Finally, you’re leaving, after a long, cold winter it’s time for a well-deserved holiday! What could be better than taking a break from everyday life with a trip? Nothing, you might think, yet even the rosiest expectations can be shattered by an irregular intestine that may accompany your trip.

Changing one’s daily routine often leads to an alteration in the balance of intestinal bacterial flora, which, in the short amount of time of the holiday, can become the cause of annoying intestinal disorders.

Intestinal disorders: slowdown

You’ve reached your destination, full of energy and ready to start the numerous activities you’ve planned, but … then what happens? Your intestine decides to become sluggish.

Does that ruin your holidays? No! Difficulty in evacuating and the resulting heaviness and abdominal tension can lead to nervousness, irritability and decreased appetite. However, there are several precautions, especially at the table, that can be taken to try to combat this bothersome situation.

Friendly and unfriendly foods: Plums

Fruits and vegetables should not be lacking, but they are not enough; friendly foods also include probiotic-enriched yoghurt, pulses, cereals, pasta and wholemeal bread.

It is also important to replenish the fluids lost because of high temperatures by drinking at least two litres of water daily, especially during the hottest hours. Not only that, but exercise is also an excellent ally which can stimulate intestinal peristalsis and promote evacuation.

Plum juice is able to promote the balance of intestinal flora, owing to the presence of prebiotic-acting fibres. It is more effective when combined with fibre and lactulose.

Frequent evacuations caused by intestinal disorders? SOS Probiotics and Minerals

While sunbathing you get a sharp pain in your tummy and … you have to run to the bathroom. You’re out walking enjoying the mountain landscape and suddenly your only thought is to find a bush.

What is happening?  The stress of departing, travel fatigue, change of climate and a different diet can cause an increase in the frequency and fluidity of evacuations during the first few days of relaxation. This is frequently referred to as the ‘traveller’s condition‘.

It is an annoying disorder, especially if you are far from the bathroom of our own home. This situation leads to a high loss of liquids and minerals that must be replenished immediately, especially during the summer when there is normally greater water loss.

In these situations, it is fundamental to reduce fibre intake and preferably choose foods such as rice, potatoes, nuts, and leavened flours such as crackers and breadsticks.

It is important in these situations to reinforce the intestinal flora and replenish the mineral salts lost during bouts of diarrhoea.

This emergency situation can be relieved with probiotic supplements. Those providing more than 20 billion cfu per day, in combination with vitamins and minerals, are particularly useful.

How to have a friendly intestine on holiday? act in advance!

Here are some simple rules to try to prevent intestinal disorders on holiday:

  • Try to reduce pre-departure stress as much as possible;
  • Be careful not to drastically alter your dietary habits.
  • Avoid foods that can increase gas production in the stomach (raw, fermented foods, carbonated drinks);
  • Opt for sealed bottled drinks;
  • Adding ice to drinks is not recommended as there may be a risk of microbiological contamination in the water used;
  • Allow time for physical activity even during the holidays;

After seeking professional advice, it is often useful to take specific products for the intestinal flora. Prebiotics and probiotics can be an important ally both in preparation for departure and during your stay.