The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that 20 to 50 percent of international travelers experience some sort of traveler’s diarrhea. In the majority of cases, it comes on rapidly. What sets the upheaval in motion varies from person to person. Even a trip of 300 miles in the car might be enough to throw your digestive system into a tailspin.
The destination plays a major role in the likelihood of contracting a stomach problem. The CDC lists high-risk locations as most developing countries in Latin America, the Middle East, Africa and Asia. In the intermediate risk category are some Caribbean islands, some Eastern European countries, South Africa and Argentina.
The Truth about Travel Gut
It’s a fact that the rhythm of the gut is thrown off during travel. This can be due to the stress of getting to your destination (who thinks air travel is a breeze?) and poor eating habits. Crossing time zones can create a host of problems. Your body needs to adjust as you stay awake when you are normally asleep and sleep when you are usually up.
Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, there is the natural tendency to overdo it. Maybe you’re eating too much or indulging in high-fat, high-caloric food that you don’t normally eat. Or perhaps you are snacking between meals and having carbonated drinks.
“Traveling can be very stressful, and it can be particularly hard on your gut,” says Sandra Hoogererf, M.D., assistant professor at the Department of Internal Medicine at the University of Michigan. She recommends giving yourself a few days to adjust. Respect your biological rhythms in order to feel less irritated and fatigued, and your gut will feel better.
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.”
Reflux: This condition often occurs at night when you’re lying down. It comes on when acid travels from the stomach to the esophagus and throat. It can give you chest pain, a sore throat or a bout of coughing. The solution is a prescription medicine or over-the-counter antacid like Prilosec. Avoid contributors to reflux like drinking, smoking and eating late at night.
When to Call a Doctor
Most cases of stomach distress eventually pass and are not life-threatening. But more serious digestive maladies require medical advice. This is true if your fever is 101 degrees or higher or if you have severe abdominal cramps.
If you see blood or mucus in your stool, the cause could be amebiasis or amebic dysentery. Giardiasis is a complex intestinal disorder that can go on for weeks after you have returned home. This is because the protozoa causing it have a longer incubation period than most bacteria. The symptoms are diarrhea, nausea, bloating, abdominal cramps and fatigue. If they persist longer than 48 hours, call a health care provider or gastrointestinal physician to help find ways to manage these symptoms. Cholera is characterized by severe watery diarrhea spotted with mucus. If keeping down light food or liquids is a persistent problem, you need professional intervention.
Prevention Is Key
Know what to avoid on the road, no matter where you go. Tap water and ice cubes in developing countries should be off-limits. Other culprits for tummy trouble include raw or undercooked meat, poultry and seafood, raw fruits and vegetables (including salads), and unpasteurized milk and dairy products.
It is safe to drink carbonated beverages, hot tea, coffee, beer and wine. The truly cautionary traveler might want to pack peanut butter, packaged bread, cereal, crackers, and granola and energy bars, advises www.budgettraveler.com.
Play it safe by eating light. Don’t consume a lot of caffeinated drinks because caffeine can have a negative effect on the stomach, including heartburn and indigestion. They also can worsen diarrhea. Avoid alcohol, which can perpetuate gastrointestinal problems, leaving you feeling bloated and exhausted.
Registered dietitian Ashley Koff recommends taking a magnesium supplement, which can be added to herbal tea if a problem arises, according to www.prevention.com. If you’re really worried, ask your doctor ahead of your trip for a prescription antibiotic like ciprofloxacin or azithromycin, if it is appropriate for you. If you are prone to tummy troubles, it might be better to be prepared for potential digestive upset than left suffering in your hotel room.