Keep your gut healthy on holiday 

Going on holiday is such an exciting time and one we all wait for so longingly. A time to sit back, relax and unwind, soak up new experiences and hopefully some warmer weather.

However, with holidays, can come an all too familiar unsettling feeling in our guts. Not only is there the travelling itself, but changes in time-zones, delays or disrupted sleep, as well as a change in environments, along with different foods and drink. 

So how can we look after our gut whilst still enjoying all that a holiday has to offer? Here, Wassen Nutritionist Emma Bullock-Lynch shares her top tips for keeping your gut happy and healthy on holiday.

1. Drink and infuse!

If you’re heading somewhere warm or out on an adventure exploring, be sure to keep hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day, as maintaining good hydration helps your body, including your gut, function well, and avoids complications caused by dehydration. Depending on where you are holidaying, you may need to check whether the drinking water is safe for consumption. If in doubt keep bottled water handy, which also acts as a reminder to keep sipping away. If you’re not naturally someone who likes drinking water, try infusing it with flavour from lemon, lime or cucumber.

2. Moderation is key

We can all be guilty of overindulging while on holiday, particularly when it comes to alcohol. A delicious fruity cocktail on the beach, a glass of wine with lunch or an aperitif before dinner sounds nice, but they can all add up to our gut disrupting its natural rhythm. So keep moderation in mind and avoid excessive alcohol or mix and match with non-alcoholic options such as soft drinks, mocktails and of course the ultimate aqua. If you get the chance, try coconut water which will instantly give you that holiday vibe and is a great way to replace any lost electrolytes.

3. Food for thought

Our gut is often called the ‘second brain’, a reminder to think before you eat. Avoid overly spicy foods if you are not used to them and be mindful that overly processed and sugar-laden foods, as well as deep-friend snacks, should also be kept at bay, as these can all disrupt your gut’s balance. Help reduce tummy upsets by listening to that gut instinct as well. If the food doesn’t look or smell fresh, washed or cooked thoroughly, chose a different option and where possible opt for cooked food over raw to avoid potential food bacteria. 

4. Fibre fix

Fibre is essential for good gut health and a holiday offers a great opportunity to introduce and try something new. Boost the fibre in your diet with local fruit and veg, along with nuts, wholegrains, pulses and beans, nourishing your gut microflora and keeping your bowels happy.

5. Supplement for your gut

One easy way to maintain a healthy habit while on holiday is to supplement for your gut. Formulated with digestive health in mind, Wassen Digest + Balance, is a refreshing lemon and ginger drink contains digestive enzymes from DigeZyme®, plus calcium, to help keep the digestive system functioning as it should. Boosted with 3 probiotic strains, LactoSpore® (Bacillus coagulans), Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum, as well as fibre from FOS, this formula offers targeted support for daily digestive health.  

From sea to supplement, each sachet contains marine-derived minerals, including magnesium, which helps by contributing to electrolyte balance, as well as normal energy-yielding metabolism and muscle function (e.g. peristalsis which takes place in the gut). Calcium supports the normal function of digestive enzymes, whilst vitamin D helps to absorb calcium, as well as contributing to the normal function of the immune system. 

Wassen Digest + Balance is available from www.wassen.com and Amazon, £16.99 for 14 x 5.5g sachets  

Food supplements should not be used a substitute for a balanced diet or healthy lifestyle.