The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that 20 to 50 percent of international travelers experience some sort of traveler’s diarrhea. In the majority of cases, it comes on rapidly. What sets the upheaval in motion varies from person to person. Even a trip of 300 miles in the car might be enough to throw your digestive system into a tailspin.
The destination plays a major role in the likelihood of contracting a stomach problem. The CDC lists high-risk locations as most developing countries in Latin America, the Middle East, Africa and Asia. In the intermediate risk category are some Caribbean islands, some Eastern European countries, South Africa and Argentina.
The Truth about Travel Gut
It’s a fact that the rhythm of the gut is thrown off during travel. This can be due to the stress of getting to your destination (who thinks air travel is a breeze?) and poor eating habits. Crossing time zones can create a host of problems. Your body needs to adjust as you stay awake when you are normally asleep and sleep when you are usually up.
Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, there is the natural tendency to overdo it. Maybe you’re eating too much or indulging in high-fat, high-caloric food that you don’t normally eat. Or perhaps you are snacking between meals and having carbonated drinks.
“Traveling can be very stressful, and it can be particularly hard on your gut,” says Sandra Hoogererf, M.D., assistant professor at the Department of Internal Medicine at the University of Michigan. She recommends giving yourself a few days to adjust. Respect your biological rhythms in order to feel less irritated and fatigued, and your gut will feel better.