Introduction
Most of us experience some form of stress during the holidays. If you have inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), holiday stress can increase symptoms such as diarrhea or
abdominal pain, causing you to miss out on family gatherings, travel, and the joy of the holiday season. This newsletter will focus on suggestions to help you get through
the holiday season feeling healthy and happy.
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Plan your trips by making a shopping list ahead of time and checking that the stores you’ll be visiting have
public restrooms. If you’ll be spending the day at the mall, don’t forget to
bring along your medication, so you don’t miss a dose. You may find it helpful to shop with a family member or friend who can hold your place in a line if you need to rest
or use the bathroom. Or, try asking others to shop for you. If you make a detailed list with price ranges and information about where to find a particular item, someone
else can easily make the actual purchase, allowing you to avoid the stores all together. Shopping online may also be an alternative.
Next year, be proactive and try shopping for holiday gifts throughout the year. In January, make a list of the family and friends to whom you would like to give gifts and
the sorts of things they need or enjoy. Then, each month make it your goal to purchase one item on your list. That way, when December rolls around you will have already
purchased gifts for at least 11 people, making holiday shopping less stressful on your body and your wallet.
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What should I think about before making airline reservations?
Consider asking for an aisle seat near a bathroom. Pack a carry-on bag with water and food you can tolerate, as well as extra undergarments, cleansing wipes, ostomy supplies
(if required), and a plastic bag for soiled clothing.
Make sure all medication is clearly labeled in its original container and that you have a two or three day supply in your carry-on bag, just in case your luggage is lost or
misplaced. If you use injectable medication that needs refrigeration, ask the airline if they can store it for you during your flight, as typical ice packs stay frozen only
for several hours and may not be permitted in carry-on bags depending on current security measures.
If you are traveling overseas, take care to avoid travelers’ diarrhea and consider asking your physician about having a prescription for antibiotics on hand. Regardless
of what medication you pack, it’s always a good idea to have a note from your doctor that lists each prescription and its purpose. Depending on your destination, you may
also require one or more vaccines, but keep in mind that some cannot be given to patients taking medications like azathioprine, 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP), or biologic therapy.
The International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers can help you locate clinics around the world, so that
you know where to go in an emergency, and the “IBD and Your
Lifestyle” newsletter provides more tips about traveling with IBD, as does the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of
America (CCFA) Web site.
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How can I keep up with all of my social obligations?
Learn to say “no” by giving yourself permission to pick and choose what you do during the holiday season. Figure out how many events you can handle in a week without
feeling stressed and exhausted, and then try to prioritize which to attend and which to graciously decline. Keep in mind that it doesn’t have to be all or nothing -- in
some instances you may feel up to making a brief appearance at a party, but not staying for the entire evening.
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How can I stick to my diet at holiday parties?
If you are invited to a dinner or open house, try offering to bring a dish. That way you can be sure there will be food that you can safely eat. You can explain that you
are following a particular diet or simply say that you’d like to share a favorite recipe. When it comes to cocktail parties, it might be best to eat before you leave your
house, so you won’t be tempted to eat something that might not agree with you just because you’re hungry. Regardless of the occasion, it is always safest to pass on a dish
if you are not sure about its ingredients.
When it comes to alcohol, there is no proof wine, beer, or other liquor will make your IBD symptoms worse. However, alcohol can interact with antibiotics, pain medications,
and some anti-inflammatory medications, so always be sure to check with your pharmacist before drinking alcohol if you are taking any over-the-counter or prescription drugs.
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Are there particular foods that I should avoid during the holidays?
When it comes to specific foods, there is no single answer that works for everyone with IBD. However, you may find that avoiding greasy, rich foods and high-fiber foods
will help with gas, diarrhea and bloating. Many patients also find that avoiding dairy foods and choosing foods that are low in gluten improves symptoms. For example,
try this easy recipe for gluten-free peanut butter cookies. I usually suggest eating a healthy amount of lean meats, fruits, vegetables, and grains, as tolerated. You
may find that keeping a food diary may help you identify what foods you tolerate well and what foods you should avoid.
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What is the best strategy for managing stress?
Even when you have the best intentions, it can be hard to avoid stress during the holidays. And although stress does not cause IBD, it can certainly make it worse.
Different methods of managing stress work for different people. You may find that exercise is a good outlet. Sometimes taking a long walk can work wonders. Or maybe it’s
helpful for you to put up your feet for a few minutes and listen to your favorite music. Sometimes, managing stress can be as simple as remembering to breathe. Try to
focus on breathing in serenity and breathing out stress. That’s a technique you can use no matter where you are, whether it’s waiting in a long line at the grocery store
or waiting for your in-laws annual visit.
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Conclusion
However you celebrate the holidays, when you have a chronic disease it’s best to plan ahead, keep to your routines, and know your limits. Remember that life isn’t perfect,
and that goes for the holidays too. It probably won’t be possible for you to throw the perfect party, accept every invitation, or buy the perfect gift for each person on
your list. But if you keep a sense of humor and focus on what you can do, you might just find that you have a new outlook on the season.
Happy Holidays!
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Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies
Ingredients
2 cups peanut butter
2 cups sugar
2 eggs
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350o. Combine sugar and eggs until well mixed. Add peanut butter. Refrigerate for 30 minutes or until firm. Place teaspoons full of dough on cookie
sheet. Using a fork dipped in sugar, press cross marks into the top of the cookie. Bake for 12 minutes and let cool before transferring to plate.
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