If you spend enough time going from home to office to home, soon you'll find yourself dying for a long weekend, or even a month-long vacation. Anything to change the routine. But as we all know, travelling can come with a host of headaches. There's bumper-to-bumper traffic on the highway. You get to the airport, and there's an hour-long security line. You check into the hotel, and they've lost your reservation. For those who suffer from heartburn, traveling can make you wish you stayed at home.
And yet, there is hope. The National Heartburn Alliance provides excellent tips for managing heartburn at home, but there's no reason you can't adapt them on the road. All it takes is a little planning.
Medication
The first thing to do is be certain of your itinerary. By knowing how long you will be traveling, you'll be able to determine how much medication to bring. This is important, since you won't have access to your doctor or medicine cabinet.
Eating
- If you are going to eat a meal on an airplane or in a car, include medication in your carry-on bag or the glove compartment. However, be certain to avoid any trigger foods in these situations, as you'll be confined to a tight seat and seatbelt and won't be able to indulge in your usual post-meal routine, like taking a brisk walk.
- It's also a good idea to let your hosts know your dietary limitations beforehand. Also, upon reaching your destination, find a grocery store where you can purchase the snacks you usually chow down on, to avoid being blindsided by spotty food options.
Sleeping
Again, it's best to alert your hosts of your problem ahead of time. This way-whether it's a friend, family member, or hotel service-they can accommodate you with an elevated bed head. If they are unable to do so, make sure that there's a pharmacy in the area where you should be able to pick up an inexpensive foam board.
Exercise
Remember that low-impact physical activities are best for minimizing heartburn. If jogging gives you heartburn at home, it will on vacation. And if you want to play a sport, instead of reserving a tennis court, schedule a round of golf.
Stress
Studies have shown that stress leads to heartburn, and traveling is inherently stressful. Don't put yourself in a position where your travel experience is contingent upon one or two activities. After all, if they don't turn out the way you imagined, you'll be more likely to be angry or stressed.
