Food Poisoning Tips

Being aware of what you eat abroad is key to avoiding an upset stomach

Trying new foreign foods is part of the holiday experience but if they are not cooked properly or have been left out in the sun for too long they could end up upsetting your stomach.  Taking a probiotic supplement before you set off and while you are on holiday is a good protective measure.  A crushed clove of garlic mixed with a teaspoon of honey taken once a day is also worth trying.

When you arrive at your holiday destination always make sure that meat and fish is cooked well through and avoid buffets where food may have left out for some time. Other tips include drinking bottled water if possible, avoiding ice in drinks, and not buying food from roadside stalls and always washing raw fruit and veg before eating it.

If you are unlucky enough to go down with a bout of food poisoning or holiday indigestion here are some herbs and herbal teas that can help to put you on the fast track to recovery.

TURMERIC
A dose of turmeric, which you may associate more with curries rather than health benefits can help to put things right. The healing secret is a component called curcumin, which is the main biologically active phytochemical found in the root.  According to ayurvedic traditions, turmeric can soothe the stomach and balance an upset digestion. Just take a small spoonful of turmeric and stir it into a cup of yogurt and eat slowly.

In Japan they have a whole row of turmeric preparations for curing hangovers.  So if your upset stomach could have something to do with overdoing the sangria the night before why not try some turmeric rather than reaching for a hair of the dog?

ARTICHOKE
Foreign foods and overdoing it mean indigestion, bloating and heartburn are common holiday complaints. And this is where artichoke extracts can help to relieve any discomfort. They help the digestive process by stimulating the production of bile and the breaking down and eliminating of fatty foods and alcohol from the body. Artichoke extract can be taken daily as a protective measure throughout your holiday or you can increase the dose for fast relief from immediate symptoms if you overdo it.

HERBAL TEAS
Sipping a cup of peppermint, ginger and camomile tea can be very soothing for an upset stomach.  Aim to drink around three cups a day.

TOP TIP
Make sure you always wash hands after going to the toilet and before handling any food.