Digestive Health Problems Widespread Among Travelers, Finds Recent National Survey

Summer has officially arrived. Whether you're daydreaming about tropical travel plans or packing for your annual getaway, you may want to keep this in mind: a recent survey has found that digestive health issues are widespread among travelers. We're talking lots of travelers, 77 percent. While your digestive health may not be the most exciting aspect of traveling, it's crucial to discuss it so you can properly enjoy every minute of your vacation.

According to the survey, a majority of travelers suffer digestive health problems, including more than three-fourths that report at least occasional digestive health problems, and nearly half (42 percent) that report constipation problems while traveling. The survey reports that approximately 20 percent of all travelers attribute their digestive health problems to eating poorly while on the road, while other respondents cited factors like not enough sleep, too much stress and being dehydrated.

"The disruption of one's normal routine is inevitable when one travels. But eating poorly is controllable by the individual. People really need to look at their food choices either while traveling or at home," says Leslie Bonci, M.P.H., R.D., director of sports nutrition at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. "You can't control long lines at check in, flight delays or jet lag, but you can take control of your digestive health, and improve your overall health and well-being."

Despite agreeing that eating poorly negatively impacts their digestive health, most people simply aren't changing their behaviors with respect to diet. According to the survey, nearly one-third (30 percent) of people deal with their digestive health issues by taking an over-the-counter medicine. Only nine percent report "eating more fruits and vegetables" as the method they use to combat digestive health problems on the road.

Bonci, who is author of the "American Dietetic Association Guide to Better Digestion" and the team nutritionist for the Pittsburgh Steelers, encourages people to create a Good Gut Travel Kit. She came up with the kit concept for her patients who expressed concern about digestive issues while traveling.

Bonci says a Good Gut Travel Kit is her "nutrition prescription" for preventing or alleviating digestive discomfort while on the road. It's easily assembled with items you can buy at a well-stocked supermarket, health food store or online. Nutrient-dense California Dried Plums top the list. Dried plums help maintain good digestive health and have important vitamins and minerals, including potassium, magnesium and fiber. Also included in the kit are teas -- chamomile, which may reduce cramps, and raspberry leaf tea, which helps with diarrhea. The kit is complete with crystallized ginger, which may help combat nausea and ground flax seed which may also help with regularity.

While the Good Gut Travel Kit was developed with her traveling patients in mind, Bonci says it's also crucial to educate yourself on the right food choices even when you're not traveling, in order to maintain good digestive health.

"It is a myth that foods that promote digestive health aren't convenient for people on the road or who have a busy lifestyle. I always bring whole wheat crackers, packets of hot cereal, small cans of fruit nectar, and dried fruits like dried plums to keep my gut healthy," Bonci said.

(Source: California Dried Plums)