(of food-borne illness)
I have traveled around the world and back again. I have been to six out of the seven continents and I have enjoyed every experience. Throughout all these adventures there have been a plethora of cuisines on my palate. From street food to fine dining, food is a huge part of the travel story.
As a self proclaimed solo traveler expert I am safe to say that I have thankfully not experienced any illnesses while overseas. I always come fully prepared with my homemade first aid kit, up to date skills/ emergency contacts and insurance for any emergencies. For those who have had the unfortunate incidence of getting sick away from home, it is not a pleasant nor convenient experience. The majority of travelers who get sick are associated with some sort of food borne disease.
Food poisoning is more common than people think it can be, especially when visiting a new country. There are some ways to combat the risk of catching a food bug, so you can truly enjoy the food and entire travel experience without suffering. I have compiled a helpful list of my recommendations for reducing your risk of a food borne travel illness below.
How to Reduce Your Risk of Food Poisoning Internationally
Hand washing- Hand washing is ALWAYS the number one rule when it comes to reducing your risk of getting sick. When traveling make sure to are continually washing your hands throughout the day and before you eat/ drink. If you are eat out in the streets and local establishments, make sure there is accessible water for food preparers to be washing their hands regularly as well.
Early street food- Most countries rely on fresh food markets to meet the demand of restaurants and food stalls. Food markets start early in the AM which means that the earlier you get to eat it from the streets the probability of it being fresh is very high. Fresh food is always best to reduce your risk of food borne illness.
Less meat and raw foods- New research suggests that food poisoning is less common for vegans and vegetarians due to the interplay between bacteria, meat and increased fiber consumption which protects the gut. Raw food is considered high risk for bacteria consumption. Try cutting back on your animal proteins to decrease your risk of getting sick.
Staying active– Regular moderate exercise has been shown to reduce the risk of infection compared to a sedentary lifestyle. Get moving whether you are at home or on vacation.
Staying hydrated-Make sure when you are traveling you drink plenty of SAFE water to help flush out your body and keep your immune system top notch. Check the CDC before you travel to know if the water is safe to drink where you are going.
Limiting alcohol consumption- Consuming too much alcohol can affect the stomach lining, causing inflammation, and reduce the ability for the stomach to repair damage. Alcohol also affects how the stomach empties and alters the amount of acid that is produced. If the stomach is not able to empty properly it can increase the chance of illness.
Look online- When I travel I still try and find as much information as I can about where I’m going to eat online. A simple Google search usually can provide quick reviews about safety and cleanliness of eateries.
Probiotics- Studies are still out on whether they may strengthen your gut to protect you from future foodborne illness, but studies suggest that some probiotics may help shorten a bout of diarrhea if you do happen to get sick.
*These recommendations solely represent my personal research an opinion and in no way represent the opinions of medical associations, corporations, organizations and brands I’m affiliated with.