While preparing for a trip, we pack things like clothes, shoes, mobile, camera very carefully, but we often ignore one very important thing – the health of the stomach and food. This small carelessness can later lead to problems like diarrhea or stomach upset, which spoils the fun of the entire trip.

Diarrhea during travel, also known as traveler’s diarrhea, is considered to be the most common health problem among travelers. This problem occurs especially in those places where the cleanliness of water and food is not good. Contaminated water, stale or dirty food and bacteria are the main reasons for this. In such a situation, if you are going somewhere, then definitely keep a gut care kit in your bag.

Easy ways to keep your stomach healthy during travel

The most important thing is to consume clean water and safe food. Always drink bottled water and use the same water to brush your teeth. Unless you are sure the ice is clean, avoid eating it. Choose only fresh and well-cooked hot food. Avoid buffets or food left out for long periods of time. If there is doubt about the cleanliness of any fruit or vegetable, eat it only after peeling or boiling it.

There are some food items from which it is better to stay away while traveling. Raw vegetables, salads, unpeeled fruits, undercooked meat or seafood, raw eggs, and unpasteurized dairy products can increase stomach problems. Street food available on the roadside can also be risky, especially if cleanliness is not maintained.

In case of diarrhea, water and essential minerals get released from the body rapidly, hence it is very important to avoid dehydration. Always keep ORS with you and consume it when needed. It is safe to drink bottled water, boiled tea or coffee. Avoid swallowing water while swimming and if clean water is not available, drink only boiled or filtered water.

Keep a gut care travel kit in your bag.

If you get stomach upset during travel, take light and simple food instead of remaining hungry. Like plain rice, toast, crackers, banana or boiled potatoes. Stay away from oily food, alcohol and milk. Also always keep a small gut care kit with you, which includes ORS packets, antacids, medicines like loperamide and probiotics. Especially before traveling abroad, it is a wise step to consult a doctor. With a little caution and proper preparation, you can make your trip a memorable one—without the stomach trouble.