Last Updated on: 7th March 2021, 05:49 pm
When visiting exotic destinations, traveller’s diarrhoea, or worse, can be an unpleasant consequence.
Some other euphemisms for the condition are Montezuma’s revenge, Bali belly and the Rangoon runs!
Traveller’s diarrhoea is usually caused by eating or drinking contaminated food or water. Tourists from developed countries are often not used to the micro-organisms prevalent in some developing countries.
I have been aware of Delhi belly-avoidance for quite a while. My mother recounted how she and a friend were the only two tourists on a Nile cruise that stuck to the food rules, and they were the only two who did not get sick.
Top tips to avoid contaminated food and water
There are no guarantees, but the tips below should substantially reduce your risk.
| Do eat / drink | Don’t eat / drink |
|---|---|
| Fruits and vegetables you have washed in safe water or peeled yourself | Unwashed or peeled raw fruits and vegetables Fresh salads |
| Well-cooked meat / seafood / eggs | Raw, rare or undercooked meat / seafood / eggs |
| Food that is cooked and served hot | Food that has been left standing for a while |
| Sealed bottled water, disinfected water, thoroughly boiled water Hot coffee or tea Fizzy drinks | Tap water |
| Ice made from safe water | Ice made from tap water |
| Pasteurized milk and other dairy products | Unpasteurized milk and other dairy products |
- Some guidance states that you should not eat food from street vendors. Personally, I am happy to eat street food if I have seen it being cooked in front of me.
- Don’t brush your teeth with tap water, if the water is not safe.
References:
- https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/travellers-diarrhoea retrieved 20210213
- https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/before-you-go/health/diseases retrieved 20210213
- https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/india?s_cid=ncezid-dgmq-travel-single-001 retrieved 20210213
2 replies on “How to avoid Delhi belly”
Your posts are always interesting, Chantal.
Thank you Susan 😊