Stomach upsets are a common holiday hazard abroad and are caused by bacteria found in unsafe drinking water and undercooked meat, through poor kitchen hygiene and a change in diet. But they needn't ruin your trip…
1. Drink only bottled water, even if you are told that the tap water is safe to drink. Make sure it is sealed properly and within its sell-by date. Avoid salad – it will probably have been washed in tap water; rinse fruit with bottled water; and say no to ice.
2. At the first sign of vomiting and diarrhoea, take plenty of fluids. Pharmacists recommend Dioralyte (blackcurrant, six sachets, £3.47) for fast-acting rehydration during bouts of sickness and diarrhoea. Alternatively, adults and children over 12 can take The Co-operative Diarrhoea Relief (12 loperamide capsules, £3.08). If diarrhoea lasts for more than 36 hours, make sure you see a doctor.
3. Indigestion, also a common holiday ailment, is caused by excessive stomach acid and can be triggered by rich or unfamiliar foods. Antacids such as Rennie Peppermint (48 tablets, £3.09) can relieve the pain and discomfort of indigestion.
avoid salad, rinse fruit in bottled water, and say no to ice
Tips to combat indigestion:
• Eat smaller meals at regular times
• Eat slowly to give your body time to digest
• Drink alcohol in moderation
For more advice why not call into one of our branches.