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Webber Naturals Probiotic IBS Support Review

Webber Naturals offers a product known as Probiotic IBS Support. The product is specifically designed to restore the balance of the natural bacteria in the intestine which is often a major contributor to the onset of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

Ingredients

This probiotic contains 4 strains of clinically tested bacteria:

Lactobacillus, as the name suggests is very useful in the metabolism of lactose. Lactose has quite a complex chemical structure and many people have decreased or no lactose metabolism ability. For people who suffer with IBS, lactose can be a factor which contributes to the onset of symptoms, so the presence of a bacterium which can break it down will help to ward them off.

Bacillus subtilis secretes a large amount of the enzyme known as amylase. Amylase breaks down complex starch carbohydrates which require a lot of energy to metabolize which otherwise could put stress on the intestine.

Enterococcus faecium is a point of major research recently. Recent research has found that it can play a role in minimizing the number of detrimental bacteria in the intestine and so improve the proportions of the beneficial bacteria which should improve digestion.

Dosage

One capsule of this probiotic must be taken each day. For the best results, the capsule should be taken with a meal. Each capsule contains at least 7 billion total colony forming units.

Possible Side Effects

There are no side effects which have been reported with the use of this product but it is not recommended for use by any children under 12 years old. If any adverse side effects occur, especially those which are similar to the symptoms of food poisoning, the use of this product must be stopped immediately.

Price

Webber Naturals Probiotic IBS Support is available for purchase through third-party websites for a price of $28.99 excluding shipping and taxes. Each container holds 30 capsules which equates to about a month supply of the probiotic. Despite the fact that this product is intended for use in the long-term, no discount appears to be offered for buying in bulk.

Guarantee

The bacteria used in this probiotic are strictly tested for quality control, according to the manufacturer but they do not offer a money-back guarantee if the customer is not satisfied with their results.

Our Webber Naturals Probiotic IBS Support Review – Conclusion

We appreciate that this manufacturer is specific about the bacteria that they include in their probiotic supplement as well as the amount of each which is present. Although certain bacteria are beneficial in the role of digestion, simply increasing their numbers may not be enough. Many other probiotics on the market contain ingredients which support the life cycle of these bacteria as well as ingredients which make the metabolism of the nutrients in the intestine easier.

We believe the price of this product to be fair but an important consideration is that this manufacturer does not offer a guarantee, so there is a risk when purchasing this product. We have observed similar products which offer more ingredients at a similar price and they are backed by a guarantee and we recommend looking at some of these products instead.

Click here to learn about our Top IBS Products.

Imodium IBS Relief Review

IBS Relief helps to manage diarrhea associated with IBS by settling and restoring your digestive system back to its natural state within an hour. Imodium claims that this formula works by releasing a calming liquid that is clinically proven to work rapidly and effectively.

In this review of Imodium IBS Relief, we look at the facts to see if this product is effective for the management of diarrhea.

Ingredients

The active ingredient in this product is loperamide hydrochloride which decreases the number of bowel movements making it less watery by slowing down movement of the gut. This ingredient only works to relieve the symptoms and is not a treatment for IBS. Unfortunately, we were unable to find the official ingredient list of this formula online and we are unsure of what additional elements may be found in this product.

Dosage

IBS Relief is a capsule that contains the liquid formula of loperamide hydrochloride. The initial dose is 2 capsules when you have the first episode followed by 1 capsule if diarrhea reoccurs. No more than 6 tablets should be taken within 24 hours.

Possible Side Effects

While these are rare, the possible side effects are Itching or hives, stomach pain or a swollen stomach, difficulties passing water or severe constipation. If you are pregnant you should consult your doctor first. This product is not suitable for children under 12 years old.

Price

A single pack of IBS Relief consists of 6 capsules. This product can be purchased directly online from various retailers and the price ranges from $4.20 to $7.00. There are no coupons or discounts available from the manufacturer, consumers will need to do a price check in order to get the cheapest deal.

Guarantee

Unfortunately, Imodium does not offer any money back guarantee. There are a variety of comments from consumers who have given feedback, however, there is not enough feedback to suggest that anyone has managed to get a refund for this product.

Our Imodium IBS Relief Review – Conclusion

This product seems to be popular considering the amount of positive feedback and testimonials which may suggest that this product is effective for short-term relief from diarrhea attacks related to IBS. With that being said, we do have a few concerns as well. The product is not very affordable considering that it only comes in packs of 6 and attacks may occur frequently depending on the severity of your condition. In addition to this, the formula does not focus on managing triggers or all symptoms related to IBS and the side effects may leave you constipated. We do not have confidence in the formula because the manufacturer has failed to provide a money back guarantee on its formula. In conclusion to this review, if you are looking for a risk-free affordable purchase that is natural and manages all the symptoms associated with IBS, it may be in your best interest to seek alternative options.

