Acid Reflux
Traveling by road? While a road-trip can sound like a great adventure, there are a lot of uncertainties attached with driving to your destination. These simple tips will ensure that you don’t have to deal with a troublesome heartburn attack while on the road. They will also ensure that you arrive at your destination feeling fresh.
Carrying fresh fruits, cut-up vegetables, nuts, and trail mix can help so that you’re not resigned to buying nutritionally poor quality, fat-laden snacks on the road. Also, be sure to stop and eat every 4 hours or so. Going hungry for long can trigger acid reflux.
Eating out is inevitable when you’re on the road. But make sure that you stop at restaurants that will offer healthier options. Avoid super-sized portions, foods cooked in butter and lard, and do steer clear of all your heartburn-trigger foods.
Yes, road traffic is unpredictable and your GPS may not always be reliable. You can get stuck in road blocks and get lost as well. Be mentally prepared for these eventualities and keep stress at bay, because stress is connected with acid reflux. Carry some games and magazines with you, so that you have something fun to do when you feel yourself getting worked up. When all else fails, try deep breathing exercises.
If you have to stay with friends/relatives enroute to your destination, make sure you share your diet preferences with them in advance. No one really wants their guests to feel sick, but you can’t blame your host for cooking a meal you can’t digest with ease if you don’t let them know in advance.
Feeling embarrassed about asking for extra pillows when you’re crashing on your friend’s couch just for a night? Don’t compromise on your sleep because lack of sleep can be a trigger for acid reflux. A simple solution is to pack your own pillows. If you can’t, you can also find inflatable pillows at travel essentials stores or even drug stores.
Since road travel may come with some unpleasant surprises, make sure you have an emergency reflux attack kit in your car. If you suffer from GERD, here are some things you should include in your travel kit: