Irritable Bowel Syndrome: The IBS Survival Kit

Be Prepared

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can be a challenge to live with. Being out and about brings bigger challenges. If you think ahead and keep some emergency supplies handy, you can better handle your symptoms.

Know Where to Go

Anyone with IBS needs to map out paths to follow if an emergency strikes. How do I get to the nearest restroom? What's the quickest, easiest and least-conspicuous way out? If you have a plan, things will go a lot more smoothly when problems arise.

Check Out the Menu

Going out to eat can be scary for someone with IBS. Something that can trigger your IBS can be hiding under a piece of lettuce or a slice of cheese. Most restaurants have a menu you can read online before you go. If you have questions or concerns, call the place. Better to figure things out now than have to wing it later.

Eat Ahead of Time

Is everyone going to an Italian place, and you know you can't eat that? Sometimes it's best to get a meal in before you leave to avoid problems. If everyone else is eating and you don't want to feel left out, nosh on something you know won't trigger your IBS. Sip water. Just say you ate earlier. It's OK.

Watch What You Eat

Just because those fruits and veggies look harmless doesn't mean they can't trigger an episode. Hard-to-digest carbs in some fruits, vegetables, beans, and wheat can be a problem. Don't ban those foods. Just know which are trouble for you. Onion and garlic can be tricky, too.

Learn to Chill

If you're out and about and feel your IBS getting mean, it might help to have a go-to stress reliever. Relaxation techniques like mindfulness, yoga, or progressive muscle relaxation can help. Talk with your doctor.

Get Out, Work Out

Research says physical activity lowers IBS symptoms. So some physical activity can help cut stress and keep everything under control. Talk with your doctor about what would be good for you.

Limit the Long Outings

A commute. A meeting. A walk, even. When you have IBS, you know it can be hard to be away from your comfort zone -- not to mention a restroom. Try to cut the time you're in the car or in a conference room or away from the bathroom. The longer you're stuck somewhere, the more likely problems can be.

Let (Some) People Know

You don't have to tell everyone about your IBS. It might help to have someone at work, at home, or on the road who can cover for you when symptoms pull you away.

Have Medicine Handy

A go-to for a lot of IBS sufferers, loperamide (Imodium) treats sudden diarrhea and slows muscles in your gut. Keep a few tablets (it comes in liquid form, too) on you or near you at all times. You can put it in your pocket, your car, and your desk. A good rule: Take it 20 minutes before you go somewhere you may face a problem.

Keep Gas at Bay

Gas pills like simethicone or activated charcoal can help with bloating, too. They can be critical allies in spots, like in public, where IBS symptoms could be a problem.

Take What Works for You

Peppermint oil can help with pain and bloating. And if you have other go-to remedies -- anything that helps, even only occasionally -- stash some in your kit. It can't hurt.

Pack Spares

An emergency kit isn't complete without underwear and a pair of slacks. Keep a spare pair of each in a backpack or something similar, and make sure you can get to it when you need to.

Take Clean-ups

Toilet paper and wet wipes are musts. Travel sizes of both are available. Make sure the toilet paper stays dry and clean in your kit, and that the wet wipes stay moist in their packet. Carry as much of each as you can fit in your kit.

Hand Sanitizer Helps

The multi-packs of smaller, travel-sized bottles are probably better than the bigger, hard-to-handle bottles. But liquid hand sanitizer is a must for your kit. Keep some in the car, and the office, too.