Jump to content

  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):

    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Our Content
    eNewsletter
    Donate

Your Favorite Travel Remedies?

Amazeballs

Recommended Posts

Amazeballs Newbie
Amazeballs
Posted

I'm about to leave for a long trip to SE Asia and I'm scared. I've been gluten-free for a while now and I never intentionally eat gluten. In fact I am extremely careful not to. However, there have been the occasional accidents for whatever reason - CC, etc. And when this happens (as I'm sure is the case for most of you all), it's terrible. I can have symptoms (GI and neurological) for days and weeks and it really messes with me. The worst symptom is that it's like a terrible hangover that won't go away no matter what I do.

So, with that history, what can I take with me either as a precaution before eating in restaurants (like an enzyme) or for if I start feeling unwell, so that the rest of the trip isn't miserable? What's your favorite "glutened" remedy? I read somewhere that marshmallow root is good (?). Basically, I'm looking for stuff that doesn't take up a lot of space in my bag and preferably is not a liquid because of liquid restrictions on airplanes, but that's fine if that's your best suggestion! If you have an OTC or prescription medication suggestion, I'm open to that, too, and have a doctor who is pretty open to prescribing various things if I go to her with the name of a particular drug.

Disclaimer: I know the only cure is not eating gluten, and again, I would never intentionally eat it. I'm just concerned that even with the precautions I'll take (including restaurant cards and ordering meals w/ no sauce), something will happen.

Thank you.

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


Amazeballs Newbie
Amazeballs
Posted
  • Author

Any thoughts from anyone? I'm new here and would love the wealth of experience from this forum's members :) I'm leaving very soon for my trip and would love to know about any OTC or Rx remedies that work for you when you get glutened. Thanks in advance!

GottaSki Mentor
GottaSki
Posted

Welcome!

I would pack enough digestive enzymes to take before each meal. Now or Source Naturals brands are our favorite, but any gluten-free digestive enzymes will work. Oregano Oil can be very good to take proactively while traveling.

Haven't had much luck in our house with accidental gluten recovery.

SE Asia - you should be able to find fresh ginger there -- a tea made with fresh ginger and a bit of sweetener can work wonders for an upset stomach.

Also, when you run into safe food, fruits and vegies that can be eaten raw...throw some extras in your bag...never know when you'll be stuck without a safe food source ;)

Good Luck - Enjoy your trip!

Gemini Experienced
Gemini
Posted

I'm about to leave for a long trip to SE Asia and I'm scared. I've been gluten-free for a while now and I never intentionally eat gluten. In fact I am extremely careful not to. However, there have been the occasional accidents for whatever reason - CC, etc. And when this happens (as I'm sure is the case for most of you all), it's terrible. I can have symptoms (GI and neurological) for days and weeks and it really messes with me. The worst symptom is that it's like a terrible hangover that won't go away no matter what I do.

So, with that history, what can I take with me either as a precaution before eating in restaurants (like an enzyme) or for if I start feeling unwell, so that the rest of the trip isn't miserable? What's your favorite "glutened" remedy? I read somewhere that marshmallow root is good (?). Basically, I'm looking for stuff that doesn't take up a lot of space in my bag and preferably is not a liquid because of liquid restrictions on airplanes, but that's fine if that's your best suggestion! If you have an OTC or prescription medication suggestion, I'm open to that, too, and have a doctor who is pretty open to prescribing various things if I go to her with the name of a particular drug.

Disclaimer: I know the only cure is not eating gluten, and again, I would never intentionally eat it. I'm just concerned that even with the precautions I'll take (including restaurant cards and ordering meals w/ no sauce), something will happen.

Thank you.

There really is nothing you can take to avoid CC or a gluten hit while traveling. The best you can do is eat as plain as possible and do your best to avoid that scenario. I usually do very well on trips but yes, I have been glutened overseas before. My symptoms are different so the remedy would be different than what you experience.

You should not take digestive enzymes unless you have a clear need for them. They may help you digest your meal better, but that will not prevent the autoimmune reaction at all. You will still feel crappy. If you take too many of them, you could end up with a stomach ache anyway. I need to use enzymes and I never take more than 1 at a time. If you are glutened, then just take it easy the next day and do something light. That's what I do. I don't attempt to climb mountains after a hit. Above all else, use your dining cards and do not become overly worried about getting sick. Try to relax and enjoy your time there and if something happens, take it easy and do what you have to do to feel better. There are risks with travel but I have found it can be done successfully if you are careful...and it sounds like you have prepped well.

Have fun!

love2travel Mentor
love2travel
Posted

Above all else, use your dining cards and do not become overly worried about getting sick. Try to relax and enjoy your time there and if something happens, take it easy and do what you have to do to feel better. There are risks with travel but I have found it can be done successfully if you are careful...and it sounds like you have prepped well.

Have fun!

This exactly. Use your restaurant cards ALWAYS! I have used mine over and over. However, I never did feel sick eating gluten and even now, 15 months post diagnosis, I have no clue whether I have been glutened. That is scary stuff because you kind of need to know but my regular bloodwork shows my numbers are all negative. I am extremely cautious and strict.

I also prepare my own food from fresh markets in kitchenettes in our apartment/B&B if applicable. I always take extra snacks along for airports - flights get delayed regularly and thankfully I have always been prepared for that.

