I think to truly nail good gut health at a festival, we have to be willing to talk about poo. Poo is our body’s way of getting rid of waste and toxins and if you aren’t going to the toilet properly at a festival, then you are inevitably going to feel bloated, uncomfortable and generally a bit rubbish.

For years I was terrified of pooing at festivals. One year I even took medication to STOP me from going to the toilet because I was genuinely fearful of being trapped in a fouled Portaloo (we all have one mate with a horror story). Plus, going to the toilet at a festival really isn’t an ideal activity, especially as a female. The crouch? The hover? IYKYK.

But, turns out that in order to conquer constipation most of us should be drinking a lot more water. Sounds simple, but when we’re hydrated it’s easier for food to pass through our digestive system. Why? Because when we digest food our body pulls fluids into the digestive tract, but if there isn’t enough fluid to keep the food moving along (ie, from stomach to intestines to colon), the food can slow down or get ‘stuck’, which can cause constipation or bloat. This can also then lead to gut microbiota dysbiosis or an imbalance – aka, zero lols.

So, I decided that while frequent trips to the loo are annoying, I’d rather that than endure an upset tummy for the entirety of the festival. The solution: I purchased a reusable bottle and I went to town on every festival hydration station I came across. Yes, the pee breaks were tedious, but I have to say, I felt so much better. Less bloated and far less fatigued.

Don’t forget that we also perspire more at festivals because of the constant movement (which is actually great for our digestive system: movement, and yes, dancing, all help food move more freely), so staying hydrated is a super smart move overall. Plus, it really helps with the hangovers.

After just a day following my strict festi-hydration routine, I can honestly say I felt much better overall. Waking up the next morning in my sweltering tent not feeling like some dried-out husk of a human was refreshing and being able to go for an AM ‘number two’ meant I didn’t feel as bloated and miserable as I usually would.

Another great tip at a festival (shared by a friend who has her own routine nailed) is to eat food with a high concentration of water to top up your hydration levels throughout the day. Watermelon is readily sold across many festival sites (served ice cold, it’s absolutely delish), and keeping one or two whole cucumbers in your tent to munch on when you’re feeling peckish is another great tip. Yes, you probably will get some strange looks – but, hey, anything goes at a festival.

“I spent summer festival season being more mindful of my gut health – here’s what I’ve learned”