Traveling with GERD.
Managing GERD during travel requires preparation. Pack GERD-friendly snacks like bananas or oatmeal, and avoid acidic foods and beverages such as citrus, caffeine, and alcohol. Carry antacids or prescribed medications, and stay upright after meals. Wearing loose-fitting clothing and practicing stress-reducing techniques like deep breathing can help prevent flare-ups while traveling.More from NIH: GERD and Reflux
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Research restaurant menus for low-fat, non-acidic options.
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Before you travel, take time to research restaurant menus for GERD-friendly options. This way, you'll be able to find meals that are both safe for your condition and enjoyable, making dining out less stressful.
2
Avoid stress, as it can worsen GERD or gastritis symptoms.
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Stress can aggravate GERD symptoms, so it's important to practice relaxation techniques and manage anxiety while traveling. Staying calm can reduce the likelihood of flare-ups and make your trip more enjoyable.
3
Avoid known trigger foods like spicy, acidic, or fried foods.
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GERD symptoms are often triggered by certain foods such as spicy, fatty, or acidic foods. It’s essential to be mindful of your diet, especially when eating out at unfamiliar restaurants. Stick to safe, easy-to-digest foods that won’t aggravate your condition.
4
Plan activities that don’t involve eating heavy meals close to physical exertion.
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If you're planning physical activities like sightseeing or hiking, avoid eating large meals right before. Doing so can put extra strain on your digestive system, increasing the likelihood of reflux or discomfort.
5
Avoid overeating, especially at restaurants and buffets.
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Overeating can overwhelm your digestive system, making GERD symptoms worse. To prevent this, be mindful of portion sizes and eat smaller meals throughout the day, especially when dining out or during special occasions.
6
Bring ginger tea or supplements to help with digestion.
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Ginger is known to help with digestion and can provide relief from nausea or indigestion. Carrying ginger tea bags or supplements during your trip gives you a natural remedy for easing your stomach and reducing symptoms.
7
Bring a pillow or wedge cushion to help elevate your upper body during sleep.
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A pillow or wedge cushion can help elevate your upper body during sleep, especially when staying in accommodations without the ability to raise the bed. This is an effective way to manage GERD symptoms, especially if you experience nighttime reflux.
8
Wear loose-fitting clothing to avoid pressure on the stomach.
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Tight clothing can put pressure on your stomach and worsen GERD symptoms, especially after meals. Wearing loose-fitting clothing allows your digestive system to function more comfortably and reduces the risk of discomfort during your trip.
9
Avoid acidic fruits like oranges, tomatoes, and lemons.
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Fruits like oranges, tomatoes, and lemons can trigger acid reflux due to their acidity. If you're traveling and want to avoid discomfort, steer clear of these fruits to keep your GERD symptoms in check.
10
Bring a reusable water bottle to sip water regularly, avoiding large gulps.
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A reusable water bottle is a convenient way to sip water regularly, ensuring you stay hydrated. It's better to take small sips rather than large gulps, which could cause bloating and discomfort, especially when traveling.
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Avoid peppermint and chocolate, as they can relax the lower esophageal sphincter.
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While peppermint may seem soothing, it can actually relax the lower esophageal sphincter and worsen acid reflux. Similarly, chocolate can have the same effect. It's best to avoid these foods to manage GERD symptoms while traveling.
12
Take medication on time to manage symptoms, especially during time zone changes.
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Time zone changes can disrupt your medication schedule. Be mindful of this when traveling, and set reminders to ensure you take your GERD medication on time, helping manage symptoms effectively.
13
Bring over-the-counter antacids for quick relief.
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Having over-the-counter antacids on hand for quick relief from heartburn or acid reflux is essential while traveling. These medications are portable and can offer immediate relief if your GERD symptoms flare up during your trip.
14
Carry a letter from your doctor explaining your GERD or gastritis condition.
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A letter from your doctor explaining your GERD or gastritis condition can be helpful when traveling, particularly when you need special accommodations or if you require medical assistance. It serves as a useful reference when explaining your condition to airline or hotel staff.
