Up to 15% of adults in the United States have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). From knowing which foods to stash in your carry-on to staying one step ahead of stress-triggered flare-ups, simple travel tips can help you spend less time worrying about your stomach and more time enjoying your trip.
Keep IBS symptoms at bay all of the time, not just when you’re on the road, by scheduling an appointment with Leslie F. Seecoomar, MD, on New York City’s Upper West Side. Dr. Seecoomar can customize an IBS treatment plan offering long-lasting relief.
IBS can create some not-so-fun challenges when you’re on the road. Symptoms often vary from person to person, but they might include:
You might have anxiety about traveling with IBS by car or plane, which can add to an already stressful situation. But a few simple hacks can offer you peace of mind and an enjoyable trip.
Consider the following travel tips that help keep anxiety-provoking IBS flare-ups at bay:
It’s important to be prepared if diarrhea or constipation are your usual IBS symptoms, especially while on the road. For diarrhea, have Lomotil®, Imodium®, or a similar medication on hand to minimize symptoms while traveling. Pack laxatives in case of constipation.
You never know when you’ll need to make a quick trip to the bathroom, so it’s helpful to stay close to one when you’re flying, on the road, or at your final vacation destination. Consider using a bathroom-locating app, such as USA Rest Stops® or SitOrSquat®, on road trips.
Some vacation spots may cause more stress than others, so choose a destination offering a relaxing experience. While you can’t always predict stressful situations that may arise, do what you can to remain relaxed. Consider yoga, tai chi, deep breathing, meditation, and massage.
Bring herbal tea, such as ginger or peppermint tea, to help ease IBS symptoms by relaxing your digestive tract and minimizing cramping, gas, and bloating.
Lastly, prioritize sleep when you’re on the road by allowing yourself 7-9 hours per night.
Dr. Seecoomar helps you identify your IBS trigger foods so you can limit or avoid them during your next trip. Stick to your usual IBS diet as much as you can while on the road to avoid flare-ups.
Trigger foods vary but may include fatty foods, fried foods, caffeine, alcohol, gluten, lactose, or high-FODMAP foods. Pack IBS-friendly snacks you know you tolerate well during your journey.
Always carry a bottle of water to stay hydrated while traveling, reducing the risk of constipation and other IBS-related GI concerns. Choosing bottled over tap water is often helpful, depending on where you’re traveling.
Taking an after-dinner walk may help relieve gas and bloating, as gentle movement supports digestion by moving food through your GI tract. Walking can also help ease travel-related stress and anxiety, clearing your mind at the end of an activity-packed day. Just be sure you don’t veer too far from a bathroom.
Because IBS symptoms vary from person to person, see Dr. Seecoomar for a personalized travel plan. Your plan might include medications, dietary supplements, a customized diet and exercise program, and other healthy habits that keep unpleasant IBS symptoms at bay.
Schedule a gastrointestinal evaluation with Leslie F. Seecoomar, MD, PC, at 212-217-9961 or book an appointment online to gain control of IBS symptoms at home and abroad.