Click here to learn about our Top IBS Products.

Smart Naturals IBPlus Probiotic and Digestive Enzyme Supplement Review

Smart Naturals IBPlus Probiotic and Digestive Enzyme Supplement is a combination supplement which contains a probiotic complex, a prebiotic complex and digestive enzymes. These complexes are designed to reduce the incidence of digestive distress or discomfort associated with the digestive system such as with food intolerance or Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). They do this by making the digestion of food much easier which places much less stress on your gut.

Ingredients

  • Lactobacillus acidophilus
  • Lactobacillus plantarum
  • Lactobacillus fermentum
  • Lactobacillus reuteri
  • Lactobacillus casei
  • Bifidobacterium infantis
  • Bifidobacterium breve
  • Bifidobacterium longum
  • Streptococcus thermophilus
  • Protease
  • Amylase
  • Lactase
  • Lipase
  • Inulin

The Lactobacillus species are a very important part of the normal flora in the intestine. As the name suggests they break down lactose, a sugar which is very difficult for some people to metabolize. The presence of the species will make the metabolism of lactose much easier, which place has less stress on the intestine leading to less onset of symptoms. The supplement also contains the enzyme lactase which also breaks down lactose.

The Bifidobacterium species have been shown to play a variety of roles in the human gastrointestinal tract. They are involved with the breakdown of complex sugars some of which humans cannot normally digest. Their effect is helped by the amylase enzyme.

Streptococcus thermophilus also breaks down lactose. The prebiotic inulin stimulates the growth of the natural bacteria in the gut and inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria. This leads to a better balance of the beneficial bacteria in the gut.

The remaining enzymes – protease and lipase break down proteins and fats respectively. Again this place is less stress on the intestine to digest all of the nutrients after the meal which reduces the chance of symptoms occurring.

Dosage

The supplement is delivered in a capsule form. One capsule can be taken in the morning before a meal. Each capsule contains 6 billion total colony forming units.

Possible Side Effects

The manufacturer has warned that it is possible to be allergic to some of the ingredients. They also say that this product is not safe for women who are breastfeeding or are pregnant.

Price

One package, which contains 60 capsules, can be bought online for $24.99. Although this is a product for long-term use, there appears to be no discount for buying bulk and no monthly subscription is available. The shipping fee is $3.99.

Guarantee

This product is protected by a 60 day money back guarantee. There are nine customer reviews provided by the manufacturer which all seem to support this product. However, when examining the reviews on third-party websites there are some negative ones. These reviews report that the product did not work and the one review stated that the product increased flatulence.

Our Smart Naturals IBPlus Probiotic and Digestive Enzyme Supplement Review – Conclusion

The ingredients present in this product appeared to be well considered and they are offered at a reasonable price. It compares quite well to many of the products designed for similar results. Nonetheless, it falls slightly short because it does not contain any anti-inflammatory ingredients, which are also essential  for reducing IBS or food intolerance symptoms. There are also manufacturers which offer a discount for buying package deals which makes the long term use of their product much simpler and cheaper.

Click here to learn about our Top IBS Products.

Garden of Life Raw Probiotics Review

This is our review for a product called Raw Probiotics. Both Raw Probiotics for Men and Raw Probiotics for Women are designed to provide support to bowel regularity, digestive function, healthy nutrient absorption and healthy microbial balance, which then prevent Irritable Bowel Syndrome. The manufacturer claims that their probiotics are kept in a controlled temperature to ensure that more live nutrients, probiotics strains and enzymes are kept alive, which provides the utmost aimed health benefits for individuals.

Ingredients

  • Vitamin C
  • Molybdenum
  • Vitamin D
  • Chromium
  • Vitamin E
  • Manganese
  • Thiamin
  • Copper
  • Riboflavin
  • Selenium
  • Vitamin B6
  • Magnesium
  • Folate
  • Iodine
  • Vitamin B12
  • Calcium
  • Pantothenic Acid
  • Raw Whole Food Probiotic Blend
  • Eastern European Raw Fruit & Veggie Blend
  • Dairy Digesting Enzyme Blend

Other ingredient: Vegetable Cellulose, organic rice, organic potato starch and organic acacia fiber.

