Have you ever gone on vacation and suddenly felt like your tummy stopped working? You’re not alone! That’s called “traveler’s constipation,” and Dr. Frederick D. Leelin from Makati Medical Center says it happens to lots of people. But don’t worry—he shared easy tips to help your tummy feel better, even if you’re just a kid!
🌍 What’s Happening Inside Your Tummy?
Dr. Leelin says when we go on trips—especially long plane rides—our bodies get confused. Here’s why:
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✈️ Airplanes are dry, and not drinking enough water makes our poop hard.
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🪑 Sitting too long means our tummy muscles get lazy.
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🕰️ Jet lag messes with our body clock, so we forget when it’s time to poop.
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🍟 We eat less fruits and veggies and more greasy fried foods.
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🚻 We feel shy to go when there’s a line outside the airplane toilet!
💩 How to Help Your Tummy Go
1. Drink water often
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🥤 Water softens poop and makes it slide out easier.
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❌ Avoid soda and alcohol—they dry your body out more.
2. Eat fruits and veggies
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🍎 Apples, pears = juicy and helpful.
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🍌 Papaya and prunes = natural “poop helpers.”
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🥬 Greens like kale, cabbage, and lettuce = full of fiber.
3. Move your body
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🏃 Walk around, swim, or hit the hotel gym.
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💪 Movement wakes up your tummy muscles so you can go!
4. Use a laxative if needed
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☕ Some teas and fiber drinks work naturally.
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⏰ Dr. Leelin says to take them at night—they work in 6–12 hours, so you can go in the morning before your trip starts.
So next time your tummy gets shy on a trip, drink up, eat clean, move around, and don’t hold it in! Vacations are fun—but your tummy should be happy too! 💚
