Eating Smart: Foods to Avoid to Prevent Travelers' Diarrhea
Eating Smart: Foods to Avoid to Prevent Travelers' Diarrhea
What's This About?
Choosing the right foods can make or break your vacation by preventing travelers' diarrhea. Stay healthy with these savvy food tips.
Contents
- Safe Food Choices
- Beverage Guidelines
- Risks of Buffet Dining
Safe Food Choices
Stick to food that's thoroughly cooked and served hot to minimize your risk. Fresh fruits are safe if you peel them yourself, ensuring no contamination from the surface. Avoid raw or undercooked meats and seafood to stay safe.
Beverage Guidelines
Always opt for bottled or disinfected beverages, skipping the ice, which might be made from unsafe water. Hot drinks like coffee and tea are usually safe alternatives. Carbonated drinks can also be safer due to their processing.
Risks of Buffet Dining
Buffets, while tempting, pose a risk as food can sit at unsafe temperatures, promoting bacterial growth. If eating at a buffet, ensure the food is hot and freshly prepared.
FAQs
What foods are safe?
Eat thoroughly cooked food and freshly peeled fruits.
Can I drink the tap water?
No, only drink bottled or purified water.
Is ice safe?
Avoid ice as it may be made from unsafe water.
Are buffets okay?
Buffets can be risky; choose freshly cooked, hot items.
Wrapping Up
Smart food choices are your best defense against travelers' diarrhea.
Additional References
- Hill DR. Health problems in a large cohort of Americans traveling to developing countries. J Travel Med 2000; 7:259.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.