It is so true that you need to go and feel great about this wonderful adventure that lies ahead. Do what you can to avoid gluten and focus on what you get to see and do! :)

Amazeballs Newbie
Amazeballs
Posted
  • Author

Thanks, all! I got some digestive enzymes ("glutenease" or some such) and some oregano oil just in case. I will also try to not worry about it too much!

Thanks again :)

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):


  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      131,901
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    tessycork47
    Newest Member
    tessycork47
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.4k
    • Total Posts
      1m
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):


  • Who's Online (See full list)

  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • trents
      New (possible) celiac diagnosis

      By trents · Posted

      Welcome to the forum, @Judy M! Yes, he definitely needs to continue eating gluten until the day of the endoscopy. Not sure why the GI doc advised otherwise but it was a bum steer.  Celiac disease has a genetic component but also an "epigenetic" component. Let me explain. There are two main genes that have been identified as providing the "potential" to develop "active" celiac disease. We know them as HLA-DQ 2.5 (aka, HLA-DQ 2) and HLA-DQ8. Without one or both of these genes it is highly unlikely that a person will develop celiac disease at some point in their life. About 40% of the general population carry one or both of these two genes but only about 1% of the population develops active celiac disease. Thus, possessing the genetic potential for celiac disease is far less than deterministic. Most who have the potential never develop the disease. In order for the potential to develop celiac disease to turn into active celiac disease, some triggering stress event or events must "turn on" the latent genes. This triggering stress event can be a viral infection, some other medical event, or even prolonged psychological/emotional trauma. This part of the equation is difficult to quantify but this is the epigenetic dimension of the disease. Epigenetics has to do with the influence that environmental factors and things not coded into the DNA itself have to do in "turning on" susceptible genes. And this is why celiac disease can develop at any stage of life. Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition (not a food allergy) that causes inflammation in the lining of the small bowel. The ingestion of gluten causes the body to attack the cells of this lining which, over time, damages and destroys them, impairing the body's ability to absorb nutrients since this is the part of the intestinal track responsible for nutrient absorption and also causing numerous other food sensitivities such as dairy/lactose intolerance. There is another gluten-related disorder known as NCGS (Non Celiac Gluten Sensitivity or just, "gluten sensitivity") that is not autoimmune in nature and which does not damage the small bowel lining. However, NCGS shares many of the same symptoms with celiac disease such as gas, bloating, and diarrhea. It is also much more common than celiac disease. There is no test for NCGS so, because they share common symptoms, celiac disease must first be ruled out through formal testing for celiac disease. This is where your husband is right now. It should also be said that some experts believe NCGS can transition into celiac disease. I hope this helps.
    • Judy M
      New (possible) celiac diagnosis

      By Judy M · Posted

      My husband has had lactose intolerance for his entire life (he's 68 yo).  So, he's used to gastro issues. But for the past year he's been experiencing bouts of diarrhea that last for hours.  He finally went to his gastroenterologist ... several blood tests ruled out other maladies, but his celiac results are suspect.  He is scheduled for an endoscopy and colonoscopy in 2 weeks.  He was told to eat "gluten free" until the tests!!!  I, and he know nothing about this "diet" much less how to navigate his in daily life!! The more I read, the more my head is spinning.  So I guess I have 2 questions.  First, I read on this website that prior to testing, eat gluten so as not to compromise the testing!  Is that true? His primary care doctor told him to eat gluten free prior to testing!  I'm so confused.  Second, I read that celiac disease is genetic or caused by other ways such as surgery.  No family history but Gall bladder removal 7 years ago, maybe?  But how in God's name does something like this crop up and now is so awful he can't go a day without worrying.  He still works in Manhattan and considers himself lucky if he gets there without incident!  Advice from those who know would be appreciated!!!!!!!!!!!!
    • Scott Adams
      Patiently Waiting to See Results

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      You've done an excellent job of meticulously tracking the rash's unpredictable behavior, from its symmetrical spread and stubborn scabbing to the potential triggers you've identified, like the asthma medication and dietary changes. It's particularly telling that the rash seems to flare with wheat consumption, even though your initial blood test was negative—as you've noted, being off wheat before a test can sometimes lead to a false negative, and your description of the other symptoms—joint pain, brain fog, stomach issues—is very compelling. The symmetry of the rash is a crucial detail that often points toward an internal cause, such as an autoimmune response or a systemic reaction, rather than just an external irritant like a plant or mites. I hope your doctor tomorrow takes the time to listen carefully to all of this evidence you've gathered and works with you to find some real answers and effective relief. Don't be discouraged if the rash fluctuates; your detailed history is the most valuable tool you have for getting an accurate diagnosis.
    • Scott Adams
      Gluten free beer ?

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      In this case the beer is excellent, but for those who are super sensitive it is likely better to go the full gluten-free beer route. Lakefront Brewery (another sponsor!) has good gluten-free beer made without any gluten ingredients.
    • trents
      Patiently Waiting to See Results

      By trents · Posted

      Welcome to the forum, @catsrlife! Celiac disease can be diagnosed without committing to a full-blown "gluten challenge" if you get a skin biopsy done during an active outbreak of dermatitis herpetiformis, assuming that is what is causing the rash. There is no other known cause for dermatitis herpetiformis so it is definitive for celiac disease. You would need to find a dermatologist who is familiar with doing the biopsy correctly, however. The samples need to be taken next to the pustules, not on them . . . a mistake many dermatologists make when biopsying for dermatitis herpetiformis. 
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

NOTICE: This site places This site places cookies on your device (Cookie settings). on your device. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use, and Privacy Policy.