Beat the bloat on holiday with these tips
Let’s face it, talking about your tummy troubles isn’t the way any of us imagine spending our holidays. So to mark National Gut Week, which runs from 11-17 August, dietician Helen Bond provides her top tips on how to beat the bloat this summer.
These tips are something we can all follow, and they’ll be particularly helpful to those who suffer from IBS.
Helen, consultant dietician to Buscopan IBS Relief, says: “Strange food, long flights and changing your daily routine can all play havoc on your digestive system, and that may cause your IBS to flare-up unexpectedly.
“Your bowels need time to adjust to any changes, so here are some top tips on how to keep your condition under control during those all-important summer months.”
Eat regularly
It can be tempting to eat at strange times or rely on one or two big blow-out mels at the all-inclusive buffet when on holiday, but try not to leave long gaps between eating or eat late at night, as both can aggravate IBS.
Relax and don’t worry
Reducing your stress levels can have a positive effect on your IBS and where better to do that than on holiday. Work out where the nearest toilets are when you’re travelling to acoid last minute panics.
Stay active
It’s easy to slob about on holiday, and while you don’t have to be up and about all the time, undertaking some gentle exercise can help to keep the bowels working smoothly, so perhaps try looking for local yoga classes or swimming a few lengths of the hotel pool when you can.
Don’t be put off eating foreign food
But you can check menus before you head out so you can make sure there are options you will enjoy and put your mind at rest. Buffets can encourage your to over indulge too, so try using a smaller plate or stick to just one helping.
Keep a treatment handy
Either in your hand luggage or in an easily accessible compartment in case unavoidable flare-ups while travelling. Antispasmodics target the root cause of pain and can be taken at first sign of every flare-up, whether mild or severe, so make sure you keep one handy.
DID YOU KNOW:
Irritable Bowel Syndrome affects around a third of the population at some point in their lives with twice as many women suffering than men.
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