15
Schedule meals and snacks at regular intervals to avoid hunger-related acid buildup.
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Maintaining a regular eating schedule helps avoid long periods of hunger, which can trigger acid buildup in your stomach. Eating at consistent intervals helps keep your digestive system on track and reduces the risk of GERD flare-ups.
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Avoid smoking or being around smoke, as it can aggravate symptoms.
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Smoking can exacerbate GERD symptoms by relaxing the lower esophageal sphincter. Additionally, secondhand smoke can irritate the esophagus. If you’re traveling, avoid smoking areas to prevent triggering your symptoms.
17
Avoid lying down immediately after meals.
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Lying down after eating can increase the chances of acid reflux. If you need to rest after a meal, wait at least two hours before lying down to minimize the risk of aggravating GERD symptoms.
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Eat smaller, more frequent meals rather than large portions.
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Instead of consuming large meals, opt for smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day. This reduces the likelihood of your stomach becoming too full, which can trigger reflux and worsen GERD symptoms.
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Chew gum after meals to stimulate saliva and neutralize acid.
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Chewing gum after meals stimulates saliva production, which can help neutralize stomach acid and reduce the likelihood of reflux. It also keeps your mouth fresh and can serve as a helpful distraction if you're on the go.
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Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, but avoid large quantities at once.
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Hydration is key, but it's best to avoid drinking large quantities of water at once, as it could cause bloating or reflux. Sip water throughout the day to stay hydrated while minimizing the risk of discomfort.
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Avoid carbonated beverages, caffeine, and alcohol.
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Carbonated drinks, caffeine, and alcohol can relax the lower esophageal sphincter and increase acid reflux. These drinks should be avoided, especially during travel, to help manage GERD symptoms and prevent flare-ups.
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Stay upright for at least 2 hours after eating to reduce reflux.
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After meals, try to stay upright for at least two hours. This helps prevent acid from backing up into your esophagus and reduces the risk of heartburn or discomfort, especially while traveling or during long periods of sitting.
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Avoid eating close to bedtime, especially when traveling.
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Eating a large meal or snack close to bedtime can exacerbate GERD symptoms. Allow at least two to three hours between your last meal and going to bed to reduce the chances of nighttime acid reflux.
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If flying, pack snacks to avoid airplane food that may trigger reflux.
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Airplane food can often be high in fat or contain trigger ingredients that worsen GERD symptoms. Packing your own snacks ensures you have safe, GERD-friendly options available, preventing discomfort during the flight.
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Pack small, easy-to-digest snacks like crackers or oatmeal.
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When traveling, it's important to have small snacks on hand that are easy on your stomach, like crackers or oatmeal. These snacks can prevent hunger from triggering acid reflux and can help maintain energy levels without causing discomfort.
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Pack extra medication like antacids, H2 blockers, or proton pump inhibitors.
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Always bring extra medications, including antacids, H2 blockers, or proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). Carrying more than you need ensures you're covered in case of any delays or changes in your schedule, reducing the risk of running out of necessary medication.
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Elevate the head of your bed if possible to prevent nighttime reflux.
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If you're staying in a hotel, try to elevate the head of your bed using extra pillows or a wedge. This helps keep stomach acid from rising into your esophagus while you sleep, reducing the risk of nighttime reflux.
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Ask for a room with a mini-fridge to store safe snacks and meals.
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If you're staying in a hotel, request a room with a mini-fridge so you can store safe snacks and meals. This allows you to maintain your GERD-friendly diet and avoid relying on potentially problematic food options.
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Keep track of trigger foods by maintaining a food diary during your trip.
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During your trip, keep a food diary to help track any foods that may trigger your GERD symptoms. This can help you identify patterns and avoid specific foods, making your travel experience more comfortable.
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If you’re prone to nausea, bring motion sickness medication.
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If you’re prone to nausea while traveling, especially on planes or boats, consider bringing motion sickness medication. It can help reduce discomfort and prevent nausea associated with GERD symptoms, ensuring a smoother journey.