This product has the longest list of ingredients that we have come across. We could not include all the ingredients in the list. The probiotic blend contains more than 30 types of probiotics, the Raw Fruit and Veggie Blend contains seven types of fruits and vegetables, while the Dairy Digesting Enzyme Blend contains four types of enzymes that are not listed in this review. Probiotics are known for their effectiveness in protecting the stomach from harmful bacteria, while enzymes are helpful in breaking down protein, fiber, carbohydrates, and fats. According to research, Lactobacilllus  do not interact well with each other and might have a negative effect on your stomach. Blending the ingredients also decreases the effectiveness of the product, which is a concern.

Dosage

The recommended dosage for Probiotics for Women is three capsules per day in divided servings, with or without food. The manufacturer suggests that the dose can be gradually increased up to nine capsules.  It is not explained or clarified why it can be increased, which is concerning because it may lead to an overdose.

The recommended dose for Probiotics for Men is also three capsules per day in divided doses, taken with or without food.

Possible Side Effects

You may experience increase in stomach gas, excessive fever, insistent cough, rash, itching, trouble in breathing, and swelling of tongue due to allergy reaction. These cases are rare, however you need to consult with your doctor immediately if you experience any of them.

Price

Raw Probiotics can be purchased online, from the manufacturer’s website and from various retailers. Both Raw Probiotics for Men and Raw Probiotics for Women cost between $38.49 and $41.96 for 90 capsules.

Guarantee

The manufacturer offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you are unsatisfied about any of their products purchased from their website, you can return it to them within the 30 days for a refund.

Our Garden of Life Raw Probiotics Review – Conclusion

Gardern of Life Raw Probiotics has a potential to assist those suffering from Irritable Bowel Syndrome and other digestive issues. It contains natural ingredients that have been proven to be effective and beneficial to your stomach. However there are too many ingredients in this product and we are worried that they may affect each other negatively and then reduce the effectiveness of the product. Research has indicated that different species of Lactobacilllus compete when consumed at once, which can have a negative effect on your health. We are also concerned that the dosage for Raw Probiotics for Women can be increased up to nine capsules, without indicating the circumstances in which this can be done. Increasing the dose in a product that already has too many probiotics and enzymes is worrying especially with all the possible side effects that you might experience. 30-day money-back guarantee makes things even worse because it is not enough time to determine the effectiveness of the product. We recommend that you look for a product with fewer ingredients that have been proven to work well together and one that is supported by at least 60-day money back guarantee.

Click here to learn about our Top IBS Products.

IBS and Diet

IBS and Diet

IBS stands for irritable bowel syndrome, and it is a disorder that affects the large intestine. It causes uncomfortable disturbances in the gut. Some symptoms of IBS include diarrhea, constipation, gas, and stomach cramps. Although it is not typical for IBS to cause weight loss, your diet can set off IBS symptoms, and changes in your nutrition intake can lead to weight fluctuations.

Weight gain can be linked to IBS when you consume a lot of low-fiber foods which are water-soluble. Weight loss can also occur if your stomach pain is so bad that you can’t stand to eat anything at all. However, weight loss and stomach pain is often a sign of other conditions, such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.

Why A Nutritious Diet Decreases IBS Symptoms

There is no recorded cause for IBS. Instead, all of the common symptoms of IBS are evaluated and diagnosed after ensuring they fall within IBS symptoms and not other diseases. Indications for IBS include prolonged bowel discomfort with no added symptoms of fever, vomiting, or blood in the stool. If you have any of those symptoms, please see your doctor.

There are no hard and set rules for IBS because it results in both diarrhea from a bowel that digests food quickly, or constipation from slow digestion. For this reason, both weight loss and weight gain are added symptoms of IBS. The goal is here is not to regain weight or lose weight but to maintain a healthy body weight. Weight loss occurs due to the extreme pain you may experience from the gas in your stomach, leading you to eat less. Weight gain may be caused by eating too many calories of a specific food that doesn’t cause stomach pain

To treat both symptoms of diarrhea and constipation, you must stick to a nutritious diet. THere is no rule of what kind of diet is best for IBS patients; there are actually a few suggested diets that are completely different. Each body is different and your needs are unique.

How Does Fiber Relieves IBS Symptoms?

A specific diet that is commonly suggested to people with IBS is the FODMAP diet. FODMAP stands for fermentable oligo-di-monosaccharides and polyols. This means that sugars in certain foods are harder to digest and often make IBS symptoms worse.

