Do you know the one thing your digestive system loves more than anything else? (nope it’s not fibre, although that’s a good guess). It’s routine! That’s why when we travel for work or leisure many of us experience a change in bathroom habits. Jet-setting over the holiday period makes us more susceptible to stress, junk food, late nights, dehydration and nasty bugs, so here’s my tips to help you enjoy your trip without digestive side effects.

Keep things moving #1

Constipation is the number one gastrointestinal complaint people experience when travelling. A great supplement I recommend to help stay regular on the go is Magnesium Citrate. The magnesium works by passing through your digestive tract and gently drawing water from the surrounding tissues into your intestines, keeping everything in your colon nice and soft. This process stimulates contraction of the muscles around your intestines, resulting in an easier, more regular bowel movement even when you’re away from your usual toilet at home.

Keep things moving #2

Another great way to keep your insides moving is to get your outsides moving! Exercise is often neglected when we travel, but it’s so important to help prevent constipation and bloating. Even just a 20 minute walk around the block can help draw a lot of oxygen-rich blood to your colon muscles, assisting your bowel perform its natural peristaltic action to ensure your waste doesn’t get backed up.

Snack attack

Sometimes it’s really hard to find healthy food when you’re in an unfamiliar environment. That’s why I always come prepared with a home-made travel trail mix to curb those cravings. Simply combine in a zip-lock bag a handful of cashews for protein, walnuts for brain power, brazil nuts for selenium to kickstart your metabolism, goji berries for an antioxidant boost and cacao nibs for a flavor kick. Plus the natural fibres in this mix can act like a broom for your insides to keep everything moving nicely. Contrary to popular opinion you CAN take your own food on planes, you may just have to consume it all before you disembark. But with a trail mix this tasty it won’t be a problem!

Drink your greens

Although there are juice bars popping up everywhere, it can still be a struggle to find a great quality juice on-the-go. But travel doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the benefits of juicing! My solution is to take some supergreens powder in your luggage. Find a blend with lots of wheatgrass, barley grass, chlorella and spirulina, and simply add a teaspoon or two to a tall glass of chilled coconut water. This superdrink will help hydrate you, alkalise your system and also assist in a gentle detox from any radiation experienced during your flight.