How to Avoid Stomach Problems in Less-Developed Countries
Food and water contamination can cause serious illness. Take steps to avoid bacterial infections and parasites when traveling in countries where contamination is a problem.
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Things You'll Need
- Colored Ribbons
- Water Filters
- Bottled Water
- Diarrhea Medications
- Iodine Tablets
- Plastic Freezer Bags
Instructions
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Check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site to find out if the water is safe to drink in the region you'll be visiting.
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Drink bottled or canned beverages, and avoid drinks not opened in front of you.
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Carefully check seals on water bottles; if the seal is broken, the bottle may have been refilled with tap water.
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Wipe off any bottle before drinking or pouring from it.
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Drink and cook with water that has been boiled. Add iodine tablets to tap water if boiling it is not possible.
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Avoid ice cubes, which are usually made from tap water.
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Brush your teeth using bottled water.
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Eat only well-cooked food.
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Peel fruits and vegetables. Do not wash them in tap water.
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Avoid food from street vendors, dairy products, salads and uncooked seafood.
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Tips & Warnings
Tie a ribbon or string around the bathroom faucet as a reminder not to drink the tap water.
If you want a cool drink, place ice cubes in a clean, leakproof plastic bag, and place the whole bag in the drink.
Drinks not opened in front of you may have tap water added to them.
