Traveler’s diarrhea is a common problem when people travel to developing countries due to inadequate sanitation and contaminated food or water. Most cases of diarrhea clear up within a few days. Let a mild case run its course which is the body’s way of cleaning out toxins and bacteria. To reduce the risk of traveler’s diarrhea or to cope with symptoms, you may try some of these suggestions below:

1) Take acidophilus or probiotics daily, start 2 weeks before you leave and  1 week after the trip. The friendly bacteria help prevent and stop diarrhea. Take as directed on label. If probiotics cause gas or bloating, reduce the dosage.

2) Take vitamin C 500mg once a day to boost your immune system to prevent and fight infections.

3) Eat well-cooked foods and avoid raw fruits and vegetables while traveling.

4) Drink bottled water, soda, beer or wine in its original bottles and avoid tap water and ice.

5)Activated Charcoal absorb toxins in the digestive tract, reduce gas and bloating, aid in firming stools and subside diarrhea. Follow the directions on the label.

6) Bacillus subtilis is one of the multitudes of “friendly” microorganisms which can create tremendous benefits. It is widely used today in Germany, France, Israel and China as a safe and effective all-natural therapeutic product to treat diarrhea. It is sold in the U.S. under the brand name Bacti-Subtil. According to my clinical experience, taking both acidophilus and Bacillus subtilis can stop diarrhea over night.

7) Drink plenty of liquids to prevent dehydration and electrolytes lost. Do not drink liquid too hot or cold. You can consume liquid gelatin, clear broth, ginger ale, weak tea and sport drinks. Drink a small amount each time, because ingesting a large volume of liquid will irritate the intestine and worsen diarrhea.

Ginger tea is good for cramps, abdominal pain and nausea.

9) Digestion enzymes, such as papaya & pineapple enzymes, help digestion and reduce gas.

10) You can use Huang Lian Su (goldthread, Chinese herb) an herbal antibiotic, if you develop diarrhea. When traveling to a developing country for an extended period of time, you should bring the herb with you in case it’s needed. If taking this herb, you should take it 2-3 hours apart from probiotic or Bacillus subtilis.

For more information please call Ping’s Acupuncture at 661 513 9265.