Traveling with IBS
I know we see all the sexy headlines and photos about the next upcoming vacations. More than ever, millennials are traveling all over globe. I knew I wanted to participate but couldn’t see myself in those exotic pictures. Why you ask? Fear. Fear was my main factor in leaving my little circle of comfort. After my first international trip (which I lived) I learned I could do it all and go anywhere my visions guided me. Here are some tips for IBS travelers and how to overcome them. All of these tools were very important for me, in my travels in Phuket, Thailand I took recently.
Plane ride must-haves
I am the 5 year old on the plane. I must have snacks to keep my gut and I happy. It’s just the truth. I am the old church lady with plenty of snacks. I always bring dry materials and items I can eat on the go. On this trip, I filled up on my dry cereal and oat based treats.
- Kind Bars, I especially enjoy the cinnamon oat and blueberry oat but they are all delicious and easy to pop and go
- Scar Table Crackers, especially on those bumpy boat roads on Phi Phi Island
- Kind Cereal, for in the morning on the go, I loved just using my cereal. I also used this as my desert, I’ll elaborate more
- Enjoy Life Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips, these mini-chips are gluten-free, vegan, nut free and completely delicious. I mix them with my kind cereal at night and I truly feel like I’m eating a version of a chocolate chip cookie. (kinda *shrugs*)
Take your medications/Vitamins
Pills, pills, pills. I am going to be honest, I have no problems with taking medications as prescribed by a doctor or in my case a gastrologist 
that has helped with your pain or symptoms. I feel like with all things in health, there are so many different ways to treat and help heal yourself. Medications can be an important piece of the puzzle. I was prescribed:
- Dicycolmine: Helps ease the stomach and . gut muscles for easier digestions of food.
- Clonazepham: treats anxiety disorder and helps relax muscles in the stomach
- Nutrition Now: PB 8 Pro-biotic: before every heavy meal I took a nice PB8 and keep my gut flora active
What will I eat when I arrive ?
The story of our lives, what will I eat that will not irritate my stomach. I always go with the classic TLC song, Waterfalls. “Don’t go chasing waterfalls, please stick to the river and the lakes you are used to.” This applies to what you eat in a foreign country. It’s just the rule of thumb. If you don’t recognize it or have never tried it, it is best to take a small bite or nothing at all.
My rules of thumb: As close to natural state as possible. So this applies to all the meats, fruits, and vegetables I eat, especially when on vacation.
So:
- No spicy foods. (You can always request, use any translator app)
- Avoid fried and heavily seasoned foods. (I always say, put the sauce on the side, please)
- Eat small meals, very often, it will keep your digestive system going
- Stay with fresh fruits in season. (I stayed with pineapples, coconuts, and berries that the locals were selling.)
Continue Healthy Movement Routine/ Rest
These are just some of the health routine and habits I used on my trip. When are traveling on many flights with luggage, I felt like lifting my luggage was an exercise in itself. But sitting on planes for long periods of time will make anyone sore after a while. Yoga is my go to, for quick and easy moves that will be I made sure to some Warrior I variations, stretching my arms behind me as much as possible.
I also prioritize my rest over anything. I know that my body needs extra time to bounce back and perform at the best level for the next day. Now I know on vacation we want to see, feel, and hear everything we can. But without the proper rest can you really enjoy all the new surroundings and actually soak in what is around you. I took a nice nap, in between activities every time I got a chance. The best thing you can do is embrace what it takes to keep your body healthy. Self care is what you do to be your best for others. Remember, on the other side of fear, is your freedom. Your freedom is truly important.
Love always,
Truly Dorcas
