The crashing sounds of the waves, the warm sun beaming down on your skin, no alarm clocks waking you up in the morning…absolute bliss! Vacation, the best time of the year by far. Until the uninvited guest shows up and ruins the whole day and night. Heartburn.
It’s enough having to deal with acid reflux at home, day to day, but suffering from heartburn while away on vacation is not something you want to do. Whether you are traveling far away or on a one day business trip, being away from home and your normal comforts can be difficult when dealing with heartburn.
While preparing for your trip, keep in mind your heartburn relief remedies, as well as ways you can prevent an onset. Here are a few tips on ‘packing for heartburn relief.’
- Loose clothing that won’t restrict your belly area
- Heartburn medications, prescribed or over-the-counter antacids
- Fruit flavored gum or candy. Avoid mint flavored gum, as mint is a common heartburn trigger food
- Healthy snacks for when you are unable to find a meal that won’t aggravate your stomach. Foods such as granola bars, whole-grain crackers, and non-citrus fruits are all good options
- Carry a refillable water bottle at all times to avoid the temptation of drinking a soda or coffee – both heartburn triggers
- Ask you hotel for extra pillows to prop your head up while you sleep, or pack extra bedding
When you’re on vacation, you’re carefree and have no schedule. However, to avoid heartburn, there are a few things you must remember to do:
- Don’t overeat. It is very tempting to over indulge on vacation. Nevertheless, keep portion sizes small and eat slowly to avoid acid reflux.
- Eat early. Eating dinner right before bed will cause heartburn. Eating earlier will allow your food to digest. Have an early dinner and spend the evening strolling along the beach or enjoying the hotel facilities.
- Choose healthy foods. It’s convenient to grab some fast food, as it’s quick and easy, while traveling. The grease and fat, however, will cause heartburn and is not the healthiest option to pick. Go for a salad, fresh fruits and vegetables, and grilled protein, such as chicken or fish, rather than fried foods.
- Don’t rely on coffee. You may be under stress and on a time crunch before you travel, trying to get your packing done last minute. The easy option is to get a quick fix of energy from a cup of coffee. Even waking up on vacation in a new environment can throw you off. Coffee is a known heartburn trigger in many people, so try different ways to boost your energy. Get plenty of sleep and exercise. Exploring your new surroundings in the morning is a great way to become energized and to feel refreshed.
- Don’t down too many cocktails. Ending the day with a scrumptious cocktail, after a beach day or a long business meeting, could be the perfect way to relax. However, alcohol triggers major heartburn. Try to limit the number of cocktails you drink and possibly try the local non-alcoholic beverages instead.
It may sound more work than it should be, preparing for your long-awaited vacation. However, with just a few simple tips and steps, you can enjoy a heartburn-free vacation this summer! If you suffer from more intense bouts of heartburn, schedule an appointment with Dr. Darido to see the steps you can take to ease your pain.