It doesn’t matter how regular you are back home, there’s just something about going on holiday that miraculously makes going to the toilet a little more difficult than usual.
If you’re prone to at least one No. 2 per day, then it will come as a surprise to discover that you haven’t pooped even once in the last three days of your holiday.
And this predicament can happen on almost any holiday, short or long, local or international.
Read more: Tips to avoid or treat travellers’ diarrhoea
“Whilst a change of scenery can help us unwind and feel more relaxed when we go on holiday, our bowels don’t always appreciate change,” says CEO of Bladder and Bowel Health Australia, Deborah Gordon.
“Our bowels can become ‘creatures of habit’ and your usual morning routine can get thrown out of whack if you are in a different timezone, eating different foods and maybe not as active as you might be at home.”
But there are things we can do to stop our bowel movements from getting in the way of a perfectly enjoyable holiday.
You may be tempted to move very little on your next holiday, perhaps spending more time on the beach than anywhere else, but Gordon says your bowel will thank you for staying active.
“Try and make sure that you get some exercise — walking is great,” she told Travel at 60.
“It might be tempting to laze by the pool or chill in the day spa, but your bowels can also slow down, leading to uncomfortable constipation.”
We’re much more likely to indulge in the odd glass of alcohol while we’re on holiday, but that might lead to some uncomfortable toilet situations. “Ensure that you drink plenty of fluids — water is best when a safe supply is available,” says Gordon. “Alcohol can lead to dehydration so make sure that you have some non-alcoholic drinks to hand.”
You’re likely going to opt for some unhealthier foods options while on holiday, rather than what you’d regularly have at home, but it is important to eat as many fruit and vegetables as possible. “It may be difficult to be served adequate quantities of fruit and vegetables when travelling, so it may be helpful to choose the fruit platter at breakfast, have a side order of vegetables, or maybe buy some local produce to boost your fibre intake,” Gordon advises. And if it’s not likely that you’ll opt for healthier food options while on holiday, why not pack some basic fibre supplements in your luggage, trying them before your trip to see how your body responds.