It’s tragic to hear that people who went to Bali for just ten days could fall to Bali Belly!
That applies to people in their 20s, who are at the prime time of their lives and health.
Travellers might still be vulnerable to this sickness that would ruin the expectations that they’ve had for a getaway vacation!
Bali is a popular tourist destination due to its beautiful beaches and vibrant culture.
But how might we beat Bali Belly? Here are some things to know before travelling!
What Is Bali Belly?
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As you might already know, Bali Belly has a nickname, called traveller’s diarrhoea.
This occurs when someone has an upset stomach after eating contaminated food.
Note that this could happen anywhere in the world, not just in Bali.
Due to many tourists in Bali getting this condition, the term is called Bali Belly.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, up to 70% of travellers might be struck by this illness while they travel!
If you’re travelling soon, it’s good to be prepared on how to beat Bali Belly!
Causes Of Traveller’s Diarrhoea
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Bali Belly could be caused by digestive discomfort, which is when you eat something different from usual.
Also, eating food from places that are not clean could affect your stomach!
Food handlers might not follow basic hygiene practices, such as washing their hands properly.
But it’s not just in what you eat but what you drink!
Drinking unclean water, even tap water, can make you ill.
Even using tap water for brushing your teeth can be risky, as ingesting small amounts can lead to health problems!
Some local places might also not use filtered water to make ice, which would damage your system.
How Long Does Bali Belly Take To Disappear?
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The symptoms of Bali Belly can appear up to a few days later.
It depends on a few factors, such as the amount of contaminated food consumed and the person’s immune system.
Someone might be ill for a day up to a week.
That’s almost a whole vacation’s duration of falling sick!
This is why it’s advised to see a doctor if you have bloody stools, fever or severe abdominal pain.
If you are unsure, it’s best to consult your doctor about this.
So, do ensure you have your insurance ready before travelling!
Could I Pass It On To Someone Else?
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Bali Belly can be contagious.
If you are travelling with your family and friends, please look out for each other!
It would be good if everyone agreed to sound off if they feel sick, rather than keeping it to themselves and harming others.
An infected person can spread germs by touching contaminated surfaces, not washing their hands properly, or through close contact with others.
So, how can one prevent this?
How To Prevent Traveller’s Diarrhoea
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Preventing this problem starts with following good hygiene practices.
So wash your hands before every meal, and don’t neglect using soap!
You should also try to wipe down tables before you start eating in case of any contaminated surfaces.
In addition, when drinking water, do check the seal of the bottled water.
If the seal is tampered with, do not drink from there!
Try as much as possible to eat at well-reviewed restaurants, as they are likely to adhere to hygiene practices compared to street vendors.
It would help if you also avoid ice when outdoors, as there might be contaminated water used.
POV: You Somehow Still Got Bali Belly?
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Even if you are down with the sickness, you should still follow hygiene practices!
So wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water right after using the toilet and before eating.
Ideally, you should wash your hands for as long as you can sing the birthday song twice!
Do not forget to drink a lot of water.
Turn yourself into a straw, consuming and excreting large volumes of water!
Other than water, you could also drink coconut water or electrolyte-rich drinks too.
Lastly, remember to clean surfaces often, especially in shared spaces like hotel rooms.
What To Fill Your Belly With Instead?
Just because you are sick doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t eat anything.
One should still continue to eat, even if one might not have the appetite.
However, it is important to note that you should consume foods that are easy on the stomach and do not worsen the symptoms.
So, at all costs, avoid eating spicy, fatty or heavy foods!
For now, eat easily digestible foods like dry crackers, bananas, and rice.
Before you embark on your Bali adventure, make sure you are prepared to handle Bali Belly effectively.
Stay safe, and happy travels!
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