Avoid Getting Sick While Traveling

One of the best parts of travelling is getting to taste the local cuisine. Unfortunately, adventurous eating can be risky.  And the last thing anyone wants is to spend precious vacation time stuck in the washroom regretting something they ate or drank... but travellers' diarrhea is more common than you might thinking…

According to the US CDC, between 30 and 70% of travellers deal with symptoms that can last for hours or days at a time. It can sometimes result in stomach cramps, body aches, vomiting, and a fever. People with irritable bowel syndrome or compromised immune systems can be more susceptible. So how can you lower your chances of picking up a food or waterborne illness caused by bacteria, viruses and parasites?

First, I recommend setting up an appointment with your doctor or local travel clinic a couple of months before your trip. The experts there will help ensure you are up to date with your vaccinations and warn you of any particular health alerts or concerns at your destination.

They can also help prescribe probiotics to take ahead of your departure, to help prepare and arm your gut.  They can also provide you with antibiotics, to use in an emergency if you contract a gastrointestinal illness on your trip.

Once you head off, be mindful of what you’re drinking and eating.

Tainted water is a common culprit. Stick to bottled water. Check the seal and give the container a wipe before you take a sip and be sure to skip the ice.

Raw meat, fruit, and vegetables are the other common sources. I suggest sticking to fruit that you can peel and eat yourself - like bananas and oranges.

While a crisp salad may sound refreshing on a hot day, uncooked vegetables - particularly lettuce - can be risky.  Best to eat dishes that have been steamed, grilled or roasted, and haven’t sat out in the heat.

And if you’ve ever been told that drinking alcohol with your food helps ward off stomach bugs, sorry to tell you, that’s not a viable remedy. While studies have shown it can reduce the chance of food poisoning by increasing acidity levels in the stomach, it cannot kill foodborne pathogens. So remember, tying one on will not help protect your gut if you’re throwing your culinary caution to the wind. In fact, it will only make you more dehydrated.