- Fall back on consuming medicines that may increase constipation, like iron and calcium supplements
- Keep yourself hydrated with lots of water
- Incorporate as much as possible fiber in your meals
- Don’t prolong your visit to the lavatory. Make it as quick as you can
- Keep a check on your stress level
- Stick to a consistent diet like the one you enjoy at home.