Travel should spark excitement, yet it often brings worry when your gut feels unpredictable.
In fact, diarrhoea affects nearly 40% to 60% of travellers depending on the place they travel and it is the most common travel associated condition.
In this article, you’ll learn about why travel can feel overwhelming and the step-by-step plan to handle that discomfort and enjoy travelling despite having digestive issues.
Why Travel Feels Overwhelming
Travel disrupts many of the body's natural rhythms, including digestion.
Time changes, altered eating schedules and impaired sleep are all triggers, especially in those who already have sensitive guts and IBS.
Research reveals that 28% of people with IBS-like symptoms avoided travel at least once in the past year.
Having battled with Crohn's disease for 16 years, I can empathise with this. I was always apprehensive to commit to travelling because I feared being caught out.
What’s worse is that when you’re already apprehensive about travelling, because of the gut-brain-axis, you end up in a cycle where anxiety fuels digestive issues, which fuels more anxiety.
Your Travel Game Plan
Before You Go
Pack foods you know are safe and research eating options at your destination. In developing countries, stick to bottled water and avoid ice that may come from unclean sources.
From my own experience, I always travel with Cosmic Hue and continue my daily routine while I’m away. The tea helps calm both my nerves and my gut during travel.
During Travel
Flying
Flying can absolutely make IBS symptoms worse due to cabin pressure and stress. Many people also experience what’s described as “jet belly”.
However, hot water is usually available on flights for tea and coffee. So you can pack a digestive support tea like Cosmic Hue in your carry on and make it during the flight.
Definitely avoid carbonated drinks and gas-producing foods before boarding and move around during long flights to help with digestion.
Road Trips
Travelling the car is better because you can control the stops. Take a break every 1-2 hours to stretch and walk at service stations. This helps with both stress and digestion.
It’s also helpful to pack a hot flask with Cosmic Hue or ask for hot water at a petrol station to brew your Cosmic Hue. Overall, try to relax, stay hydrated and enjoy your journey.
Hotel Stays
There is much to enjoy in a new hotel but keeping some of your routine keeps your body and gut in a healthy rhythm.
Enjoy trying new food if you feel comfortable with that, that’s part of the joy of travelling, but pack familiar snacks and try to maintain regular meal times when possible.
Conclusion
The real secret isn't about having a perfect plan for every scenario when travelling, it's about giving your body the right support so it can handle whatever comes your way.
When I weighed just 5 stone after emergency surgery, travel felt impossible. But I was still determined to live life by following the tips above.
Even though I no longer struggle with digestive issues, I still pack Cosmic Hue with me on every trip to calm my nerves and let me be present.
Author: Manny is the founder of Fifth Ray and a certified Gut Health Coach. After battling Crohn's Disease for 16 years, he transformed his gut health through plant-based healing. His story has been featured on BBC, ITV, and Daily Mail.
Please note this information is for educational purposes only, not medical advice. Cosmic Hue is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your health routine.