Avoiding Traveler’s Diarrhea

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Avoiding Traveler's Diarrhea

Planning a trip to some exciting locale such as southern Asia, Africa, The Caribbean, Mexico, or another Latin America country? Think before you eat! Traveler’s diarrhea is a common problem for vacationers, particularly those visiting developing tropical or semitropical countries, and it can turn a fantasy trip into mystery. The usual culprit is bacteria in contaminated food and water – and the main defense is to be cautions about what you put in your mouth. Here, some guidelines.

Safe

  • Freshly prepared dishes served steaming hot
  • Meats cooked to order, not rewarmed
  • Fruits you peel yourself (never eat the peel)
  • Breads and baked goods
  • Hot tea and coffee
  • Bottled or boiled water
  • Bottled or canned soft drinks, juices, etc

Unsafe

  • Tap water (even for brushing your teeth)
  • Ice (even when mixed with alcohol)
  • Uncooked vegetables or unpeeled fruits
  • Cold salads
  • Buffets
  • Food sold by street vendors
  • All foods that are rewarmed