Common Traveler’s Sickness

 Diarrhea is a common problem when traveling to developing countries due to inadequate sanitation and contaminated food or water. To reduce the risk of diarrhea and help cope with symptoms:
1. Take acidophilus or probiotics daily, start two weeks before you leave and continue for 1 week after returning. The friendly bacteria will help prevent and stop diarrhea. Take as directed.
2. Natto spores powder contains Bacillus subtilis which is friendly microorganism. Take a tiny amount of the powder, the size of a soy bean every hour until the diarrhea stops, normally it stops within one to three hours. You can order the Natto spores powder (Bacillus subtilis) from culturesforhealth.com or call 800-962-1959, a food company.
3. Take papaya and pineapple enzymes to help with digestion and reduce gas.
Constipation: more than 30 percent of travelers get constipated, to avoid constipation:
1. Drink plenty of water to help soften the stools and move the bowels. Ideally, drink eight glasses (64 ounce) of water a day.
2. Taking chia seeds is a good source of high fiber to help the body form soft and bulky stools. Put one or two teaspoons of chia seeds into eight ounce of water, soak overnight until the seeds fully expand to jelly. The next morning drink it plus 1 more glass of water on an empty stomach, soon after you should have an easy bowel movement.
Cold: many travelers get sick during or after their trip resulting from airborne germs. To help prevent colds and shorten the sickness course:
1. Take vitamin C 500mg and vitamin B2 100 mg every day, starting one week before your trip, continue taking for one week after or take one bag of Emergen-C. These supplements can boost the immune system to help prevent and fight infection.
2. Use a Sinus Rinse with a saline solution twice a day while traveling. It helps wash away the germs, allergens and excessive mucus in the nose, sinuses, throat and reduces the chance of infection with airborne disease. It also helps to relieve sinus problems.
Kidney stone: attacks very often when people travel on high land or in hot weather due to dehydration without realizing. To make sure you drink at least drink eight glasses (64 ounce) of water a day to avoid it.
For more information please call Dr. Lu at 661-513-9265, Ping’s Acupuncture or visit www.healthyping.com.