Why do some people find it easier to digest wheat foods while travelling abroad?

Some people say they find it easier to digest wheat-based foods like breads and pasta while vacationing in countries outside of Canada. Dr. Megan Racey confirms that this feeling is real, but it’s not about the wheat you are eating. It’s the vacation effect.

Lower stress levels, more walking or simply relaxing can impact our ability to digest foods differently when compared to eating foods at home. And it’s likely that you’re doing all of those things when you’re on vacation.

Dr. Racey explains that many factors impact the digestibility of wheat foods in our bodies, like the protein composition of the wheat used in the products or even how the wheat is prepared. Take sourdough bread, which can often be found in traditional bakeries when travelling abroad. The slow fermentation used to make this type of bread breaks down the proteins and makes it easier for some people to digest.

No matter what tasty wheat-based food you enjoy in your travels, there’s a good chance it could be made with Canadian-grown wheat. Wheat is one of the most commonly consumed crops worldwide, and Canada’s high-quality wheat is exported to more than 80 countries. So, even if you feel like you’re digesting your wheat foods differently while on vacation abroad, it’s likely that your state of mind and physical activity are impacting your digestion in a good way.

Interested in learning more about wheat and wheat foods? Visit What About Wheat?