It is not The New York Times we grew up with. An excellent recent article in the Travel Section was about Travel Constipation. We, women relate. Some of us fret. Some worry ahead of time. Worst, some women do not travel at all for fear of mixed up “internal” health.
The Times has the following suggestions and we added more.
Drink more liquids on the plane and on the trip.
Don’t sit in one position the whole time.
Remind yourself that time zones also effect your bowels.
As the actual user or ‘non user’ as the case may be, here are my takes on the article. It is bold and well written.
Women do not drink enough on planes. This is for fear of disturbing seat mates. Here is your choice: drink more water and feel good, or disturb a total stranger a few more times during the flight. Door Number 1: Drink more, feel better. Be apologetic but firm.
Women don’t drink enough while touring. Again this is again for fear of asking for bathroom stops. Note: if you ask, others will be delighted and join you.
While you sit in your airplane seat, do some pelvic tilts. To avoid blood clots, do some simple chair exercises. Here is a list.
https://www.stoptheclot.org/in-flight-fitness/
Time zones cannot be changed to accommodate your bowels. Therefore before your trip, indulge in much more fruit, vegetables and fibrous foods. Statistics show most of us eat 5 grams of fiber vs recommended 28 grams daily. Go for the veg and fruit and grains for at least 2 days before your flight. Your clothes will fit better too. HA
Some countries you visit will have different foods than you are used to. Or they will offer raw foods you cannot safely eat. In those cases, you might need fiber from a gentle laxative to start your engines. Again you will never be the only one in this situation.
Bring your own high fiber snacks on board. Example: if choosing a granola bar, take the one with highest fibre. Human Food Bar suggests the following:
“Go for bars whose fiber content comes from whole grains such as steel-cut oats, buckwheat, and brown rice. High-quality unrefined grains curb hunger and provide you with quick energy by slowing the release of sugar into your bloodstream.
Other healthy plant-based sources of fiber include broccoli, beans, berries, apples, and dried fruits. Besides promoting their brand of bars, there is a handy list of others with high fiber”.
We believe meals on tour should be healthy and full of fresh ingredients.
If any of this private information rings your bell, and you have other ideas to share, let us know.
Our contact is here. We arrange small group luxury tours for women to many destinations and at many price points. 32 years has shown that women travel if they feel safe and welcomed. You will not be the only toilet terrorized traveler.
