Going away on your holidays is always a challenge, especially if you
have IBS. There is that constant worry about the availability of toilets
and having easy access to them. Alongside the worry of finding a toilet
there is the stress of eating diverse foods, the risk of food
poisoning, the purity of the water and of course the discomfort of
travelling. Please continue reading to discover of the best tips for
travelling when you suffer from IBS.
The
first and foremost area to look at is drinking. A common situation
people find themselves in is dehydration when in warmer countries. Be
sure to drink plenty of water as you can lose fluid very quickly in hot
countries. In addition to the warm weather being a cause of dehydration
there is that little thing we love called alcohol. Alcoholic drinks
worsen dehydration and give you a headache so be sure to avoid drinking
excessive amounts of alcohol. Now you know it is important to drink
water, be sure the water you drink is bottled, as foreign countries have
different purities of water which can cause an upset stomach. Then you
must try to remember to avoid swallowing any water from swimming pools
or lakes, as these are not really meant to be swallowed and are known to
cause problems to health when swallowed.
The next factor is food.
Food can be a real issue to people suffering from IBS when abroad so be
sure to stick to the guidelines below:
- Always eat in a restaurant that looks clean.
- Stick as far as possible to a diet that is familiar to you.
- Never eat foods that have been allowed to cool down.
- Avoid and food with flies around it.
- Be wary of salad (it will have been washed in local water).
- Peel all fruits.
Following food and drink is of course medications. It is
important to take along appropriate medications on your travels to
ensure your journey is not spoilt by illness. One key medication to take
with your is rehydration sachets such as Dioralyte, Electrolite or
Rehidrat. These are especially useful for times when you have the runs
and feel dehydrated. Another vital medication is your own supplies of
anti-spasmodics like Buscopan, Colofac or Mebeverine along with
anti-diarrhoeal medications. A key piece of advice when carrying these
medications is to have them in your hand luggage and in their original
packages, this way you won't have any trouble with customs.
The
final things to consider are toilet stops during your journey. Whether
you choose to travel via coach, plane or car there are several ways to
go about planning your toilet stops. If travelling by coach one key
thing to look into is that the coach has an on-board toilet, that way
you know you have access to the toilet at any point during the journey.
If your choice is by car, then plan your journey and know where the
toilets are on your travels. Wherever you go there will tourist board
information centres which can direct you to the nearest toilets.
Finally, if air travel is your choice then be sure to book a seat in
advance which is an aisle seat, this means you won't have to clamber
over people to reach to toilets. You should also consider pre booking
your dietary requirements such as gluten free, low fat etc. Many people
suffer from nervousness when flying and for IBS sufferers this can bring
about symptoms of their condition, so be sure to relax and wear
comfortable clothing. Some people find taking a mild sedative can help
when flying.
