Traveler’s Diarrhea: Our Secret Weapon
How We Avoid Traveler’s Diarrhea (aka Montezuma’s revenge or food poisoning).
Always cautious about food in countries with a “reputation” for inflicting Traveler’s Diarrhea (or Tummy) on unsuspecting tourists, I had planned to make peanut butter my survival food. It was on a trip to India I first learned that TSA considered a jar of peanut butter a “liquid.” And, because Derek always likes to do “carry on,” I wasn’t able to pack a jar in checked baggage.
I landed in Delhi, searched and searched and WAS able to find some C-grade peanut butter. While not the best, it offered up protein in a form I trusted.
India was a culinary tease. The leafy green salads looked gorgeous. The uncooked vegetables enticed. The fresh fruits beckoned. But I was stalwart. I ONLY ate cooked vegetables, fruit I peeled myself, and of course, only drank bottled mineral water and allowed no ice in sodas. Yes, I missed some glorious culinary experiences … but Derek and I were the only people in the group who did not get ill. For me, no food or drink is worth the threat of traveler’s diarrhea.
You Gotta Eat..
I’ve had food poisoning in Turkey and China— I can’t explain why. I’m always my cautious self. But hey, it happens. In China, I got extremely sick the day before the group was to visit the Great Wall. Trust me, had I been home, I would have been in bed for 2-3 days minimum. But, I knew this would be my chance to see one of the Wonders of the World. I was not going to miss it. Though I’d been sick all night, I dosed myself with the broad spectrum antibiotic I always pack in my medicine bag, swallowed 2 Imodium (and brought more with me) and soldiered on. Derek dragged me up the Wall, and it was an experience I’ll never forget. In Egypt, we practiced the same discipline. No fresh fruit or veg, no street food, etc., etc. – and stayed healthy.
How We Solve The Peanut Butter Challenge
Powdered peanut butter helps us fight traveler’s diarrhea
Derek still prefers to do carry on luggage, so carrying on liquids is a problem. But we’ve discovered powdered peanut butter. 2 tablespoons of the powder mixed with one tablespoon of bottled water and …Boom… you’re in business. (Bread is a safe bet wherever you go.) I bet your neighborhood grocery sells it. Mine does. I encourage you to take powdered peanut butter along if you’re headed for an exotic locale. Think of it as a life preserver—there if and when you need it.
For more on this subject, see our other articles below.
How To Eat Healthy On The Road
More disgusting information about this ailment
