Vacation constipation is one of traveler problem that many people don’t want to talk about it. Sitting on planes and in cars for long periods of time isn’t good for your gut. You’ll feel bloated, and you’re not likely to fit into or feel great in your shorts or swimsuit. If you’ve been eating a healthy diet of fiber, fruit, and veggies and take a break to indulge in mile-high stacks of pancakes, bagels, pizza, and mounds of fries, you might find yourself stopping in a convenience store for Metamucil.
Here are a few cures for traveler from Danielle Svetcov, the author of The Un-Constipated Gourmet: Secrets to a Moveable Feast With 125 Recipes for the Regularity Challenged.
- Avoid loading up on foods that are low in fiber and can get your gut stuck, like refined white bread, pastas, and pastries. Choose whole-grain and whole-wheat options whenever possible.
- Spend 10 minutes on your back and bring your legs to your chest one at a time, as if you’re cycling.
- Go for an hour-long walk at a fast pace, then lie down for an hour.
- Have 3 ounces of dark chocolate (choose a bar that has at least 65% cacao), and chase it with a hot cup of black coffee or an 8-ounce glass of warm water. You need to sit still for at least one hour afterward for this remedy to work. (If you’re on vacation, now’s a good time to skip the museum tour.)
- Pour yourself a shot or two of brandy in a warm glass. Slowly eat five prunes (unsulfured is best) and in between bites, sip the warm brandy. Again, you’ll need to sit still for an hour afterward.(health)