Digestive health on vacation: how to avoid the most common discomforts

Holidays are a time to disconnect, travel, and enjoy yourself, but they also often come with changes in diet and routine. Eating out, irregular schedules, more fats, alcohol, or different foods can disrupt your digestive balance.

That's why discomforts like indigestion, heartburn, gas, diarrhea, or constipation are common during the summer. Taking care of your digestive health on vacation allows you to enjoy yourself more and avoid unpleasant surprises.

Why does digestion change during vacation?

The digestive system is greatly influenced by daily habits. When we change our routine, its functioning can also change.

Some common factors are:

• Eating more than usual

• Increase consumption of fried or fatty foods

• Drink more alcohol

• Change schedules

• Travel to other places

• Drink less water

• Reduce physical activity

All of this can disrupt intestinal transit and cause discomfort.

Most frequent digestive discomforts

Indigestion

It appears after large or fatty meals. It can cause feelings of fullness, sleepiness, or discomfort.

Heartburn or acid reflux

Alcohol, heavy meals, and going to bed right after dinner can contribute to heartburn.

Gas and bloating

Changes in diet can increase gas production.

Traveler's diarrhea

It can appear due to contaminated food or water, especially during international travel.

Constipation

Very common due to changes in routine, lower fiber intake, or poor hydration.

How to prevent digestive discomfort

Maintain good hydration

Water is essential for intestinal transit and to prevent constipation.

Avoid eating large meals.

Enjoying food doesn't mean eating until you feel sick. Eating slowly and controlling portion sizes helps a lot.

Take care of the fiber

Fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains promote intestinal transit.

Avoid lying down right after eating

A gentle walk after meals aids digestion.

Moderate alcohol and carbonated drinks

They can increase acidity and bloating.

Probiotics and gut health

Probiotics can be helpful in maintaining the balance of the gut microbiota, especially when there are changes in diet or travel.

In some cases they are recommended before and during travel to help prevent digestive problems. We recommend Lactoflora Gut Health.

What to pack in your digestive first-aid kit

It may be helpful to include:

• Probiotics such as Lactoflora Gut Health.

• Oral rehydration salts such as those from Electrolit.

• Antacids such as GSE Acid Repair.

• Products for flatulence such as Aquilea Gases Forte.

• Digestive supplements such as Iberogast.

• Anti-diarrhoea medicines, if indicated, such as Pranarom Digest Stop.

• Fibre or bowel regulators such as Aliviolas Aboca.

The choice will depend on the destination and personal needs.

When to consult

Check if available:

• Severe or persistent diarrhea

• Fever

• Blood in stool

• Severe abdominal pain

• Signs of dehydration

Taking care of your digestive health during the holidays is essential for enjoying summer without discomfort. With good habits and a well-stocked first-aid kit, you can prevent many common problems.

If you need to prepare your digestive first-aid kit or choose probiotics, antacids or specific products, you can consult us at the pharmacy.