We are 100% sure no one enjoys going back and forth to the toilet due to haunting diarrhea while going on vacation. For the ‘cooler’ term in travelers’ vocabulary, they call it “Bali Belly” as an alias to “traveler’s diarrhea” or “gastro bug”. This potential vacation spoiler caused mostly by spiciness contained in Indonesian foods. Even though it generically occurs, it is ominous. The term actually does not point particularly only to Bali, but this frequently takes place whenever people are exploring spicy foods. We understand that although sometimes you have picked your foods cautiously, Bali Belly can still attack anyone. If that is the case, what can you do to endorse a speedy recovery?
Food and water poisoning is the key culprit of the troubled stomach. With the harmful bacteria-entry through our consumption to our digestive system, our bodies react differently to fight the bacteria according to the type of the bacteria itself (Escherichia Coli or E. Coli and Salmonella are the most common) and our immune level. The symptoms normally take 1 to 5 days, and mostly includes stomach cramps, loose and watery stools, dizziness, high fever, and lethargy. If the bacteria is poisonous, vomiting can also come to pass. For the aftermath, dehydration can be a consequence since you lose many liters of water for days. When Bali Belly is contagious, it is best to treat it immediately. There is plenty of information regarding how to avoid traveler’s diarrhea, but these are some information of cure and treatment tips if you happen to be infected with Bali Belly. Even though it is unlikely in most cases, we always need to be well-informed.
PLENTY OF WATER TO THE RESCUEDiarrhea makes your body let go an unusually plentiful quantity of water. Watery stool, vomiting, abnormal amount of sweat, all may enhance the chance of dehydration. In order to prevent, of course you need to recover the water loss by bringing back the water in. Drink water to a larger degree than usual, up to 3 liters a day. However, make sure that you drink only bottled water or the water from reputable restaurants or hotels. Say no to tap water because untreated water in Bali is not yet safe to consume.
LOOK FOR ORAL REHYDRATION DRINKSNot only that you have to run into water loss, but also salts and minerals loss, which means you also need to replace that. Oral rehydration drinks can be an excellent solution. Oral rehydration drink or oral rehydration solutions (ORS) are sugar and electrolyte fluid replacement to avoid and cure dehydration commonly caused by diarrhea. The drinks are beverages like fresh coconut water you can encounter very easily in Bali, isotonic water in every convenience store, or DIY anywhere you are. How? Mix 6 teaspoon of sugar and ½ teaspoon of salt to 1 litre of boiled water, and there you go. Be accurate to put in the correct proportion because too much salt or sugar can flip it into a harmful drink.
SAY NO TO ALCOHOL AND SPICY FOODSWhile your stomach is upset and doing its best to recover, be supportive by dodging the alcoholic beverages and spicy foods away. Other things to keep yourself away from include unpasteurized dairy products, raw foods, greasy fried foods, very hot or very cold food or drink, soft drinks, peeled fruits, buffets, seafoods, and smoking. Bland diet is a way to go, options are those easily digested foods. You can eat soup and stews, bananas, potatoes, rice, bone broth or clear soup, apples and applesauce, also white bread. The key is to consume simple carbohydrates, minerals from vegetables, fiber and salt.
SEEK MEDICAL ADVICEEven though you are tempted to take a shortcut by taking antibiotics, always consult with a doctor first. Search for the nearest medical center and get your health condition diagnosed. Different results need different treatment, so it is best to listen to the medical professional to get the most suitable prescription. Consume only the recommended medication, and do not just jump right to antibiotics because it can do more harm than good.
Getting sick during travel is never anyone’s choice, but when you are still struck down with it, be sure to acknowledge the right information of further actions to take. First step is definitely the prevention part (better safe than sorry), but those steps mentioned above will help you to carry the right measures to get rid of the Bali Belly. Last but the most important is, stay healthy! Anywhere, anytime.
