How Can Expats Soothe Tummy Troubles?
When going abroad stomachache or ‘Delhi belly’ as it’s frequently referred to, can often hit when you least expect it. It happens to the best of us and due to unfamiliar germs, an altered diet and contaminated water it’s sometimes unavoidable.
In most cases, it only causes mild illness and symptoms that clear up within a few days but it can still stop you doing things and if you’ve just moved abroad it’s the last thing you want to be struck down with when there’s so much you need to do.
Here are a few tips to soothe those tummy troubles so that you can get back on your feet:
Drink lots of fluids
It’s important to continue drinking lots of fluids, water preferably, to stay hydrated. Dehydration can often occur alongside stomach troubles and this can make the symptoms worse. Avoid drinking alcohol, milk, fruit juices or anything with ice in until you have fully recovered.
The BRAT Diet
It’s common to lose your appetite when hit with a stomachache and that’s completely understandable, however, there are a few foods that can ease a bad belly.
The BRAT diet is a combination of bland, low-fibre foods including bananas, rice, applesauce and toast. It’s often recommended by doctors that adults and infants follow this diet should they experience diarrhoea as it can help treat the symptoms.
Other foods that are good are potatoes, peanut butter and skinless chicken or turkey. Avoid any fatty or fried foods and any raw fruits and vegetables.
Over the counter remedies
If possible, try to obtain some over-the-counter remedies to help soothe the symptoms. Imodium contains Loperamide, it slows down the movement of the gut helping to relieve diarrhoea.
Pepto-Bismol is an alternative and although it’s not entirely clear how it combats stomach troubles it contains bismuth subsalicylate, which is believed to have some sort of antibiotic treatment and antacid effect.
Probiotics
Probiotics are said to be sources of ‘good’ bacteria and are found in certain foods such as yoghurts, soft cheeses and dark chocolate. This ‘good’ bacteria is essential for your gastrointestinal system to function normally and can help an upset stomach by restoring the balance of bacteria in your gut.
See a doctor
This is just a guide and it’s not guaranteed that these tips will cure your tummy troubles but they’ve been known to soothe the symptoms. If your symptoms persist or worsen then it’s advised that you seek help from a doctor. If you haven’t registered at one yet find out where the local emergency room.
