How to Avoid Stomach Problems in Less-Developed Countries

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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(5 Ratings)

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.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Colored Ribbons
Water Filters
Bottled Water
Diarrhea Medications
Iodine Tablets
Plastic Freezer Bags

Step 1

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.
Step 2

Drink bottled or canned beverages, and avoid drinks not opened in front of you.
Step 3

Carefully check seals on water bottles; if the seal is broken, the bottle may have been refilled with tap water.
Step 4

Wipe off any bottle before drinking or pouring from it.
Step 5

Drink and cook with water that has been boiled. Add iodine tablets to tap water if boiling it is not possible.
Step 6

Avoid ice cubes, which are usually made from tap water.
Step 7

Brush your teeth using bottled water.
Step 8

Eat only well-cooked food.
Step 9

Peel fruits and vegetables. Do not wash them in tap water.
Step 10

Avoid food from street vendors, dairy products, salads and uncooked seafood.

Comments

outdoorperson said

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on 10/23/2006 Be careful about ice in alcoholic drinks. Order your drinks without ice. Better yet, order only beer in bottles or cans.

Anonymous said

on 1/13/2006 A shot of liquor before bed will help to kill any microbes that are in your digestive system.

on 11/22/2005 Frequent washing of your hands is helpful, or use of antibacterial products. Also, many people feel that the high acidity in lime juice kills bacteria.

on 11/22/2005 Watch (self) medication, reduce alcohol to 1 (or 2) drinks a day. Eat yogurt (lactobacillus acidophilus) to maintain balance in intestinal cultures.