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Travel Happy with Happy Digestion


Fermented food & foods with natural digestive enzymes.


A big part of travel is experiencing the local cuisine. Food and travel memories often go hand in hand—until a meal doesn’t sit well with your system. So, what can you do to keep your digestion happy while exploring? Consider incorporating fermented foods, digestive enzymes, or food pairing into your travel routine.


Ancient Wisdom for Modern Digestion

For centuries, civilizations have recognized the importance of digestion. Ancient cultures relied on natural enzymes from plants like papaya (papain) and pineapple (bromelain) to aid digestion. In medieval times, wine in moderation or diluted vinegar was used to support digestion. Many traditional food pairings still reflect this wisdom—like bratwurst with sauerkraut or burgers with pickles—which naturally aid in breaking down proteins.


Smart Supplements for Travel Digestion

When exploring new foods and possibly indulging more than usual, a broad-spectrum digestive enzyme supplement can help optimize digestion. Look for one that includes:

  • Amylase – Breaks down complex carbohydrates

  • Lipase – Breaks down fats

  • Protease – Breaks down proteins

  • Lactase – Breaks down lactose

  • Sucrase – Breaks down sucrose

Additionally, probiotics and prebiotics play a crucial role in gut health:

  • Probiotics are beneficial live bacteria that support digestion

  • Prebiotics are fibers that feed these good bacteria, helping them thrive

A supplement with digestive enzymes, probiotics, and prebiotics can be a great travel companion, keeping your digestion in check as you enjoy new experiences.


Food Pairing for Digestion

If you have the flexibility to choose your meals wisely while traveling, food pairing can further enhance digestion by optimizing enzyme activity, reducing bloating, and improving nutrient absorption.

Try these combinations:

Papaya or papaya enzyme tablets + Protein (e.g., beef, poultry, fish)

  • Papaya contains papain, an enzyme that helps break down proteins, easing digestion.

Pineapple + Plant-Based Protein (e.g., tempeh, beans, legumes, quinoa)

  • Pineapple’s bromelain aids in digesting plant proteins and reducing bloating.

Ginger + Legumes or Cruciferous Vegetables (e.g., broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, beans, lentils)

  • Ginger helps reduce gas and bloating from fiber-rich foods.

Avoid these poor combinations to prevent digestive discomfort:  High-Protein + High-Starch (e.g., heavy meat with bread, potatoes, or fruit). These foods digest at different rates, which can lead to gas and bloating.


Signs of Digestive Enzyme Insufficiency

If your body isn’t producing enough digestive enzymes, you may experience:

  • Belly pain or cramps

  • Bloating

  • Diarrhea

  • Gas

  • Oily stools


By being mindful of your digestion, supplementing wisely, and making smart food choices, you can fully enjoy your travels—without digestive discomfort getting in the way!


 
 
 

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