Obiaks Blog

Ways To Avoid Travel Disease


A trip to Mexico can prove to be one of the most exhilarating experiences of your life, as it is blessed with a number of fascinating rare sites. You can spend quality time on pristine beaches, visit archaeological dig sites and soak up nature’s beauty at numerous locations. Besides, you can also enjoy amenities of a four star resort. A number of people contract Montezuma’s revenge, popularly known as traveler’s diarrhea, while in Mexico. However, there are four different ways to prevent it.

To begin with, it is necessary to know a bit about this medical condition, as it affects at least fifty percent of all tourists who visit third world countries every year. E.coli bacteria that nest in your digestive tract cause it. Some of the most common symptoms of this condition include frequent loose tools, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, fever and bloating. In many cases, people suffer dehydration and need to be hospitalized. Though there are a number of treatments for this travel disease, but none are as effective as the course of time itself.

In order to avoid this medical condition, you need to avoid drinking tap water. Almost everyone in the country drinks tap water and uses it for a number of purposes. Hence, the digestive tracts of the locals are attuned to the bacteria present in the water. But, it is not safe to drink tap water and so, it is better to boil water for at least ten minutes before you drink it. Even a tiny drop can contain the bacteria that can make you sick. Whenever you buy bottled water, make sure the bottle is sealed, as it might be filled with tap water if the bottle is tampered. Avoid eating salads in the restaurants as their leaves are generally washed with tap water.

Eating fruits with a peel or washed with bottled water is another way of preventing Montezuma’s revenge. Besides you can also avoid eating food that is sold by street vendors. Though the food might appear very tempting, but such food can harm you more than anything else.

The fourth way to prevent this medical condition is to avoid places that serve pre-cooked and preserved food. Bacteria form on food as soon as it cools. Consequently, the re-warming process does not kill the bacteria formed on the food.

Some useful tips are as follows:

- Try to include safe and hygienic items like freshly prepared dishes that are served steaming hot.
- Eat meats that have been cooked to order.
- Eat only peeled and properly washed fruits.
- Enjoy more of breads and baked foods.
- Indulge more in hot beverages like coffee and tea.
- Drink bottled or boiled water and canned cold drinks.
- Avoid ice, uncooked vegetables or unwashed peeled fruits, cold salads, buffets and roadside food.

Visiting Mexico can be an experience of a lifetime, provided you follow certain important tips.