What Every Midlife Woman Should Know About Constipation While Traveling

Women’s Health Kuel Thought Leader: Lisa King 

Women are three times more likely to experience constipation than men and this number often increases in midlife.

“Studies show that 40% of all people will experience constipation while traveling.”

Experiencing Constipation:

Studies show that 40% of all people will experience constipation while traveling. Together you have a formula for many women to experience uncomfortable constipation while traveling. Holiday travel is upon us, be sure to consider the suggestions below to prevent being uncomfortable on your next trip. 

Some factors that may affect constipation in midlife include:

• Hormonal Changes: Decreased amounts of estrogen and progesterone can slow down gastric emptying time thus causing increased chances of constipation. 
• Medications: A variety of medications including medications used to treat overactive bladder ( a condition that affects many midlife women) are considered to be anticholinergic agents. One of the side effects of these types of medications is constipation as well as dry mouth, blurry vision and impaired focus. Narcotic pain medications, certain over-the-counter supplements, certain anti-depressants and blood pressure medications can cause constipation as well. 
• Slowing Down: As we age, we may slow down due to achy joints or stiffness in the body. Movement is key for gut motility, so this is important to address to prevent constipation as well. 
• Decreased Gut Microbial Diversity: Studies show another factor that can cause constipation as we age is decreased gut microbial diversity.

7 Constipation Solutions:

Travel can increase complications of many of these issues discussed above. Check out the following solutions to overcome these issues:

1. Increase Movement: Sitting for long periods during travel times can decrease gut motility. Taking a walk daily when traveling can be very helpful. Staying on a similar schedule as at home can be helpful too. 

“Taking a walk daily when traveling can be very helpful.”

2. Access Acupressure Points: Stimulating gut motility through pressure points on your abdomen can help to decrease constipation. These points are located at the belly button or below the belly button. The pressure points can easily be accessed with Ease, a simple device that is a game changer! Ease puts the power of when you go to the bathroom back into your own hands! It is very discreet and perfect for travel. You can access it here for 10% off with our Kuellife affiliate link.

Water And Fiber Intake:

3. Increase Water Intake: Aim for half your healthy body weight in ounces daily. 

4. Increase Fiber: Fiber helps to improve bowel motility and can also work as a prebiotic (food) for probiotics. Eating on the run, especially during travel often means that fruits and vegetables are not included in meals. Be sure to add them in to your meal whenever it is possible. 

5. Supplements: Probiotics are helpful to improve gut diversity. Supplements such as magnesium are also helpful for regularity. 

6. Be Wary Of Laxatives: Talk to your doctor or medical professional about stool softeners for travel. Laxatives should not be taken for long periods of time. Over-the-counter fiber laxatives can sometimes be low in fiber too so getting fiber through foods is more advantageous. 

7. Consult Your Doctor Or Pharmacist: Some medications may cause constipation. Learn more about your meds. 

While constipation is more common for women and can also be troublesome during travel, there are helpful solutions to help overcome this frustrating and uncomfortable issue. 

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