Exotic Destinations - The Cause Of Gastrointestinal Problems

Traveling and changing destinations often leads to gastrointestinal disorders.

Complaints are more common when traveling to countries with a lower culture of hygiene and sanitation. The reason for the "disease of travelers" in most cases is due to a change in the natural gut microflora. It is in a state of balance between different types of microorganisms, which individually can be harmful, be neutral or, conversely, be useful for the body, helping the digestive process. Under the influence of various internal and external factors, the microflora changes.

The normal microflora in people living in different geographical areas differs in the composition and ratio of intestinal microbes, which is explained by the difference in the chemical composition of the consumed local products and dishes. Therefore, when traveling, due to the change of conditions to which the body is accustomed - different types of food, method of preparation, temperature differences - the intestinal microflora changes dramatically, which causes gastrointestinal upset.

How to prevent gastrointestinal upset?

The water
 

In most cases, tap water is unsuitable for drinking. Therefore, it is desirable to drink bottled, preferably from known certified sources. Even if it is filtered, water from local sources is not safe. It is necessary to boil for at least 3 minutes.
 

The food

Norms of personal hygiene and standard requirements for food preparation are the same in developed countries. More "trouble" can create more exotic kitchens. The spicy local delicacy will affect digestion, which can lead not only to gastrointestinal disorders, but also to exacerbation of existing gastritis, ulcers, constipation. Therefore, in the presence of chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, consultation with a doctor before traveling is recommended. The different amount of food that is ingested per day or per serving also adversely affects bowel function.
 

Foods that should be avoided when traveling:

• It is necessary to be careful with the consumption of milk and dairy products. Under certain conditions, such as warm and humid climates, they create a suitable environment for the reproduction of harmful microorganisms.
• Vegetables and fruits should be washed well and peeled.
• Raw products of animal origin should be avoided. Raw meat may contain a high amount of harmful microbes and worm eggs. Raw fish is also not recommended due to the possibility that it contains poisonous substances.
• Consumption of food prepared by street vendors and in markets poses health risks.

The children

As the kids do not have good hygiene habits, they are especially at risk of gastrointestinal infections when traveling. It is typical for the little ones to put dirty objects in their mouths. Therefore, infections in them develop faster and are more severe than in adults. It is imperative that children be closely monitored.
 

When the disease is a fact

The appearance of a disorder without the presence of pain symptoms is not a cause for great concern. Often in such cases, over-the-counter remedies help. But it should be known that the intestinal microflora will be disrupted long after the disorder is overcome and the body should be spared from new "food shocks".
 

Symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, a frequency of more than three times and an urgent need to defecate, fever, dry mouth, skin rash, require timely consultation with a doctor. Self-medication is not recommended.
 

As the body dehydrates quickly, which poses a serious health risk, it is necessary to drink plenty of fluids.
 

When the body is dehydrated

The most suitable for the case are solutions containing glucose and mineral salts, which help the body to restore its electrolyte balance. They also improve the absorption of water in the intestines. Increased fluid intake is recommended until yellow urine becomes clear.
 

Power supply

As dairy products and solid foods are more complex breakdown products, they should be avoided at the beginning of the disease.
Once the disorder stops, eating is restored with products such as rice, saltines, bananas.
 

Dangerous symptoms

More often, the gastrointestinal disorder passes without the need for treatment, but in other cases medical attention is required. This is necessary for the following dangerous symptoms:

• Atypical stool color: redness and blood may be a sign of bleeding or a parasitic infection; white color is a sign of liver disease.
• Fever is a sign of a serious infection.
• Swollen abdomen, vomiting and pain indicate gastroenteritis, colitis, intestinal obstruction or appendicitis.