Travelling is one of the best methods to break the monotony of daily routine. It allows a person to experience new places, a different culture and unique cuisine. For a foodie, trying out new cuisine is the best kind of vacation but it is not always easy, and one can face painful consequences. Unfortunately, even if a trip is perfectly planned out, it can go awry due to an ailment.
Travellers most often find themselves suffering from ailments caused by food. Blaming food or hygiene would be unfair. Usually, travellers get sick due to over-indulging or because their bodies are not accustomed to the diet of their destination.
Traveller’s diarrhoea is the most common ailment travellers complain of. Traveller’s diarrhoea can be contracted due to contaminated food or water. It can also be caused by entirely healthful food, wherein the body reacts because it isn’t accustomed to foreign food. There are different methods of growing produce all around the world. The food eaten during a trip may be grown using different fertilisers than the traveller’s native country which leads to diarrhoea and intestinal ailments too. The symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, fever and heartburn which can render a traveller bedridden.
Travelling is never complete without street food. Street food is an accurate reflection of culture and travellers indulge in it most. Street food can be the main source of contamination. If you’re buying food from street vendors, notice if it is freshly made and hot. Prefer having the food prepared in front of you and use sauces that are covered probably to avoid any stomach issues.
Heartburn or acid reflux is another common ailment a traveller’s body can succumb too. Travellers usually tend to eat more during their trip than they do at home in the haste of trying everything travellers over-eat allowing their stomach to overwork and causing the stomach acid to wash up more strongly. Spicy foods usually cause acid reflux, so if a traveller’s regular diet does not consist of spicy food, they might find themselves suffering throughout their trip unless they acquire medical help.
Stomach ailments are a result of breaking your routine diet and can cause constant distress, so precautionary measures are necessary. Changing time zones and zip codes does not allow a lactose intolerant person to heal. If a traveller is lactose intolerant or they suffer from any food allergies, they should be extra careful when ordering food and make sure they understand what their meal contains. If a person follows a special diet, such as low sugar or low-calorie diet, it is vital for them to measure their daily intake of the controlled food substance too. Travelling can become a hassle for people with vegetarian diets too, and they should also be careful of tasting any new food item, their stomachs might outright object to it, and they might face dire medical consequences.
A change in environment and cuisine can also easily result in constipation. Constipation can also be due to a temporary decrease in fibre and fluids. As a traveller eating a balanced diet should be the priority because it precaution is always best.
Nut and Shell allergies are most common amongst people, and a traveller may unknowingly be allergic to a food item. It is best to intake seafood and foods with nuts in a smaller amount to gauge the body’s reaction. Seafood dishes are also a major cause of intestinal problems as they can carry contaminants from numerous sources.
Dehydration is another issue travellers should keep in mind. First, any traveller should be certain that their intake of water is not decreasing and that the water they’re drinking is not contaminated. It is usually advised to travellers to drink bottled or filtered water to avoid any issues. Contaminated water can become the cause of a sudden stomach issue. Ordering drinks by the pool may sound like a good idea, but too much of fizzy drinks and no water can lead to dehydration.
Anyone who travels with kids should be ready for any medical issues, especially the ones related to food. Children may be uncomfortable in new places and may want to avoid new food, not being acquainted with that taste. They are also more prone to diseases and contamination in the new weather and environment, so it is better to be vigilant and carry the necessary medicines. Those concerned can seek recommendations on what all medicines they may need to carry from a store nearby or can check out an online pharmacy (websites similar to https://www.kentspharmacy.co.uk/ could be helpful in this regard), for their next travel plan.
Travellers should be ready for any emergency. In a foreign country, if the need arises, a traveller might be unable to receive medical attention or language may be a hindrance if they attempt to get medicine for themselves. It is best to carry medications that are used to treat the most common stomach issues travellers’ face. Websites like Click Pharmacy can be contacted to immediately ascertain what kind of medicine would suit them best before delivering them. Packing up for travel can be difficult, but such websites can help by delivering medicines directly. Any medication that a traveller carries can be helpful in time of distress.
As diarrhoea is arguably the most common stomach ailment, make sure to carry medicine for its treatment. The destination of the trip does not matter; a traveller should always carry medicine for diarrhoea. One of the reasons for diarrhoea is contamination, but it can happen anywhere, so it’s better to be prepared with anti-diarrheal medication. Carrying antacids on a trip is also a good idea to avoid heartburn and nausea. Pepto-Bismol is the best option when it comes to treating diarrhoea, indigestion, and nausea and heartburn.
Constipation can have dire effects on health and should be taken care of as soon as possible. It is best to carry a laxative around such as Dulcolax.
Carrying an anti-allergic medication is a good idea too. Anti-histamine can be useful when it comes to allergies as it can instantly combat allergic symptoms. Claritin is an excellent anti-histamine option to carry around during travel.
Infographic Provided By Boston Analytical
