Who hasn’t heard of Bali Belly? This common digestive upset among travelers to Bali can significantly dampen your vacation. The constant nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea can quickly turn a dream trip into a nightmare. But fear not, with a little knowledge and preparation, you can avoid Bali Belly and enjoy your vacation to the fullest.
What is Bali Belly?
Bali Belly is an informal term for traveler’s diarrhea. It’s usually caused by a bacterial or viral infection that enters the body through contaminated food or drink. Bacteria like E. coli, Salmonella, or viruses like Norovirus are common culprits. Symptoms often include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and fever.
Why is Bali Belly Common in Bali?
Several factors contribute to the prevalence of Bali Belly in Bali, like food and drink. Many tourists are eager to try local cuisine that might be unfamiliar to their digestive systems. Additionally, the quality of food and drink hygiene can vary.
Ice cubes used in drinks can be cause Bali Belly. Ice cubes are often made from unclean water, which can harbor bacteria. Besides that, there are bad sanitation conditions, particularly in less developed areas.
How to Prevent Bali Belly
To avoid Bali Belly, follow these tips. First, choose Safe Food and Drinks. Opt for well-cooked food. Avoid raw or undercooked foods. Peel your own fruits and drink bottled water. Then, practice good hygiene. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially before eating and after using the toilet.
Choose clean eating establishments. Pay attention to the cleanliness of restaurants, especially the kitchen and toilets. Choose popular establishments that are likely to maintain higher hygiene standards.Bring along diarrhea medication, anti-nausea medication, and oral rehydration solutions. Probiotics can help maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria and refrain from sharing food or drinks with someone who is ill.
What to Do if You Get Bali Belly
If you experience symptoms of Bali Belly, here’s what you should do. First, get plenty of rest to help your body recover. Second, replace lost fluids by drinking plenty of water or oral rehydration solutions. Then, opt for bland, easily digestible foods like bananas, rice, and toast.
Take any medications you brought, such as diarrhea medication and anti-nausea medication. If your symptoms worsen or don’t improve, consult a doctor. Bali Belly can be a vacation spoiler, but with a little care and preparation, you can prevent it. By choosing safe food and drinks, practicing good hygiene, and being prepared, you can enjoy your trip to Bali without worry.
