Constipated in the Colosseum: An Italian Adventure

I had been planning our next Italian vacation for months. My 11 year old son, Luca, and I, would start our trip by thoroughly exploring Rome before escaping the city heat in the seaside area of Lecce and concluding by visiting with our relatives in northern Puglia. When we landed, we were ready to immerse ourselves in the rich history, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine of Bella Italia.

At home in Boston I’m very thoughtful with my eating.  Through consultations with integrative and holistic medical professionals, I’ve learned that I should avoid if not altogether cut out most inflammatory foods. This means steering away from gluten, dairy, grains, refined sugar, alcohol, and more recently fruit as I’ve embraced a low glycemic diet. Did I mention that I’m also a pescatarian?

In Italy I had grand plans to stick with my diet as much as possible. I even bought a travel blender for making vegetable-heavy juices similar to those I prepare at home every morning for the day. I booked Airbnbs close to supermarkets with hopes they would accommodate my shopping needs.

But I was in Italy known for some of the best cuisine in the world. Not to fear, luckily I’m a super disciplined person with military-sized determination. I wasn’t about to let any temptation steer me of course. But when I ordered my son his first pizza in Rome, I couldn't resist wanting a bite. I thought, ‘when in Rome.’ The first bite was mouthwatering. Then I thought, ‘you only live once,’ and finished the entire slice. Soon, I began craving gelato, thinking my trip wouldn't be complete without it. Of course, I had to see if Nutella in Italy tasted better than the Nutella we buy in America. This marked the start of my downward spiral, succumbing to the temptation of irresistible Italian food and disregarding my usual good habits.

It turned out that the supermarkets near my Airbnbs were mini-markets. They didn’t carry the wide variety of vegetables like beets and celery that I thought would be so easy to find. Instead, I could only find cucumbers, zucchini, onions, and garlic. There went my juicing plan unless I wanted to make my own V8 concoction.

Going with the flow and enjoying my Italian vacation soon led to my flow blocking. The high volume of fiber I was used to consuming was almost non-existent. Amid all of the excitement and indulgence, I realized that I was constipated.

Here’s how I turned it around with small and natural compromises that allowed me to still indulge in Italian cuisine. Notice that I didn’t buy laxatives at the pharmacy. These can hurt your gut.

1.      I drank lots of water, aiming for a glass every 30 minutes. This helped hydrate my body and support digestion.

2.      I drank chamomile tea at night to soothe my digestive system and promote relaxation.

3.      I stopped overindulging, allowing myself to eat some rich foods while traveling but in moderation.

4.      I incorporated more fresh fruits and vegetables into my meals whenever possible, seeking out salads and vegetable-based dishes.

5.      I took regular walks, exploring the beautiful Italian streets and helping to stimulate my digestion.

6.      I practiced mindful eating, savoring each bite and eating slowly to improve digestion and reduce overeating. I made sure to have smaller, more frequent meals rather than large, heavy ones, to keep my digestive system active.

7.      I kept up with light stretching and yoga routines in the mornings to help my body stay flexible and support digestive health.

As our vacation continued, I felt more balanced and comfortable, which allowed me to fully appreciate the beauty and experiences Italy had to offer. The key to enjoying life, especially while traveling, was balance. By staying hydrated, eating mindfully, and allowing myself some flexibility, I had managed to enjoy the best of Italian cuisine while still prioritizing my well-being.