Coming to Thailand Tip #3 .. Cause and Treatment for the "Touristas"

The "touristas", as it often referred to, is experienced by any one traveling to a foreign country. For example the Mexican amoeba is different than the North American amoeba thus North Americans in Mexico will get the "touristas" just as the Mexicans visiting North America will get the North American "touristas". 

I'm still amazed at how so many travelers, even seasoned travelers, do not know how to fix stomach or usually intestinal cramps and the resultant diarrhea. 

These symptoms are caused by an amoeba, that's right all that pain and discomfort from a single cell animal not a virus so antibiotics won't help. This animal lives in the water and waits for a host to drink them or eat them up. So when you eat or drink from a foreign countries water supply you introduce a new parasite to your system. In most second world countries like Thailand for example it is almost unavoidable as the food vendors, except for top rated restaurants, generally are less than careful about their cleanliness. Was the ice in your drink made from tap water or bottled water? In Thailand if the ice is not cubed with a hole through the middle it's likely tap water. If it's shaved ice like the ice in a snow cone then you can expect to host their amoeba. 

The symptoms are very similar to food poisoning but usually less severe and usually doesn't include vomiting but both ends could be working at the same time. Two to three hours following your ingesting the animals you will begin to experience cramping in the stomach and or intestines. Generally by the fourth hour you will need toilet facilities regularly and immediately following each cramp. In more severe cases you will be vomiting shortly thereafter and then you will experience bowel movements and vomiting at the same time. 

What to do when you've become a host. If you have no food related health issues simply stop eating till the animals have no food and die maybe two or more days. If you are diabetic or hypoglycemic you must eat or risk coma and death. So starving for ca couple of days is not an option for these people. 

Here's the quick fix: IMMODIUM or its generic LOPERAMIDE as it is much cheaper than the original IMMODIUM. Taken at the second cramp (1 to two tablets) will usually take of these critters. If doesn't , continue to consume them (1) at a time following each bowel movement and food ingestion. If you want a more natural fix try activated charcoal which is also available at most pharmacies taken in the same quantities and directions as the IMMODIUM. Many travelers will begin their charcoal ingestion the day before arriving at their foreign destination and already have it in their system on arrival. 

The good news is usually not always once you've had the bug you will likely build an acceptance to it just as you have to the amoeba that exists in your native countries water. 

If you should be planning a Thailand vacation I can assure you that Chef LeeZ,  Thai Cooking School BKK, a CSI cooking school, in Thailand will be one of your amoeba free experiences. 

Safe travels and good health to all.

also published at
http://www.upublish.info/Article/Cause-And-Cure-for-Travelers-Diarrhea/399451