Do you want to take a break from your daily routine and hectic life? Are you planning a trip to some distant land where you can hike, bike, swim, visit different places, meet different people, and learn about different cultures? Whatever the reason for your trip, traveling requires some preparation because a trip can have surprising effects on your health.

The most common illness a traveler encounters is known as traveler’s diarrhea. It is estimated that every year 20 to 50 percent of people develop traveler’s diarrhea. People who travel to high-risk destinations like Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, and other developing countries are more likely to get infected with the disease due to potentially unsanitary food or drinking water. In particular, young adults and people with weak immune systems, inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes, and those on medications like antacids are at high risk.

Causes

The primary cause of traveler’s diarrhea is bacteria, virus, or a parasite that someone unknowingly picks up. A frequent culprit is the bacterium enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC), which can be consumed via food or water contaminated by feces.

If the country you are visiting does not have clean drinking water or the sanitary practices are different from your own, you are more likely to get traveler’s diarrhea. You might wonder how people living in the area, drinking and eating the same contaminated food as you, do not suffer from the ailment. Their bodies have developed protective antibodies to fight the germ’s effects.

Other less common causes of traveler’s diarrhea include change in food habits, disruption in normal bowel cycle due to jet lag, and stress.

Symptoms of traveler’s diarrhea often appear suddenly. The disease usually results in frequent, loose, watery, and increased volume of stool. You might experience four to five bowel movements per day. Along with diarrhea, you might also feel weak and have nausea, vomiting, fever, abdominal cramps, and bloating of the stomach. Many people suffer from moderate to severe dehydration and bloody stool. Symptoms last a few days and they mostly resolve on their own.

If you are traveling to high-risk destinations, it is important to watch what you eat. Foods you can eat to help avoid traveler’s diarrhea are:

• Carbonated soft drinks

• Bottled water, either carbonated or non-carbonated

• Fruits and vegetables that can be peeled

• Foods that are served hot

• Well-cooked meat

If you are already suffering from traveler’s diarrhea, it is recommended to avoid caffeine, milk and milk products, greasy or fatty foods, high-fiber foods, and sweets as they can worsen diarrhea. Once you start to feel better, you can add well-cooked or bland items to your diet such as bananas, boiled potatoes, plain rice, crackers, cooked carrots, and well-baked chicken without any fat or skin.

Traveler’s diarrhea is a disease that mostly resolves on its own over a period of time. Many people do not require any specific treatment, however, it is important that you regularly consume liquids to help replace lost fluids and avoid dehydration. If you are suffering from other symptoms such as a fever, then you may require a prescription antibiotic. Fluoroquinolones are antibiotics that are prescribed the most often.

Other commonly prescribed medications are antimotility agents that slow the movement of stool in the intestine and give more time for water absorption. Examples of these include ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, and bismuth subsalicylate.

Before traveling, it is advised that you see your doctor and discuss what medications you should travel with. During your trip, be cautious about the following:

• Avoid drinking tap water

• Do not use tap water even for brushing your teeth

• Drink water from a sealed bottle

• If sealed bottles are not available, boil water before you drink it

• Avoid consuming ice, unless you are sure that it is made from bottled water

• Avoid drinking milk if you suspect that it is not pasteurized

• Eat fruits and vegetables that can be peeled

• Never eat fruits or vegetables you do not slice or peel yourself

• Avoid raw vegetables

• Do not consume raw or half-cooked meat

• Avoid eating food from street vendors

Outlook

Do not let the risk of traveler’s diarrhea change your mind about visiting other countries. The above information will help you prevent and successfully treat the ailment so be sure to prepare accordingly. Remember to be conscious of local water quality, food preparation methods, and the overall sanitation practices of the country you are visiting. Most importantly, have fun on your trip.