Travel constipation

Posted by ksdm @ksdm, May 25 11:20am

I am not usually constipated but it never fails, when I travel, I get constipated! It is probably because my habits have changed but mostly because I either can’t find a toilet if I get the urge or don’t have the urge when I do. After 2 or 3 days it gets uncomfortable! Does anyone have any solutions? I drink plenty of water and a laxative would limit my ability to enjoy my vacation.

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John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | May 26 8:31am

I can relate to being constipated when traveling. It can be annoying to say the least. I usually take stool softeners along with me but I stay away from laxatives unless I'm at a location for the next day. Not sure if you have seen this article already but it does mention a few things that might be helpful.

-- Slideshow: Easing Constipation on Vacation: https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/ss/slideshow-constipation

emo | @emo | May 26 10:19am

I can relate to this. I wouldn’t really do a laxative, but I take 300 mg or magnesium citrate—it can have a laxative effect, but it’s not as strong. It draws water into the colon to soften stool (which is how stool softeners and other laxatives work, but they’re much stronger). It seems to keep me regular. I just got back from a trip, and I took it before bed.

But everyone’s dose is different, so you might want to try it before your trip to figure out what dose is appropriate for you.

My dietician also recommended a product called Calm, which is a powder you mix. I’ve heard positive things about it, but haven’t tried it myself.