So, the big day is only weeks away. The excitement is nearly too much to handle and nearly everything is finally sorted, except for one big thing… Managing IBS at a wedding!
How do you get through the vows, let alone the whole day, without a trip to the toilet? A shared toilet. In your expensive suit/dress. OH GOD.
Even if you’re attending as a guest, a wedding can be a stressful time for sufferers. Unfortunately, there are no sure-fire ways to avoid this but there are some things that you can do to avoid the misery on your special day.
Take Probiotics
Probiotics are a great way to ease the symptoms of various conditions, including IBS. Begin taking the therapeutic dosage most suitable for your condition approximately 4-6 weeks[i] before to ensure your system has started to show the benefits.
Not sure which probiotic is right for you?
Check out our previous post on ‘Which probiotics are right for you’ to understand which is best for you.
Avoid the Triggers for One Week
Whatever the trigger is for you, try to avoid those foods that bring on your symptoms for at least a week before the wedding.
Not sure what triggers your symptoms?
Have a look at The FODMAP Food List and stick to the lower FODMAP foods. If you’re eating out the week before, try to avoid foods high in fructose, lactose, garlic and onion as these can trigger abdominal pain in a lot of sufferers.
Call the Venue
Are you attending a wedding where you’re unsure of what the toilet situation may be? For example an outdoor wedding/beach wedding? Call the venue ahead of the day to understand where the nearest toilets are and how many there will be.
‘I couldn’t possibly do that?!’, I hear you say?…
Yes, it may seem like an embarrassing phone call to make but knowing ahead of time what toilet situation is will help you to prepare accordingly and will give you peace of mind.
Ask if there are any other toilets near to where the wedding party will be, but far enough away for some privacy that you can use.
BYO Snacks
Nobody likes a hangry guest. Bring some snacks that you know you can have if all else fails on the food front at the wedding and make sure to eat them.
Rice crackers, graham crackers and dried papaya are good go-to snacks for IBS sufferers.
Have a Back-up Ready
If you’re really concerned make sure to bring along some anti-diarrheal medicine such as Imodium or Pepto-Bismol for the day. If you feel an episode coming on take half of a tablet, if this doesn’t work take another half.
A lot of people can become constipated for a couple of days after taking these so be mindful of the dosage.
If you don’t want it to get to this point, for example if you’re best man and giving a speech, take one the morning of to avoid a last minute dash.
Relax
I know, easy to say and less easy to do but try to relax and enjoy the whole process. Stress is a trigger for symptoms, so the more you worry, the more likely it is that you will have an episode.
Try to relax in the week running up to the wedding and ensure you have everything ready to go for the day. Get to the location the evening before so there will be no stress with travelling there.
And lastly…
ENJOY you Big Day!!
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[i]https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg61/chapter/1-Recommendations#dietary-and-lifestyle-advice
*Photo sourced from Brides via Pintrest