How to avoid the Bali Belly blues
Any trip to South East Asia can come with it’s fair share of tummy bugs and Bali is no exception. Staying healthy is easy with a few simple precautions - that way you can enjoy your holiday instead of reaching for the charcoal tablets.
Here is a simple guide to avoiding the Bali belly blues on your next trip:
Two weeks before your trip start taking a natural travel probiotic like Travelan. It sets your tummy up with all the good stuff before you even land.
Listen to what your mum said - always wash your hands. Better yet, carry hand sanitiser or wipes. Not all bathrooms have soap. In fact not all local bathrooms will have toilet paper. In fact not all toilets have toilets. Carry tissues.
Water is the main cause of most of the nasties. Save the tap water for showering only. Use bottled/ filtered water as much as possible – especially when washing fruit/ vegetables and brushing your teeth. Most hotels use pre bought ice – but smaller local warungs may not. Just ask. If in doubt order without ice.
The ‘tidak plastic’ (no plastic) movement means you will be sipping alot of drinks from bamboo straws now. A lot of places reuse them to cut costs which means they can harbour all sorts of nasties. Carry your own, invest in a stainless steel set with a cleaning brush or ask for paper straws. Do you even need to use one?
Image: https://zerowastebali.com/
Only eat raw, peeled fruit, salads and vegetables from busy eateries that use spring water.
They eat a lot of ayam (chicken) and babi (pork) on the island – order it well cooked to temperature.
Make sure your seafood is freshly cooked, or better yet you saw it come out of the nearest ocean.
When eating street food just follow the traveller’s golden rule: if it’s crowded and the locals are clambering to eat there – it will be fresh, safe and super delicious.
Power on the island can be irregular which means refrigeration isn’t always reliable - so its usually best to avoid dairy products if you can.
Image: Fotini E Douglas
What to do if you do get Bali belly:
The good news is 90% of cases resolve within a week. The bad news is in the meantime you may have to stay off the Bintangs.
Do what the locals do. Drink fresh coconut water with a squeeze of lime. Sip on a ginger and turmeric tea with honey and coconut oil. Peppermint and ginger tea will also stop the nausea.
Image: Fotini E Douglas
Take charcoal tablets ASAP - the local variety are called Norit and are purchased at the local Apotek or chemist.
Stay hydrated and avoid alcohol and spicy foods until it all settles down.
If your symptoms persist or you get a fever seek medical attention.