When your tummy's upset, you always know it. But when you're on vacation it's an even bigger drag. Here is some advice to help keep your stomach happy during every stage of your trip.
Lots of things can upset your digestion when you travel: excitement or nervousness, greasy airport food, contaminated food or water, and unfamiliar foods are just a few potential causes. To keep your stomach happy during every stage of your travelling adventure, here's some advice you should heed.
Before you leave the country
First, see your doctor before you travel. He or she can advise you of any other health concerns in the country you're going to and also give a prescription for antibiotics to be taken in case you do get sick.
- There's also an oral vaccine you can take to help prevent traveller's diarrhea, so ask your doctor if that would be appropriate for your trip. Unless you live in Quebec, you can get it without a prescription at your pharmacy. The vaccine doesn't mean it's okay to eat unsanitary foods, though, since it's not 100% effective.
- Once you get to the airport avoid greasy, salty food and keep yourself hydrated.
- The pressure in a plane cabin can increase bloating, so although they're generally healthy, avoid foods like cauliflower, cabbage, onions, and beans.
- Carbonated drinks can also make you gassy, though some swear that flat cola can soothe upset stomachs.
After you land
Be sure to find out if it's safe to drink the water where you're going. If it's not, drink only bottled water.
- Check the seal on bottles you buy in the store; sometimes stores refill bottles.
- In some places, you should use bottled water for brushing your teeth as well.
- Additionally, if you have any drinks with ice, check to be certain the ice was made from bottled or treated water. Better yet, avoid ice altogether.
It's also important to avoid raw food unless you can wash and peel it yourself. Make sure the cooked food you eat is fresh, hot and hasn't been sitting around for hours.
- When you buy street food, it's best if it's cooked right in front of you.
- Don't forget to wash your hands with antibacterial wipes before each meal, or you can contaminate the food yourself.
- Money is often very dirty, so be sure to wash thoroughly after paying, or you'll pay after you finish eating.
Just in case
Unfortunately, you can still get sick even if you take every precaution. Stop in at the pharmacy and pack anti-diarrhea medication and antacids in your luggage.
- Natural remedies for upset stomachs include peppermint and ginger, so pack some chews as well. With any luck, the only reason you'll take them out of your bag is to make room for more souvenirs.
