Gut Issues Disrupt Millions Of Summer Vacations, Survey Finds

As Americans gear up for summer travel, a surprising culprit threatens to ruin their plans: gut trouble.

According to a new survey of 2,000 adults conducted by Talker Research on behalf of wellness brand NBPure, more than one in four (27%) adults say digestive issues interfere with their ability to enjoy summer vacations — a concern that could impact millions this year.

In fact, 42% of respondents said they struggle with gut health year-round, and nearly as many (38%) experience new or worsened symptoms while on the road.

These concerns directly shape how people eat and plan during their vacations. Over a third (36%) said they make food choices based on what their stomach can tolerate, while 26% said they wont even try new foods for fear of a digestive reaction. And for 40%, bathroom proximity is a deciding factor in choosing restaurants or activities.

About half (49%) of respondents said they pack supplements, snacks, or medication specifically to stave off travel-related gut issues.

“Its clear that digestive health isnt just a private matter — its a driving force behind everyday decisions, from what we eat to where we go and those considerations are only exacerbated when traveling,” said Danna Pratte, Founder & CEO of NBPure. “People are tuning into their bodies more than ever to ensure their trips arent derailed by gut issues.”

The impact stretches well beyond vacation plans. On average, people avoid certain foods ten times per month because of stomach concerns and change plans or skip social events twice a month. One in five (20%) even said theyve missed a major life moment — such as a graduation or flight — due to gut-related problems.

Still, many are working to get ahead of their digestive discomfort. Sixty-nine percent said they take proactive steps to improve their gut health, with 36% saying they do this often. About one in five (21%) feel their condition has improved over the past year.

Despite how common gut issues are, they remain difficult to talk about, with just 55% saying they were comfortable discussing digestive health with friends or family.

“These findings highlight just how much digestive health shapes our daily lives — often in ways we dont even realize,” added Pratte. “From the foods we choose to the plans we make, gut discomfort can be a quiet but powerful influence. The more we talk about it, the more empowered people feel to take steps toward feeling better.”