Traveler’s diarrhea, or turista is a type of gastroenteritis infection manifested by diarrhea associated with symptoms such as abdominal pain and cramps, nausea, vomiting and malaise. Turista is the most common health problem among travelers, and affects about 20 to 50% of short trips. It usually occurs a week after arrival and usually lasts a few days. It can, however, become embarrassing and turn a dream trip to hell.
What causes turista?
Vacationers usually catch the turista following bacterial contamination, the bacteria grow in raw or undercooked food, water, ice cubes or contaminated food, as well as in areas where hygiene is poor . For some people a simple change in diet can trigger turista. This occurs mostly in those who go on holiday being very tired.
How to avoid it?
During travel avoid raw meat and fish, peeled fruits, shellfish, ice cubes and milk products. Always drink water in a bottle that you have yourself removed the cap. Avoid stalls, dirty toilets and unhygienic restaurants. When travelling, bring a few packs of wipes, for example to wash your hands or clean a toilet seat. Before travelling prepare your intestinal flora by taking probiotic and so leave less room for unwanted bacteria. Probiotics are living microorganisms considered good bacteria, they are sold in capsules in pharmacies and health food stores. A little trick check acidophilicus and bifidus bacteria. It is recommended to take capsules 2 or 3 weeks before departure.
What to do if you catch it?
There are drugs against diarrhoea as loperamide (Imodium) but, a good suggestion is activated charcoal that absorbs toxins and bad bacteria in your gut it’s quite effective against bloating, diarrhoea, gas … Another suggestion is the root of Potentilla erecta (Tormentavena) against vomiting and nausea. When it happens you would not feel like eating the first day, but it is important to stay hydrated. After that, if possible take rice water, blueberry juice, grated apples, dry oatmeal and bananas.