Several foods on the FODMAP list are:

  • wheat
  • onions
  • garlic
  • apples
  • beans
  • lentils
  • milk
  • beef
  • artificial sweeteners like sorbitol

To keep your gut functioning normally, it is important to drink plenty of water to urge your digestive processes along, as well as eat a large amount of fiber, which can be found in fruits and vegetables. Adding these elements to your diet can help regulate your digestive tract and eliminate any pain you usually experience.

IBS: What We Learned

IBS is unfortunately extremely common and is hard to pinpoint what exactly is wrong with your digestion. It has many painful and uncomfortable symptoms, like stomach gas, cramps, diarrhea, and constipation. A healthy diet full of fiber while avoiding fatty foods is a great way to maintain a healthy digestive tract and keep you at a healthy weight.

Ethical Nutrients IBS Support Review

The following  review is for a product called IBS Support. IBS support is a dietary supplement designed to manage medically diagnosed Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). The manufacturer claims that this product is able to decrease the symptoms of IBS, support natural bowel function, and promote healthy digestion and healthy bacterial flora. It contains probiotics that have been clinically proven to reduce abdominal pain and flatulence within four weeks.

Ingredients

The main ingredient in this product is Lactobacillus  Plantarum. The manufacturer claims that each capsule contains 20 billion Lactobacillus  Plantarum organisms. This organism is a certain kind of bacteria that is usually found in a number of fermented food products, anaerobic organic matter and in human saliva. It has one of the largest genomes recognized amongst the lactic acid bacteria. Once in your stomach, Lactobacillus Plantarum forms a healthy wall in your colon to keep harmful bacteria from going through the lining of your bowels and penetrating your blood stream.

Dosage

Ethical Nutrients IBS Support is intended for people over five years of age. The recommended dose is one capsule daily for mild cases, and one capsule twice a day for severe cases, or as advised by a healthcare practitioner.

Possible Side Effects

You may experience some bloating from taking this supplement, due to Lactobacillus  Plantarum. You are advised to consult with a healthcare provider if the condition does not change after taking this supplement. We noticed that IBS Support needs to be stored in the fridge. We are concerned that it might be harmful to health if you forget to put it in the fridge.

Price

IBS Support can be purchased online from pharmacies and Health Food stores. The price ranges between $21.99 and $27.50 for 30 capsules, and between $54.95 and $66.95 for 90 capsules. You would need to shop around to find a cheap deal, as there is a huge difference between prices charged by retailers. Discounts are available from some of the retailers.
You can also purchase these supplements over the counter as well if you wish.

Guarantee

We searched through the entire manufacturer’s website and the retailers’ websites, and we could not find any information relating to guarantee or return policy. This is a concerning for a product that seems so promising. The lack of guarantee indicates that the manufacturer is not confident with their product.

Our IBS Support Review – Conclusion

Ethical Nutrients IBS Support contains 20 billion organisms that are known to be good probiotics that prevent harmful bacteria from penetrating the lining of your stomach. It has been clinically proven that probiotics help manage IBS. However, we are concerned about this supplement because we noticed that it needs to be stored in the fridge, which means that individuals that do not have a fridge are already excluded. It also means that when there is a power failure or if you forget your supplements outside the fridge, they will go off, wasting all your money. The manufacturer has not indicated how long IBS Support can stay out of the fridge for, or if it can even stay for a short while.  This is even worse when the manufacturer has no money-back guarantee to offer you because you have no protection whatsoever. With so many IBS products on the market, it is better to go for a product that is supported by a strong manufacturer’s guarantee and one that does not need to be stored in the fridge.

Click here to learn about our Top IBS Products.

What Is IBS-D?

What Is IBS-D?

Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea, a chronic gastrointestinal disorder known as IBS-D, cannot be wholly generalized as each person experiences the symptoms differently. Affecting 10-15% of the people around the world, triggers for all forms of IBS-D often include eating certain foods which that may aggravate your system; these foods include wheat, dairy products, red wine, and caffeine.

There are some commonalities with the symptoms and diagnosis, as well as strategies with living with IBS-D and the treatment options. A clearer understanding of IBS-D will help individuals who are affected directly by the group of symptoms.

Symptoms of IBS-D

IBS-D symptoms include an urgent and sudden need to have bowel movements usually accompanied by loose and frequent stools, and abdominal pain. It is not uncommon for individuals to lose control of their bowels and soil their clothing, which makes living with IBS-D extraordinarily challenging and difficult. Most people change their lifestyles so that they always are near bathrooms and often will refrain from doing anything that will require the risk of having an accident.

