How to Stay Regular When Traveling

Imagine your excitement as you take off for a long-anticipated trip. But within a few days, you feel bloated and pained. Constipation is one of the most common problems associated with traveling. You can stay regular during your next trip by following these steps.

Instructions

1

Recognize nature's call by trying to have a bowel movement at the same time every day. Your body gets used to a routine. Altering your bathroom routine because of time zone changes often results in more difficulty moving the bowels.

2

Add fiber to your diet. Choose fruits, vegetables, fruits, whole grain breads and high-fiber cereal over fast food meals whenever possible. Carry dried fruit snacks with you. If fruits and vegetables are scarce where you are going, drink prune juice occasionally. Start increasing your fiber intake before your trip to stay healthy.

3

Drink plenty of fluids each day. Travelers often wait until they're thirsty before drinking, but thirst doesn't arrive until you're already too dry. Water is best-six to eight 8-ounce glasses. If you're not certain about the water quality where you're traveling, drink bottled water. You can substitute some non-caffeinated, non-alcoholic drinks for water, but caffeine and alcohol dry out the colon.

4

Move your body to get your blood circulating. Daily exercise, even a 15-minute walk, can help you keep regular.

5

Explore natural remedies. Homeopaths recommend any of the following homeopathic preparations for treatment of constipation: alumina, lycopodium or nux vomica. Ask a practitioner for dosage suggestions or interactions with other medications you may be taking.

6

Soften stools by taking bulk-forming laxatives, like Metamucil. Mix the laxative with water or juice and drink quickly. Another option is to sprinkle unrefined miller's bran on cereal or fruit. Avoid stimulant laxatives as they can be habit forming.