† Ask Dr. Helen's Healthy Living Shownotes †

Helen Pensanti, M.D.'s

"Eating Tips for Traveler's Health"

It is very easy to pick up infections from contaminated food and drink when traveling overseas. The most common infections are E coli, Shigellosis or Bacillary dysentery, Giardiasis, Cryptosporidiosis, and Hepatitis A. Less common infections are Typhoid, Cholera, Rotavirus, and Norwalk-like virus.

How can you stay safe health-wise if you are traveling outside the U.S.?

Make Sure You DO NOT:

• Use ice cubes. Even if ice has only come in contact with the glass offered to you, discard the ice and clean the glass with soap and water thoroughly.
• Brush your teeth with tap water.
• Eat any raw food.
• Eat or drink any unpasteurized milk or milk products.
• Eat or drink undercooked or raw meat, shellfish, and fish.
• Eat food from street vendors.

Make Sure You DO:

• Select all food and drinks with CARE.
• Boil water vigorously for one minute and then allow to cool to room temperature.
• Drink canned or bottled carbonated beverages or alcohol.
• Wipe clean any surfaces with which the mouth will have direct contact.
• If you drink tea or coffee, make sure that it is made with boiled water.
• Have children with weaker immune systems use straws brought from home.
• Eat fruit you have peeled personally.
• Eat cooked food only if it is still HOT.

Use iodine drops from a first aid kit to sterilize water in a dire circumstance. Use 5 drops per quart/liter for CLEAR water and 10 drops per quart/liter for CLOUDY water.

Some people have premedicated themselves with antibiotics before traveling but the CDC does not advocate this because it can cause additional problems, especially if you encounter a drug resistant strain of pathogen.

Instead, BOOST UP YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM BEFORE TRAVELING. There are many good immune boosters available, most easily packed. Be safe, and happy traveling!