Diagnosis of IBS-D

Although it is easy and one might be self-inclined to self-diagnose IBS-D, it is best for your gastroenterologist to make the official diagnosis after doing a health history, examining you, ordering a blood workup, and requesting a stool sample. It will be important for you to know if others in your family have had Crohn’s disease, Celiac disease, and colon cancer. An official diagnosis for IBS-D is only given if you experience diarrhea about a quarter of the time and also have constipation than a quarter of the time.

Living with IBS-D

  • Eliminating Trigger Foods and Drinks. You will begin to recognize which foods are your trigger foods which give you an adverse reaction. Understand the relation between your diet and the severity of your symptoms is key, and you should plan to keep food journals until you can identify definitively what you’ll want to avoid if possible, whether that be dairy products, artificial sweeteners, highly fatty foods, vegetables that cause gassiness, caffeine, and alcohol.
  • Finding the Right Treatment Plan. You will want to work with GI to find the best treatment plan for your symptoms, which may include taking antidiarrheal medications or prescription medications that may be recommended.
  • Exercise Regularly.  You will want to stay physically fit and get regular exercise which will help reduce stress and can significantly alleviate symptoms.
  • Reduce Stress and Address Depression. In whatever way is possible, be sure to work to ease any stressors as anxious feelings and depression may negatively impact your gut. Many individuals practice relaxation techniques including yoga, and or try biofeedback as well as treat depression. You will want to be sure to address whatever it is that troubles you head on.

There is no known cure for IBS, and it is likely that you will have episodic periods which will be challenging. Be sure you have an excellent GI following your case and who advises you accordingly.

What Is IBS-C?

What Is IBS-C?

With over 13 million adults across the United States suffering from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), it is the most common gastrointestinal disorder. There are different types of IBS, and we are addressing here more about Irritable Bowel Syndrome Constipation (IBS-C), which is also referred to as constipation-predominant IBS.

Symptoms

The most prevalent symptoms of IBS-C is discomfort and pain in the abdomen, constipation, straining, and bowel movements that are both small and hard that look like pellets. Many women share that their symptoms are more prominent while menstruating. In general, IBS-C affects more women than men and is more common in adults who are under 50 years of age.

Diagnosis

A diagnosis of IBS-C is individualized, but many individuals suffer from constipation having less than 3 bowel movements a week coupled with abdominal discomfort over the course of a few months. The diagnosis of IBS-C will be made by a general physician or gastroenterologist (GI), to be sure that there is not something more serious going on. A rule of thumb is that IBS is diagnosed by ruling out other potential issues.

Bring a complete medical history including a record of your bowel movements to your appointment with your doctor. It is also useful to provide a food history and a list of any medications you have taken. Providing as much information to your doctor, preferably in journal form, about your symptoms and what you were eating and drinking before and around that period will allow for the best opportunity to understand what is happening and which foods may be triggering your symptoms.

Treatment

A first step for treating IBS-C usually includes taking a serious look at your diet to be sure it is balanced and strategic in terms of everything you eat. Significantly increasing your fiber intake with the goal of getting anywhere between 25-35 grams of fiber. Typically a GI will provide lists of the most fibrous fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and beans to help you build a diet designed to keep you symptom-free. There is no question that cutting out highly refined foods and avoiding white bread and carbohydrates is key; carefully planning what you eat with your doctor will help you be sure that you get relief from constipation without causing cramping and gas. Since not drinking enough water will often be a factor in constipation, you will want to prioritize monitoring your water intake to help move the food through your intestines.

Most individuals with IBS-C are encouraged to exercise and look into stress management programs to address any external factors that may be adversely affecting your gastrointestinal tract.

Medications

Taking medications is commonly prescribed for individuals with IBS-C because they usually provide fairly quick relief from the discomfort you may be feeling. Common medications include laxatives, Linaclotide, and Lubiprostone and you will need to plan for the best medication to find the best treatment options for you to follow. Many individuals also will take fiber supplements to help supplement their daily intake of fiber.

Summary

IBS-C is individualized and is the experience of constipation may manifest itself differently for each person. There is no cure for IBS, but the symptoms can be mitigated with a well-planned treatment strategy that continues to be tweaked and adjusted until optimum results are achieved.

IBS & Medical Help

IBS & Medical Help

There is not one way to treat Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) for the millions of Americans affected and struggling with treating the symptoms of the disease each and every day. As the most commonly diagnosed gastrointestinal condition, gastroenterologists (GIs) struggle to be sure to look at their patient’s entire medical history to help build a treatment plan that will address them with hopefully the most success.

