IBS tips for travel

If you travel on a regular basis, either for business or pleasure and suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), you will want to avoid the flares that can occur due to your condition. If you are suffering from IBS, you may find helpful ways to monitor your symptoms and keep your digestive system under control.

Here are ten tips for those who are traveling with IBS.

1. Consider your method of travel. It may be easier to take a road trip rather than flying. However, if you are flying, make sure that you are sitting in the aisle and are close to a restroom. This not only gives you a feeling of being prepared, but also allows you to feel in control, which will help prevent stress.

2. Relax. Stress will irritate your digestive system, and cause your IBS to flare up. Make sure that you get to the airport and have packed ahead of time, and you are avoiding any stressful situations that may arise.

3. Know the available pit-stops. If you are driving, you should pay attention to how close each service station is, as well as where you would be able to stop if needed. This will help if your digestive system begins to flare.

4. Be prepared with lodging. Try to avoid staying in accommodations that have a shared restroom. Check to see if you can arrive early or leave late and this will help to prepare for the journey.

5. Bring your medication. Always have your medication at hand when you are traveling. Knowing that it is in hand will help to calm your system down. Many will travel with an extra prescription bottle just in case you forget to keep it in hand while traveling.

6. Know how to reach your physician. If you run into problems during your travels, have your physician’s phone number available. Make sure that you have a cell phone that will allow access to your local area without extra charges.

7. Be prepared for re-fills. If you run out of prescription medication during your travels, make sure that you have documentation on hand for refills. Most local drug stores will be willing to re-fill your bottle away from home.

8. Know what to expect overseas. If you are traveling outside of the United States, be prepared for different types of restrooms. You should know how to ask where the restroom is in the local language, and be prepared for pay toilets in some areas.

9. Bring the right foods. If you know that you have IBS, then you may already know which foods will irritate the symptoms. You can easily prevent IBS during your travels by avoiding the foods that irritate the symptoms. Bring a bag of snacks that will help calm your digestive system.

10. Always be prepared for all situations. By planning ahead on what you need, you can easily enjoy your travels. The major consideration is to make sure that you have the necessary means to prevent your IBS, and being prepared to react in case it does.