6 Tips for Traveling with Celiac Disease
Key Takeaways:
People with celiac disease have to consider dietary restrictions when traveling.
Consuming gluten foods can trigger celiac disease symptoms and potentially cause intestinal damage.
People with celiac disease can conduct research, communicate with eateries, pack snacks, meal prep, be cautious about cross-contamination, and embrace self-catering to enjoy safe, gluten-free eating while traveling.
The summer is nearing, which means many are taking vacations. While most people are creating an itinerary for their trips and purchasing travel-sized items to pack in their luggage, many chronic illness travelers are planning around their health. This is especially true for people living with celiac disease who might need to make travel accommodations for their health.
If you have celiac disease, here are six tips for traveling with this chronic condition.
1) Research where you’re traveling
Before your next trip, take time to research your travel destination. Get familiar with local restaurants, common ingredients, and traditional dishes. Then, see if they have gluten-free restaurants, cafes, or grocery stores near your residence. You can also use apps, travel websites, and forums to find gluten-free options.
2) Communicate your health needs
When you eat, notify the staff of your dietary restrictions. Use precise language to explain your condition and the importance of gluten-free food. If you’re in a country that speaks a different language, learn key phrases to explain your condition to them.
3) Pack gluten-free snacks
It’s best to pack some gluten-free snacks when traveling with celiac disease. Take various gluten-free options you can store in your carry-on. Some gluten-free snacks include granola bars, nuts, and rice crackers. These snacks come in handy during long flights or rides with limited gluten-free snacks.
Also, consider bringing celiac disease travel cards. Celiac disease or gluten-free cards explain your dietary needs across many languages with a language barrier.
Here are some places you can get free celiac disease travel cards:
4) Plan meals ahead
It's essential to plan your meals to keep within your dietary requirements. You can research gluten-free restaurants near your hotel or AirBnB and make reservations when available. By preparing your meals before traveling with celiac disease, you can reduce your anxiety and find the best food options.
5) Be precautious about cross-contamination
Cross-contamination of food can pose health risks for people living with celiac disease. According to BeyondCeliac, cross-contamination, or cross-contact, occurs when gluten-free foods are exposed to foods containing gluten. Cross-contamination can trigger celiac disease symptoms and potentially cause small intestine damage.
As you eat out, please reiterate your dietary restrictions to staff and ask about cross-contamination practices. Make sure you’re selecting restaurants that abide by creating gluten-free foods. Also, opt for freshly prepared dishes or naturally gluten-free options like grilled meat, fish, and vegetables.
6) Embrace self-catering
Booking accommodations with kitchen facilities can provide peace of mind while traveling with celiac disease. With self-catering, you have more control over your meals. You can visit local grocery stores or specialty shops or buy gluten-free ingredients to prepare your meals.
This method is a fun way to immerse yourself in the culture while following dietary guidelines.
Traveling with celiac disease requires extra planning and diligence, but it shouldn't hinder your desire to explore the world. By planning, you can enjoy a safe and fulfilling travel experience with celiac disease. Embrace the opportunity to discover gluten-free options in different cultures while keeping within your dietary restrictions.
How Chronius Can Help
If living with chronic illness feels like a full time job, you aren’t alone.
That’s why at Chronius, we make it easy to navigate the healthcare system as a patient. Our online care management platform brings together all of your health records and offers a 1-click appointment prep tool that easily synthesizes your health story for your care team. You also can track all of your symptoms, identify trends, learn from vetted medical information, and follow a custom patient journey map. Plus, if you needs hands on support, our Care Advocates are available to help you with any issues you may hit up against. Personalized support as you navigate your care journey is what we are all about.
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