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Vir Das, the acclaimed Indian comedian, recently shared a humorous yet relatable experience regarding travel-related constipation. After returning from a month-long journey that included visits to 12 different countries, the comedian took to social media to express his struggles with bowel movements. He humorously described his intestines as being "on protest" due to the disruptions caused by constant travel and time zone changes.
It is common to face such a condition as travelling often leads to various digestive issues, with constipation being a common complaint among frequent travellers. His comment highlights a universal issue that many encounter when travelling abroad.
“That Home seat, hits different”: Vir Das After Returning Home
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The comedian posted an update to Instagram describing his tour and how his intestines “will not cooperate”. The post further read, “The intestine is like, ‘You deserve this shut-down, eat what you like, eat all the fibre you need, you will not break our resolve.’” The Delhi Belly actor jokingly added, “...I’ve been home for seven hours. I haven’t eaten anything. I’ve been to the toilet twice. Don’t act like this isn’t more important than any of your trips.” His lighthearted commentary on his travel woes strikes a chord with many who have faced similar challenges while travelling.
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Tips To Maintain Gut Health on Your Travels
Maintaining gut health while travelling can be a challenging task due to changes in routine, diet, and time zones. However, with some simple strategies, you can keep your digestive system happy and functioning well during travels.
Plan Your Meals and Snacks In Advance
- Before you travel, plan your meals and snacks to avoid unhealthy food options.
- Gut-friendly snacks such as nuts, seeds, and fruits can help resist the temptation of junk food at airports or roadside stops.
- Focus on incorporating fibre-rich foods like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables into your diet to help maintain regular bowel movements.
Stay Hydrated and Carry a Water Bottle
- Carry a water bottle and aim to drink at least eight glasses or two litre of water daily.
- Dehydration can lead to constipation and other digestive issues, so make it a priority to replenish fluids regularly.
Incorporate Probiotics in Diet
- Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that support gut health.
- Consider taking a high-quality probiotic supplement during your travels or consuming probiotic-rich foods like yoghurt and kefir.
- These can help maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria and prevent digestive disturbances.
Maintain a Routine of Diet
- Try to stick to a consistent eating schedule even when crossing time zones.
- Regular meal times can help regulate your digestive system and minimize disruptions caused by travel.
Be Mindful of Alcohol and Caffeine
- While it’s tempting to indulge in alcohol and caffeine while travelling, both can dehydrate you and disrupt the gut balance.
- Limit your intake and balance these beverages like alcohol or caffeine with plenty of water.
Wash Hands Frequently
- Before eating, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water to prevent germs and illness.
- Wet your hands with warm or cold running water, apply soap, and lather well.
- Rinse your hands well, dry them with a clean towel, and use the towel to turn off the tap.
The funny comment by Vir Das about travel-related constipation connects with many people who have had similar problems while traveling. His honest reflections show that even when we are excited about visiting new places, we should still take care of our health. However, one should always look for their comfort while selecting a destination to travel. One should look for places with easy access to washrooms and plenty of food options to suit the gut health.