Below is a list of priorities and reminders that your GI will want you to know and internalize well.

IBS Treatment Is Individualized

There is no one winning treatment plan for IBS because the symptoms that each person experiences with IBS are different. Additionally, IBS can change from day to day and you may find yourself in a particularly symptom-free period which can change overnight, unfortunately. Because the circumstances are varying, with one person, for example, struggling with constipation and another person who has non stop diarrhea or bloating, individualized treatments plans are key. Moreover, the treatment plans will need to be tweaked and adjusted accordingly so that each person can be sure to be addressing whatever is most aggravating the IBS at whatever moment in time it is happening.

Keep Yourself As Stress-Free As Possible

There is a direct link between stress and IBS and so it’s important to eliminate or tone down as many stresses as possible so that you do not make the physical symptoms of stress worsen. Many gastroenterologists encourage IBS patients to find ways to manage their stress using natural techniques to help relax them. Talking to a counselor or psychologist may also be recommended as well as prescription medications if needed.

Control IBS With Diet

Although each person’s experience with IBS is different, it is important to figure out what foods and drinks may trigger an outbreak of the IBS; common triggers are artificial sweeteners and heavily spiced foods.You may choose to eliminate foods that may cause excess gas such as broccoli, onions, and beans and address your total IBS intake because you need to carefully balance getting enough fiber but not too much fiber. Finally, many people will begin introducing foods rich in probiotics such as yogurt, kefir, miso, tempeh, pickles, and sauerkraut.

Follow Up Regularly With Your GI

It’s good to schedule regular appointments with your GI to be sure that you are being regularly monitored and the treatment plan that was designed for you is still the best one going forward. Typically, keeping a food diary that also includes a history of bowel movements or accompanying pains is useful to bring in to your next appointment as well as a summary of any medications or supplements you may be taking.

Discuss All New Treatments With Your GI

Although you may be anxious to try a new supplement that promises to solve all your IBS symptoms, you should be cautious and sure to discuss whatever it is that you are considering with your GI to be sure that it is the best option for you. Do your research, but allow your doctor to use his or her knowledge to guide you through the best combinations of treatments for you. There is no one best solution for every person with IBS.

IBS – Tips for Your Travels

IBS – Tips for Your Travels

Even with the excitement of an upcoming trip, those suffering from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) know that traveling is not easy and can cause lots of challenges that are far from straightforward.  Planning and strategizing to help you be sure that your IBS is not aggravated over the course of the vacation is key because being in a new place, on a different schedule, and far away from your kitchen, can present difficulties and anxiety too. But don’t let that delay planning your trip; instead, consider the following tips.

Carefully Plan Food and Meals

While traveling, if you are not staying in a place with kitchen facilities, planning your own food is key for individuals with IBS. This will include making the best food choices off a menu in a restaurant and/or piecing together parts of the menu with side dishes you can always order separately. Especially if you are aware that certain foods that you eat such as greasy foods or not eating enough fiber will cause you difficulties, you will want to order carefully.

One tip is to carry around smart and healthy snacks that will carry you over until you get to a restaurant where you can choose your meals wisely. Also be sure to carry around a reusable water bottle so you are sure to get enough fluid intake through the trip from the very moment you leave your home.

Maintain a Schedule

Being sure to keep a good routine even while you are enjoying your travels is key. If you are in a different time zone, this always presents challenges to get your sleep and meal schedule in sync with your new location so that your gastrointestinal system does not get out of whack. Continue to eat your regular meals just as you would if you were not traveling. Be sure to get enough sleep and plan extra time for jetlag at the beginning of your trip.

Planning Bathroom Stops

It is a careful balance between sightseeing and running non-stop while also ensuring to able to plan time adequately for bathroom breaks. Check with tours to be sure how much flexibility there is with taking breaks and be sure to carry around small pocket-change in case you visit a country which charges for bathroom use. And most importantly, be aware of your body and do not ignore any symptoms that may arise. Be sure to address them immediately.

Leave as Much Worrying as Possible at Home

There is a lot of stuff around vacationing that is simply out of your control and with IBS, those pieces may become anxiety producing. Because there is a link between stress triggering episodes of IBS, it will be to your advantage to plan accordingly for your trip, but also recognize that it’s almost impossible to plan for everything. Be sure to talk honestly about IBS with the people you are traveling with so that they will understand what may be happening at any given time. Most importantly, enjoy the trip and the upcoming adventure and making new memories.