Traveler's diarrhea is a condition that can wreck your vacation plans. As someone who has experienced it firsthand, I know how important it is to find remedies quickly and effectively. I love exploring local dishes and cultural foods but sometimes they do get the best of me. I believe having a plan on how to counteract the symptoms that come along with this condition while give you confidence to explore and try new things.
In this article, I will be sharing my tips and natural remedies for overcoming traveler's diarrhea quickly so you don't miss out on all the fun! I'll fill you in on how to avoid getting traveler's diarrhea in the first place and how to treat it on the go with simple ingredients. I've battled this condition in Thailand, Indonesia, and Mexico. Actually more than once and lasting up to 9 days (which required medical attention).
This isn't medical advice and only personal antidotal remedies that I have found to work for my own situations. More times than I can count at this moment. I do believe they will help but also that there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this problem.
Good luck and let me know how you go!
Traveler's diarrhea is a common medical problem affecting people who are visiting foreign countries. It is estimated that up to 50% of international travelers will be affected by this condition during their stay abroad.
Fortunately, there are steps that travelers can take to reduce the chances of getting traveler's diarrhea, or TD for short. In this article, I will discuss what traveler's diarrhea is, how it is contracted, and how it can be prevented.
Ever seen those miniature packets of Pepto-Bismol at the pharmacy counter? The pharmaceutical company claims that its product effectively relieves upset stomachs, ranging from stomach discomfort and indigestion to more severe symptoms such as nausea or vomiting. Diarrhea is a common symptom associated with this ailment - yet why does one have these episodes?
The root cause of traveler's diarrhea lies within your digestive tract: microscopic organisms that live in abundance within the colon can induce some discomfort. These bacteria may also lead to other conditions like constipation or bloating, nausea and vomiting.
Just remember, if you find yourself plagued by frequent bouts of diarrhea lasting more than a couple of days, it's important to seek out a doctor.
The most effective way to avoid getting diarrhea while on vacation is by following some simple precautions.
One of the first things you should do when planning a trip is familiarize yourself with the water quality in the area where you will be visiting. Avoid drinking tap water and stick with bottled or boiled water for drinking and brushing your teeth.
Also, avoid eating raw fruits or vegetables unless they have been peeled by yourself or cooked thoroughly by a reliable source – if you’re uncertain about what is safe, it’s best to err on the side of caution and not eat them at all. I can't do this, but it is good advice. ;)
Second, make sure that any food and drinks that you consume have been prepared properly. This means steering clear of uncooked meats and seafood as much as possible. Instead opt for cooked dishes made with fresh ingredients whenever you can - this will help ensure your meals don't come with any unwanted surprises.
Finally, consider taking probiotics to maintain a healthy digestive system during your trip. You will be introducing new bacteria to your gut and it helps to have it "fortified" a little.
Honestly preparation is key. It's one of the best ways to ensure that you'll be able to overcome your diarrhea is by having proper supplements and preparation at hand.
The first essential step is to prep your carry-on and luggage with your supplements. I suggest using electrolyte packets or effervescent tablets along with colostrum tablets and medications such as Imodium (for immediate results, though there will likely be side effects).
On top of electrolyte packets, I like bringing nutritional packets (kind of a two-in-one) such as Trace Minerals. They act not only as a hydration supplement but also give you the minerals and vitamins your body needs. They are easy to pack and come in single use powder packets.
Encounters with discomforting disease can strike without warning; therefore, it's prudent to have an ample supply of supplements and toiletries at hand. I highly suggest traveling with wet-wipes! You can purchase single pack wipes from Dude Wipes or opt for small package of 10 from other brands.
First off, they are so much better than toilet paper. Secondly, when it comes to having diarrhea they are a life saver from a sore bum.
I have found in my search for relief from this condition, colostrum, a milk-like substance secreted by mammals in the earliest stages of lactation. This nutrient-rich liquid is believed to provide numerous health benefits, including support in treating diarrhea.
Colostrum has been used as an alternative remedy for centuries; however, it has recently gained increased attention as a potential treatment option due to its high levels of antibodies and other important nutrients.
In particular, research suggests that certain components present in bovine colostrum may help reduce inflammation associated with diarrhea while also providing energy and aiding digestion.
As such, taking colostrum supplements or consuming products made from colostrum could help alleviate uncomfortable symptoms associated with diarrhea while helping boost overall health and wellbeing.
I would swear by it help relieve most of my symptoms (in combination with other supplements above) and if you happen to look at certain over the counter products like DiaRes-Q (it's ingredients include colostrum). I consider it expensive to buy and would suggest you just purchase the supplement tablets from places like iHerb.com (no affiliate, just great service.)
In conclusion, traveler's diarrhea is an unfortunate side effect of travelling, but with the right knowledge and precautions you can prevent it from ruining your trip.
It's important to remember to drink lots of fluids and electrolytes, eat cooked foods whenever possible, and consider taking a probiotics. If symptoms do occur, I suggest taking colostrum immediately to help solidify your stool and ease your gut.
Don't let traveler's diarrhea ruin your vacation - take these steps to stay healthy and enjoy your trip. Stay safe but don't stop exploring!
I won't come home till after I shaken hands with native lands and kissed the old friends back there - Swim, Ambulance Ltd
