Traveling can be a fun and exciting experience, but it can also lead to digestive issues. During the holiday period from April 30 to May 1, many families and groups of friends choose to travel and take a break. However, changes in eating habits and mealtimes while traveling can cause digestive problems such as bloating, heartburn, diarrhea, and food poisoning.
Dr. Vu Truong Khanh, Head of the Department of Gastroenterology at Tam Anh General Hospital in Hanoi, highlights some common mistakes made when traveling. Eating unhygienic food at restaurants that do not follow food safety standards is one of the most common issues. This can lead to the spread of bacteria and toxins that cause digestive problems. Additionally, consuming new and unfamiliar foods can result in allergies that can disrupt your trip.
To prevent gastrointestinal issues when traveling, it is recommended to choose restaurants that prioritize food hygiene and safety. It’s important to avoid dishes that may cause allergies or contain ingredients you are not familiar with. Sticking to familiar and safe options like grilled chicken or fish with steamed vegetables is a safer option than trying out new foods without knowing what ingredients are used in their preparation.
Another mistake travelers often make is not drinking enough water while on the go. Dehydration can lead to constipation, bloating, indigestion, especially when traveling in hot weather or consuming alcoholic beverages. Drinking plenty of water before meals helps flush out any harmful bacteria present in your system and prevents overeating by reducing appetite levels.
Maintaining a balanced diet while away from home is also essential for preventing gastrointestinal issues. Consuming excessive amounts of meat, sweets, greasy fried foods can disrupt the nutritional balance of food groups leading to bloating, indigestion