Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > Staying Healthy on the Road
Avoiding stomach issues on the road Avoiding stomach issues on the road
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Staying Healthy on the Road Medical info, e.g. malaria, vaccinations, travel medical tips, medical insurance, where to find a doctor.
Photo by Mark Newton, Mexican camping

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Mark Newton,
Camping in the Mexican desert



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Like Tree13Likes
  • 2 Post By Jay_Benson
  • 5 Post By Tomkat
  • 1 Post By *Touring Ted*
  • 1 Post By Turbofurball
  • 3 Post By markharf
  • 1 Post By redbrix

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 3 Jun 2024
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: Belper, uk, EUROPE
Posts: 550
Avoiding stomach issues on the road
The BBC radio 4 programme "Inside Science" was asked, on the 30 May 2024 programme whether there was any way to prepare your stomach prior to going on travels abroad and eating weird and wonderful food with the aim of avoiding sickness and diarrhea. The programme is question is on BBC Sounds (the BBC's own podcast system) and the link is here:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m001znlt

The question is asked abouit 18 minutes in. The first part of the programme is about sleep.
__________________
You will have to do without pocket handkerchiefs, and a great many other things, before we reach our journey's end, Bilbo Baggins. You were born to the rolling hills and little rivers of the Shire, but home is now behind you. The world is ahead.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 3 Jun 2024
Turbofurball's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2021
Location: Catalunya
Posts: 289
I'll have to come back and listen to this when I have a moment, thanks for posting it!
__________________
FreeBSD fan since before it was cool ...
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 4 Jun 2024
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: Devon, UK
Posts: 816
Ultimately there are a lot of bugs out there that will play havoc with your bum, and you'll never acclimatise yourself to all of them. I have a pretty robust digestive system but a few weeks ago a place in southern Turkey gave me the trots. No idea if it was the food or the water. Had to take a couple of days in a better hotel before I felt able to fart with confidence.

The travel clinic previously gave me a packet containing loperamide and antibiotics, used them both and felt fit enough to ride within 24 hours.

Note: the tap water in Turkey is supposedly safe to drink. In Bulgaria and Romania they recommend not to, but I've been drinking those with no problems. But there are parts of the world where you definitely don't want to play russian roulette with it.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 4 Jun 2024
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,666
I find there is nothing you can do but just travel more. Eat more street food, bite your nails andwash your teeth with the tap water etc. Get down and dirty.

There is no such thing as a free immune system. You need plenty of experience of having miserable tummy bugs and travel sickness to get strong.

You can't live in a sterile environment when travelling. You have to face it all eventually.

In my early travel days, I used to get sick at least once a trip. And badly. Now I can pretty much eat anything from anywhere. And never get ill.

Having a very strong gut microbiome is important too. Eat plenty of fruit and veg. Lots of fermented foods. That is key to a good digestive immune system.

And of course. Always pack some immodium and a few courses of ciprofloxicin incase you do get a really bad one that you can't shake off.
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 5 Jun 2024
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: Belper, uk, EUROPE
Posts: 550
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tomkat View Post
Had to take a couple of days in a better hotel before I felt able to fart with confidence.

But there are parts of the world where you definitely don't want to play russian roulette with it.
An interesting choice of words, quite appropriate.
__________________
You will have to do without pocket handkerchiefs, and a great many other things, before we reach our journey's end, Bilbo Baggins. You were born to the rolling hills and little rivers of the Shire, but home is now behind you. The world is ahead.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 6 Jun 2024
Turbofurball's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2021
Location: Catalunya
Posts: 289
Indeed, I used to have a strong stomach.

Then I got a h.pylori infection from drinking well water, it was bad enough that I was vomiting blood and couldn't stand up from the pain.

Now i have a weak stomach.

Some people have h.pylori in their system for years without any problems, I just got unlucky.
__________________
FreeBSD fan since before it was cool ...
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 6 Jun 2024
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Bellingham, WA, USA
Posts: 3,930
Exactly. The approach of eating and drinking freely in order to toughen up the GI tract can work in some cases, but it can also backfire, leading to increased sensitivity. That goes for pathogens like viruses, bacteria, and parasites as well as allergens and chemical toxins.

While it's true that some exposure is inescapable while traveling--and at times may benefit--I think it's also important to take precautions. You probably wouldn't invite mosquito-borne parasites into your life (malaria, dengue, West Nile), set your camp up in thick poison ivy, or snack on spoiled seafood--the potential consequences are severe and the possible benefits sparse. Personally, I eat lots of street foods but stay away from the stalls selling yesterday's production out of clouds of flies.

"There's nothing you can do" sounds grossly oversimplified. There's plenty that each of us does, and much of it is effective. "There is nothing you can do to stay absolutely safe" would be closer to the truth.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 8 Jun 2024
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: Belper, uk, EUROPE
Posts: 550
Quote:
Originally Posted by markharf View Post
……. Personally, I eat lots of street foods but stay away from the stalls selling yesterday's production out of clouds of flies and McDonalds.
Fixed that for you.

Seriously, I totally agree, there is no such thing as totally safe in any aspect of life.
__________________
You will have to do without pocket handkerchiefs, and a great many other things, before we reach our journey's end, Bilbo Baggins. You were born to the rolling hills and little rivers of the Shire, but home is now behind you. The world is ahead.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 1 Week Ago
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jul 2024
Posts: 2
food while riding
To avoid "tourista" in Central America and Mexico, my choices were:
a) if buying from stalls at markets/roadsides, only buy if i see the foods actually being cooked on site
b) go to a decent looking supermarket, buy meats from their in-house deli, add fruits and vegs (and s)
c) decent looking restaurants (once in a while)

hope this helps
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 4 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 4 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Finding Freedom...World Wide Ride saralou Ride Tales 3473 24 Jan 2024 02:40
A HUBB Love Story. 2 Strangers, 2 Bikes, England to Japan Kayne Ride Tales 9 14 Mar 2020 10:03
Uganda Road Trip Honda XLR250 kampalaric Ride Tales 4 1 Jun 2014 07:14
Bolivia, La Paz to Sucre via the Road 6, do it! jcj360 Ride Tales 1 10 May 2014 03:21
Turkey by Moto 2013 EMBEE Ride Tales 3 22 Apr 2014 14:44

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

2025:

  • Queensland is back! Date TBC - May?

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 03:48.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top