Stomach problems

You do not want to get stuck in here!

Stomach Problems and Traveler’s Diarrhea

Any time you change continents or bacteria zones (even when coming home after a long trip), you can almost count on having a bad stomach (also known as TD or traveler’s diarrhea) for a week or two as your body adjusts to the new bacterias. Its all part of the fun of extended travel. Here are some survival tips:

You can buy drinkable yogurt with active cultures in shops and 7-11s to help your stomach.

A great natural way to fix a bad stomach is to eat bananas. They are cheap and plentiful, or you could make a habit of getting a banana shake (you can request no sugar) at the end of every meal.

Only take anti-diarrhea medicine (Loperamide) if an explosion is emanate or you have a long bus journey planned. Your body is trying to flush out bad things in your gut and stopping it up isn’t always the smartest option.

Green Coconut milk (available everywhere) will make you go more in case you had to resort to Loperamide.

Diarrhea will dehydrate you. If it is persistent, avoid spicy and oily food for a day or two – stick with white rice and eat bananas. Lay off other acidic fruits for a day or two also. Drink plenty of water to re-hydrate and stay out of the sun until you catch up.

ALWAYS carry toilet paper – the number one rule for budget travels in Asia! You will not find toilet paper in most public toilets, but you will find it on the tables in restaurants to be used as napkins. Get into the habit of grabbing a handful every time that you eat or get used to using your left hand and then washing it without soap which is the norm.

Never, ever put your toilet paper (or anything else) into the toilets. The sewer system is ancient and the whole order of the universe will be disrupted if you do. Put it into the small metal or plastic bin with a lid instead.

Always try to eat in restaurants and at food carts that have a high volume of customers. This insures that stuff is fresh and the locals generally know who has the best (and safest) food. Whatever you do, don’t avoid the delicious street food out of fear – just eat at the busy places.

Read more about Traveler’s Diarrhea for backpackers.