
Big changes are in the air. You have a sense of excitement, mixed with apprehension, mixed with a change in your physical environment. All of this leaves your poor digestive tract without a chance in the world of being at the top of your priority list!
It may be good to focus on the more important matter at hand, but often digestive health can be left for dust – even long after the change in routine has occurred. You may find yourself picking up the pieces of digestive wellness only once symptoms such as constipation, diarrhoea, nausea, and/or discomfort get too consistent to ignore.
Follow these simple tips for getting your digestion through the rough patch of change, so that the impact is minimised as much as possible. The last thing you want is to spend most of your overseas trip in the toilet, feel nauseous when you’re trying to make a good impression in your new job, or experience stomach pains as you are trying to unpack those boxes in your new home.
I believe that the two biggest factors are:
1. a change of physical environment
2. a change of emotional or mental responses
A change in physical environment can mean not being able to source (or not knowing where to buy) your favourite healthy foods. You may not have access to the same cooking facilities or refrigeration and you may become exposed to the unhealthy habits of others.
Changes in routine can be exciting and/or stressful. Both are emotional states not entirely conducive to the relaxed state needed for healthy digestion. A loss of appetite may occur if you change your routine, and it is common to skip meals or reach for convenience foods instead of setting time aside for meal preparation.
1. Have plenty of fresh drinking water on hand
It’s easy to carry a refillable water bottle – and you can take it almost everywhere you go. Bottles made from stainless steel are a better option for your health and the environment than buying bottled water in plastic bottles. If you have changed your physical environment, it is best to drink filtered water if you can. A change in the local water (even if it is perfectly fresh and healthy) can be enough to cause your tummy to grumble.
2. Stock up on healthy snacks
Think to the future. When you are grabbing something healthy to eat on the go, stock up on it. Nothing beats fresh fruit as a convenient and healthy snack. Apples are ideal for carrying in your bag and they keep really well out of the fridge. Fruit is high in fibre and will help to keep you hydrated and regular. Nuts are another great option. Unsalted and raw almonds, pecans, walnuts or macadamias are a good choice. Fill a small container and carry them with you for an instant healthy energy fix.
3. Take a probiotic supplement
A supplement containing 'good bacteria' such as Lactobacillus acidophilus or Bifidobacterium animalis helps to restore, balance, stabilize and maintain healthy gut flora. A good tip is to purchase one that does not require refrigeration and only needs to be taken once a day. This way you can carry it with you and at a time when your mind may be elsewhere, it requires less effort to remember to take it.
4. Try tummy massage
If you do notice discomfort in your abdominal region, you may want to try a simple tummy massage. Massage can improve the blood flow to the area and get things moving if you are feeling constipated. Before bed is a good time and all you need to do is make sure that you are massaging in a clockwise direction, which is the direction that faecal matter travels in your bowel. Abdominal massage can be very soothing and anyone can do it.
5. Remember to breathe
Don't forget the impact that stress or excitement has on digestion. Basically, our energy moves away from our digestive system and into what our body needs when we are stressed or excited. Remembering to take calming deep breaths from time to time will help to make sure that your tummy doesn't miss out on all the attention.
References available on request