Travel advice – How to avoid Diarrhea

Travel advice tips: Avoid the dreaded Diarrhea or diarrhoea, and have a great time on holiday.

Time for a reality check - If you are ever in doubt as to the quality of the water, food or ice in your drinks then don’t drink it or eat it.

If you do get affected with Diarrhea, then you need to flush your system, so drink plenty of water as much as a pint, after you have been to the loo, this will also prevent dehydration.

So before you go, try and carry medication like Imodium as a back up just in case.

Its important for you to be aware that – Ice in drinks, is one of the major causes of diarrhea on holiday. So always refuse the offer of Ice in your drinks no matter how tempting, also try to stay with bottled water brands you know.

Please note: dehydration is also a cause of Diarrhea on holiday, so up your water content to at least 3.5 litres per day in hot weather.

What to look out for –

• These are safe to drink: commercially bottled water with an unbroken seal, canned or bottled carbonated drinks, beverages made with vigorously boiled water, and wine and beer in their original containers.
• Do check seals on water bottles; if the seal has been tampered with, the bottle may have been refilled with tap water, and that can spoil your holiday.

Clean the lip of any bottle or can before drinking or pouring from it.

Avoid any foods rinsed in tap water, including salads, raw fruits and raw vegetables. Also stay away from dairy products if there’s a question about pasteurization.

Eat meat, poultry and fish only if they are well-cooked, and make sure that cooked food is served hot. If its not served hot send it back…

Some fish from contaminated waters may be toxic even after cooking; if there is any doubt, do without. Consider glasses and cups unsanitary; drink from original containers and use sanitary straws, or carry your own cups.

Boil tap water to purify it. Use both a filter and iodine tablets if bottled or boiled water is not available.

Avoid ice, fruit juice and any drinks made with tap water, such as mixed drinks or non bottled lemonade.

Brush your teeth with bottled water or wine (as it can be cheaper), and make sure to rinse your toothbrush with bottled water. Avoid if you can swallowing water when taking a shower.