A new climate, exotic cuisine, a change in daily routine, and unfamiliar water can overshadow even the most anticipated vacation.
According to Julia Churnosova, a candidate of medical sciences and an endocrinologist, most digestive problems during travel can be prevented by following a few simple but important rules.
Why Stomach Problems Occur More Often on Vacation
Digestive disorders during trips are not always related to food poisoning. The functioning of the gastrointestinal tract is affected by changes in time zones, disruption of the usual eating schedule, new foods, and the peculiarities of local cuisine.
An additional risk factor is the hot climate, inadequate hygiene, and consumption of questionable quality water. Even familiar dishes in another country may differ in composition, cooking methods, and the set of microorganisms to which the body is not accustomed.
People with chronic stomach and intestinal diseases should be especially cautious. An abundance of spices, unfamiliar foods, and disruption of routine can provoke exacerbation of the disease.
8 Rules for Safe Vacation
1. Maintain Your Usual Eating Schedule
Even on vacation, it is advisable to stick to your usual meal schedule. Sudden changes in routine can negatively affect the functioning of the digestive system.
2. Do Not Overindulge in Culinary Experiments
Exotic dishes are one of the highlights of travel; however, it is better to get acquainted with them gradually. It is not advisable to try several unfamiliar foods in one day.
3. Choose Trusted Establishments
Before visiting a café or restaurant, it is useful to read reviews. Special caution should be exercised when choosing seafood, dairy products, and items that require strict adherence to storage conditions.
4. Prefer Cooked Food
If you decide to try local cuisine or street food, it is safer to choose dishes that have undergone sufficient thermal processing. High temperatures kill most harmful microorganisms.
5. Monitor Water Quality
In many countries, it is recommended to drink only bottled water. It is also advisable to use safe water for brushing teeth and washing fruits and vegetables.
6. Do Not Forget About Hygiene
Regular hand washing remains one of the most effective ways to prevent intestinal infections. While traveling, it is advisable to use sanitizers and avoid contact between dirty hands and the face or food.
7. Be Cautious While Swimming
Infection can occur even from accidentally swallowing water in a river, lake, or other body of water. It is recommended to take a shower after swimming.
8. Pack a Travel First Aid Kit
Before the trip, it is advisable to take absorbents, enzyme preparations, and medications for digestive disorders. In some countries, such medications may only be available by prescription.
Vacation should not become a trial for the body. According to the editorial team, most digestive problems during travel are not related to exotic cuisine per se, but to the failure to adhere to basic safety rules. Careful attention to food choices, water quality, and personal hygiene will help avoid troubles and preserve only good impressions from the vacation.
