Travelers visiting many tropical, subtropical, and developing countries are at an increased risk of contracting travelers diarrhea. Bacteria, parasites, and viruses are usually to blame.
E Coli, staphylococci, shigella and salmonella species, campylobacter jejuni, cryptosporidiosis, and hepatitis A are the microscopic bugs at the top of these rather gut wrenching charts.
Causes of travelers diarrhea
There are a few different reasons why travelers might get diarrhea. One common cause is eating poor food while traveling, especially if you’re not used to the local cuisine. Another cause is taking antibiotics before you travel, as antibiotics can make your diarrhea worse. Finally, some people get diarrhea from drinking contaminated water or not properly washing their hands.
Natural remedies for travelers diarrhea
There are a few natural remedies for travelers diarrhea.
While rehydration is the cornerstone of the treatment of traveler's diarrhea, it alone will not completely relieve the symptoms of the disease. Self-treatment of traveler's diarrhea with antikinetics and antibiotics has become the standard recommendation in most travel clinics in North America. Individuals can carry both medications with them when traveling so that treatment can be started as soon as symptoms develop.
In most cases, traveler's diarrhea is neither life-threatening nor serious. Therefore, treatment aims to minimize symptoms and the duration of the disease. The primary goal of treatment is to prevent and treat dehydration, which is especially important in children, pregnant women, and the elderly.
Travelers with mild diarrhea that does not interfere with activity can easily make up for the loss of fluids and electrolytes with salty crackers, carbonated decaf drinks, canned fruit juices, purified water, and clear salty soups. Dairy products can make symptoms worse, while caffeine increases gastrointestinal fluid secretion, which increases fluid loss.
Take over-the-counter medicines Several medicines, such as loperamide, are available over the counter to treat symptoms of diarrhea. These medications reduce the frequency and urgency of going to the bathroom, and may make it easier to get on a bus or plane while you wait for your antibiotics to take effect.
Fortunately, there are remedies you can use to strengthen your immune and digestive systems, giving your body a better chance of adjusting to its new surroundings. The herbs I've listed below would make an excellent travelers' blend. The best way to consume them is as a tincture, which can be made by visiting a local herbal dispensary if one exists in your area, or by consulting a local herbalist.
Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) :
Astragalus has antiviral, antibacterial, and antimicrobial properties. Its polysaccharides help the immune system. Astragalus boosts the activity of phagocytes, natural killer cells, and antibody levels in the blood.
Picrorrhiza (Picrorrhiza kurroa) :
This is an Ayurvedic herb that should be taken in low doses because higher doses can cause diarrhea and flatulence in people who are more sensitive. Because it is a bitter herb, it stimulates the digestive system. It is also anti-malarial, immune-boosting, and liver-protecting. Picrorrhiza stimulates all aspects of the immune system, including B and T cell activity and phagocyte activity. This herb is used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat liver and immune system issues.
Goldenseal (Hydrastis Canadensis) :
Goldenseal is a gut antibiotic that helps reduce adhesive E coli and promotes some immune functions in the body. Berberine, one of its active constituents, for example, has been shown to increase the activity of macrophages, which digest bacteria and viruses. Because barberry contains berberine, more information on this valuable constituent follows. Goldenseal, despite being a bitter herb, is beneficial to the digestive system. If you are pregnant or have high blood pressure, you should avoid taking goldenseal.
Barberry (Berberis Vulgaris) :
Berberine, one of the herb's active constituents, is an anti protozoic that protects travelers from giardia, leishmania, and treponema pallidum. Berberine is also effective against giardia, dysentery, and candida, as well as the cholera vibrio. Berberine and palmatine, two active constituents, are also antibacterial. Berbamine, an alkaloid like berberine, is a strong anti-bacterial that appears to work by increasing white blood cells and platelets. However, the constituent palamtine is a uterine stimulant, so pregnant women should avoid using this herb. Barberry is another antibiotic for the gut, but it is also anti-malarial (though no self-respecting herbalist would recommend anything other than doctor-assisted treatment if you do contract malaria).
Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea or augustifolia) :
Echinacea is an immune booster. Its main active constituents are polysaccharides and alkamides (especially isobutylamides), both of which stimulate the immune system, and polyaceytlenes, which are antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal. Echinacea promotes the activity of phagocytes, which are immune system cells, and is also anti-viral and anti-microbial. Echinacea appears to work by inhibiting the activity of the enzyme hyaluronidase. Microorganisms use this enzyme to break down the connective tissue that keeps them from entering and spreading throughout the body. For these reasons, it is an excellent addition to a traveler's remedy regimen.
If diarrhea is severe, seek medical help:
Sometimes people experience moderate to severe dehydration, persistent vomiting, high fever, bloody stools, or severe abdominal or rectal pain. If you or your child have any of these signs or symptoms, or if diarrhea persists for more than a few days, it's time to see your doctor.
The most common complication of persistent diarrhea is dehydration from fluid loss. Mild to moderate dehydration can cause uncomfortable symptoms, but severe dehydration can be dangerous, especially in children. Children dehydrate faster than adults and do not recover easily. They may need to go to the hospital for intravenous fluids.
If you have a severe case of traveler's diarrhea, go to a hospital or medical facility right away so they can prescribe medication. A study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases found that a combination of antibiotics, usually a single dose of azithromycin, levofloxacin and rifaximin with loperamide, was the most common rapid-response treatment. These are all prescriptions your doctor will prescribe to you to help relieve your symptoms.
