Traveler’s Constipation Is Real—Here’s Why It Happens and What to Do
Memorial Day has passed, and summer is right around the corner. After a long winter, you’re ready to spread your wings and adventure. You’re headed for the skies—or the open road—but something’s not moving. (And I don’t mean your flight.)
Yes, traveler’s constipation is real. You may be as regular as clockwork on your home turf, but if the backup begins when you take your talent out of town, you’re in good company.
An estimated 40% of people experience traveler’s constipation.
So, what gives? Why do so many of us struggle with healthy bowel movements when we’re adventuring away from home?
🔍 Why We Get Constipated When We Travel
Travel disrupts your digestion in a few sneaky (and scientifically explainable) ways. Here’s what’s behind the back-up:
1. Gut Lag
Just like jet lag messes with your sleep-wake cycle, gut lag disrupts your digestive clock. Crossing time zones confuses the enteric nervous system (aka your “second brain”), leading to sluggish motility and delayed bowel movements.
2. Stress (Even Good Stress)
New environments, planning logistics, social energy—even the excitement of travel – can activate your sympathetic nervous system (“fight or flight”), which suppresses digestion. Stress also uses up our magnesium supplies – a mineral crucial for healthy bowel movements.
3. Change in Routine
Your gut loves rhythm and predictability. Changes in your wake time, your sleep time, and your meal timing can throw off your natural elimination schedule.
4. Dehydration
Planes are dry. Travel often means less water intake and more caffeine or alcohol—all of which can cause dehydration and slow down motility.
5. Different Foods
Travel often means more indulgent foods and fewer fiber-rich meals. Add in airport snacks, a few extra alcoholic beverages, and food sensitivities long ago sworn off, and your gut might go on strike.
What’s The Remedy?
My first piece of encouragement is to do the best you can. Look for small wins in supporting your digestion including…
- Hydrate! I bring this pretty glass water bottle with me when traveling
- Prioritize fiber daily
- Skip the extra glass of wine
- Preserve quality sleep and a sane travel cadence
If your constipation persists or if constipation is a daily problem for you, I recommend seeking out the care of an IFM Certified Practitioner to identify and address the root-cause of your constipation. (Yes, I am an IFM Certified Practitioner and would be delighted to help.:)
But if it’s just traveler’s constipation and you need a little digestive help beyond the shifts above, I’m happy to introduce you to Daily Doodie – a custom crafted supplement solution for Traveler’s Constipation.
🌏 Daily Doodie: Your Travel-Sized Constipation Solution
Daily Doodie is a combo supplement packet that keeps things moving—literally. Unlike stimulant laxatives, Daily Doodie works gently—without creating dependence.
Daily Doodie was designed (by yours truly) for ease, effectiveness, predictability, and portability. Each daily packet includes:
- ✨ Magnesium to gently support muscle relaxation and bowel motility
- ✨ A multi-strain probiotic to nourish your gut microbiome
- ✨ A small amount of fiber to feed good bacteria without causing bloating
PRO TIP: Get ahead of the ball. Begin taking Daily Doodie the evening before you travel. Take one packet daily while you’re traveling, before bed.
Daily Doodie packets are convenient and safe for most travelers—including those who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
So whether you’re headed to Bali, Boston, or just brunch an hour away, Daily Doodie has your back(side).
✈️ Don’t Let Constipation Slow You Down
As someone with a healthy helping of wanderlust myself, my wish is that you too experience the joy and wonders of exploring the world and visiting loved ones – without bloating, sluggish digestion, and bathroom woes every time you hit the road.
If your digestion could use a little extra help, Daily Doodie makes it easy to stay regular, energized, and comfortable—no matter where life takes you.
Because I’m a firm believer that travel should change your perspective, not your digestion.
✨ Ready to make travel easier on your digestion?
Order Daily Doodie here and use code DAILYDOODIE10 for 10% off your first order.
NOTE: As a member of the Well Empowered community, you receive 10% off your supplement orders at Fullscript, every day of the year. Please feel free to share our link and spread the love!
*This blog is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical care.
Wondering if taking a data-driven, Functional Medicine approach is the right next step in your health journey? Consider scheduling a Health Audit and taking a “test, don’t guess” approach to your health!
