The Lola Snacks Holiday Survival Guide:
December is here! And you know what that means… the abundance of high-carb, high-fat foods! As festive holiday foods are known to cause digestive stress for anyone, those with Irritable Bowel Syndrome or IBS can have even stronger and longer discomfort, with symptoms such as nausea, cramping, and bloating. Those who have had IBS for a while are familiar with this problem that comes around this time of year – but sometimes its hard to fight the temptation that holiday treats bring.
Not to worry, here are a few tips to help with those delicious temptations that come during the most wonderful time of the year.
Plan that list and check it twice:
Planning is important to managing IBS symptoms for any event, especially during the holidays. So before that family gathering or office holiday party, eat a small meal to prevent overeating the foods that are known to cause distress. When you are attending an event with unfamiliar surroundings, keep note of the location of the restroom or spaces to get fresh air.
Stay Hydrated:
Even Santa needs to have a glass of water or two during the job. Water helps your body replace the fluids lost and keeps your organs functioning properly. Even grabbing fruit juices can help replenish lost electrolytes. Staying away from dehydrating drinks like alcohol is a good idea because it irritates the gastrointestinal tract, while caffeinated drinks can stimulate intestinal contractions.
Bring IBS-friendly foods:
The holiday season often brings a lot of travel and visiting, which can lead to unfamiliar or fatty foods without easy access to alternatives. To avoid a flare-up of symptoms try to bring a pack of IBS-friendly snacks and drinks. Packing high-fiber snack bars, bananas, applesauce or dairy-free yogurt will be helpful. While avoiding gas-producing foods like cabbage, celery, beans, and broccoli.
Have a good time!
By following these easy steps, you have made yourself ready to enjoy the pleasures of the most wonderful time of the year. Having planned, you can delight in all the festivities in this holiday season. But don’t forget to get enough sleep and exercise, but of course nobody’s perfect!