Common mistakes when traveling can easily cause digestive diseases

Many people often drink little water and eat unsanitary street food when traveling, which can easily cause bloating, heartburn, diarrhea, and food poisoning.

The 5-day 30/4-1/5 holiday, many families and groups of friends choose to travel and rest. However, changing the time and food when going out can cause digestive problems. Dr. Vu Truong Khanh, Head of the Department of Gastroenterology, Tam Anh General Hospital, Hanoi , points out the common mistakes when traveling below.

Eating unsanitary food

Tourists often eat at restaurants and eateries. Some places do not comply with food hygiene regulations, preserve and process food incorrectly or use unsafe food sources, which can easily lead to the spread of bacteria and the development of toxins. Eating new, strange foods at the destination, which the body is not used to, can lead to allergies.

Holiday goers should choose restaurants that ensure food hygiene and safety standards, avoid dishes that can cause allergies, and limit strange dishes.

Not drinking enough water

Sitting on a train or plane, traveling in hot weather, drinking a lot of alcoholic beverages... all cause dehydration faster. Not having enough water in the body can easily lead to health problems, including intestinal diseases such as constipation, bloating, indigestion, and digestive disorders.

Nutritionally unbalanced diet

Lack of control over eating when away from home leads to an imbalance in nutrients. Travelers tend to eat more meat, less vegetables and fruits, and consume more sweets and fried foods. This increases the risk of bloating, indigestion, and constipation.

Greasy foods can cause digestive disorders. Photo: Linh Nguyen — Greasy foods can cause digestive disorders. Photo: *Linh Nguyen*

Drink lots of carbonated drinks

Drinks like carbonated soft drinks are convenient and refreshing on the go, especially on sunny days. However, they often cause discomfort and bloating, making the body tired due to increased blood sugar levels.

Not preparing for motion sickness

Although motion sickness is not a digestive disease, it is closely related to the intestines, causing nausea and vomiting. People who are prone to motion sickness but do not prepare measures to reduce symptoms, eat too much or let their stomachs get too hungry, consume a lot of greasy, spicy foods, which makes nausea worse. Continuous vomiting also makes the body tired, dehydrated, affecting the trip.

To prevent digestive diseases when traveling, Dr. Khanh recommends eating cooked food and drinking boiled water, using products of clear origin, drinking bottled water or drinking from clean, unpolluted water sources. Carry water with you throughout the trip and regularly replenish your body with enough water. Balance the groups of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals in meals, and supplement beneficial bacteria for the intestines through yogurt.

Avoid eating foods that cause bloating 24-48 hours before traveling by train or plane. Limit alcohol and carbonated soft drinks. Reduce stress, create a comfortable sleeping space, get enough sleep, and prepare clothes suitable for the climate at the destination. Do not stay up too late, have fun and rest properly to stay healthy for the next journey.

Ly Nguyen

Readers ask questions about digestive diseases here for doctors to answer

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