Digestive bloat and trapped wind are common problems that many people simply grin and bear with. In fact as many as 30% of us experience belly bloating on a regular basis. But when it comes to a holiday or a day at the beach, having to peel off into a bikini or bare all when your stomach is bloated or distended can be the ultimate nightmare.
According to Consultant Dietitian Caoimhe McDonald “bloating is something that many people suffer from at all stages in life and may be as a result of irritable bowel syndrome or a functional digestive disorder. It can affect people’s quality of life at all times but particularly when people are going on holidays it can lead to discomfort and feeling more self – conscious. To avoid bloating affecting your holiday you need to take a few steps in preparation for your holiday”.
- Reduce stress levels before your holiday.
The run up to a holiday can be incredibly stressful; getting extra work done and having to organise things while you are away. While not all cases of bloating are caused by anxiety, there are many times when anxiety causes bloating or exacerbates it. So if you’re one of those people that feel frazzled before you go on holiday, it is really important to time out before your break to de-stress and start to unwind.
- Support your digestive system with a quality supplement.
Research has shown that IBS sufferers have distinct differences in their bacterial profiles. It is important to treat your gut bacteria well. Good eating practices, a healthy lifestyle and choosing PrecisionBiotics® cultures which are well studied and have targeted action such as Alflorex® will ensure that the gut remains in balance.
- Ease up on problem foods before your holiday.
Some people may experience bloating due to a food intolerance (e.g. lactose) or food allergy (e.g, gluten). If it has been confirmed by a qualified healthcare professional that some foods may be causing your bloating, make sure to stick to the diet recommended during your holiday.
- Keep Active While on Holiday.
We often end up working out a lot less or not at all during a holiday. One way to ease bloating discomfort is to get moving. Although you might feel like taking a nap after eating a big meal, walk for 10 to 15 minutes instead. A brisk walk may help stimulate the passage of gas through the digestive tract.
- Treat yourself, but try not to overdo it.
Your body doesn’t know that you’re on holiday. While it is tempting to vary your diet while abroad, this can often exacerbate the symptoms of those with food intolerances and food allergies. Don’t throw away the healthy eating plan you followed prior to your travels, but stick with it and continue to feel at your best for the rest of the trip.