Don’t let it ruin your vacation
You have different habits on holiday than at home. You eat different things and at a different time. Then you may suffer from heartburn, constipation or other stomach and intestinal complaints. How do you solve these problems and – even better – how can you prevent them?
Complaints such as heartburn, flatulence, bloating or pain in your stomach are common on holiday. Eating too fast, too much or too fatty can cause more stomach acid.
Heartburn
Also sharp herbs, citrus fruits and alcohol cause more stomach acid and irritation of the stomach membrane. Medicines for heartburn and stomach pain are available at the drugstore and pharmacy. These agents neutralize stomach acid. Acid blockers ensure that less stomach acid is produced. There are also substances that stimulate motor skills, so that the food is better kneaded and pushed through the gastrointestinal tract.
Constipation
You can also suffer from constipation while on vacation. The intestinal contents then pass through the intestine too slowly, so that too much fluid is extracted from the stool. You go to the toilet less often than usual and the stools are harder than usual. Constipation is often caused by changing your daily routine. You also perspire more in warm countries, resulting in hard stools. Constipation often already occurs on the outward journey. During the long journey to your holiday destination you have little exercise and that makes the bowels slow. You can prevent and remedy constipation by eating at least thirty grams of dietary fiber per day. These fibers cannot be digested by the intestines and thus keep them moving. Dietary fiber is found in vegetables, whole grain products and fruit. You can also take fiber-containing food supplements. It also helps to drink enough water and eat fruits during the trip. Take regular breaks to stretch your legs.
Food poisoning
A common cause of stomach and intestinal complaints on holiday is food poisoning. This is what happens when bacteria multiply quickly due to hot weather or poor hygiene. Some bacteria secrete a toxic substance, others settle in the stomach or intestines. With food poisoning you feel drowsy, you have no appetite for food and you suffer from diarrhoea, nausea or vomiting.
As annoying as vomiting is, it is the fastest way to get rid of spoiled food. As with diarrhea, dehydration is the greatest danger with vomiting. That is why you should often drink small amounts of weak tea or water. Chamomile tea soothes the stomach. Also take ORS solution (Oral Rehydration Salts) to better retain moisture. Take enough rest. This gives your body a chance to do a major cleaning. Norit helps with some cases of food poisoning. Read the package insert for more information. If the symptoms persist, consult a doctor.
light food
When you feel a little hungry again, you can start with light foods. A ripe banana helps against excess stomach acid. Fresh yogurt is good for rebalancing the intestinal flora. If you still vomit after a day, or if there is blood in the vomit, see a doctor. Are you taking the contraceptive pill and vomit within four hours of taking it? Then the pill is not safe. Then take an extra pill from a spare strip. If you vomit again afterwards, make sure to use an extra method of contraception, for example the condom, for a week.
The only way to prevent food poisoning is to practice good hygiene. Wash your hands often and thoroughly, drink bottled water and make sure that the food you eat is prepared in a safe way.