Gastroparesis is a disorder that causes the stomach to empty too slowly, causing nausea, vomiting, pain bloating, fullness, and/or reflux. As there are currently very few effective treatments for the condition, most patients rely on careful adherence to dietary and lifestyle modifications to minimize symptoms. Traveling during the busy holiday season while managing this lifestyle can be tricky, which is why we are dedicating this article to travel tips for anyone who lives with gastroparesis. With the right preparations, travel can be easily accommodated for those with specific lifestyle and dietary restrictions.
Travel Management
Before you go on your trip, this checklist may be helpful to ensure that your trip will be enjoyable:
- If you will be staying in a hotel while traveling, request a room with a small refrigerator or kitchenette. This gives you the flexibility to store and prepare some of your own food.
- If you will be staying with friends or family, inform them of your medical condition and dietary restrictions. Either provide them a detailed list of what you can and cannot eat or tell them you will be buying and preparing your own food.
- If you will be traveling by airplane and will need to bring liquid meal replacements or medication on your flight, contact TSA at 866-289-9673 to make special arrangements.
- Keep an ongoing list of gastroparesis-friendly foods that you know you can safely eat. This will come in handy when dining away from home.
- Pack nutrient-dense portable snacks for travel days.
- Pack all medications, supplements, remedies, and symptom management tools that you use at home to take with you.
- If you rely on smoothies, protein shakes or purees as a part of your daily diet, be sure to get a portable blender to use when you reach your destination.
- Find recipes for holiday foods that are gastroparesis friendly.
To aid you further in your holiday travel tips, here is a list of packable gastroparesis-friendly foods to get the nutrients you need without upsetting your stomach:
- Organic protein powder or powdered peanut butter (no refrigeration needed; pour over ice when ready or stir into low-fat yogurt)
- Protein snack bars
- Individual packets of instant Cream of Wheat (make with water or skim milk; add a small sliced or mashed banana and a tablespoon of powdered peanut butter or creamy peanut butter)
- Low-fiber cereal, such as Rice Krispies, Corn Flakes, or Special K (add skim, soy, or rice almond milk)
- Low fiber crackers or low-fat graham crackers
- Individual servings of apple sauce, canned peaches, or pears (stir into low fat cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, or non-dairy yogurt)
- Ginger candies for nausea
If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with gastroparesis, consider a clinical trial with Preferred Research Partners in Little Rock, Arkansas. You may be eligible for treatment at no cost to you and contribute to the advancement of medical research. Learn more to see if you qualify!
Join a Clinical Study with Preferred Research Partners
