COMMON TUMMY AILMENTS AND CURES

Whether by plane, train or automobile, here are the most notorious tummy troubles – and treatments -- that hit close to home for travelers.

Diarrhea: It can cause severe dehydration, so drink plenty of water to replenish what your body is losing. Imodium is a reliable over-the-counter medicine to combat this common condition. According to www.traveldoctor.com, attack rates are equal for men and women. Rarely is diarrhea life-threatening in these cases. The cause is usually feces-contaminated food or water.

Constipation: It is very common in women during travel. Try a non-prescription, osmotic laxative like milk of magnesia or the gentle remedy Metamucil. Increase fiber intake by eating more fruits and vegetables, as well as whole grains. Stay well-hydrated. Try to incorporate exercise into your trip, perhaps by walking to various destinations instead of taking cabs or taking a short hike.

Food poisoning: The only cure is time, according to www.womenshealthmag.com. “You need to let your body flush itself of the toxins,” says Amit Bhan, M.D., a gastroenterologist at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit.

Nausea: An upset stomach brings on this condition. The cure is all natural. Make tea from a piece of the ginger root found in the grocery store. Add a little honey to the steeping water. “When I’ve eaten too much and feel nauseated, I’ll have ginger tea to soothe my stomach,” says Charlene Prather, M.D., an associate professor of gastroenterology at Saint Louis University School of Medicine.

Heartburn: This occurs when unruly stomach acid backs up into the throat. It can be caused by eating spicy foods, eating too much or too fast, or even smoking and drinking heavily. Jeffry A. Katz, M.D., a gastroenterologist at University Hospitals Case Medical Center in Cleveland, says, “When I have heartburn, I drink a glass of milk. Milk neutralizes the acid produced by the stomach.”