What Causes Holiday Tummy?
Traveller’s diarrhea is an unpleasant intestinal condition that gives rise to severe and prolonged cramping and copious, watery stools. It is caused by local bacteria, to which your body is not accustomed. These bacteria take up residence in your upper intestine, producing toxic substances that give rise to diarrhea.

The bacteria that cause traveller’s diarrhea (Escherichia coli) are found in local foods and water. Local drinking water is most likely to send you running to the nearest washroom.

Another form of holiday tummy - giardiasis - is caused by a parasite known as Giardia lamblia. This parasite is found in rivers and streams that pass through areas inhabited by sheep, cows, goats and other livestock. Drinking infected water while hiking or camping, or accidentally swallowing it while swimming in a giardia-infected lake or stream, are the most likely ways to contract giardiasis.

Preventing Traveller's Diarrhea
While a bout of holiday diarrhea is miserable to experience, it is relatively easy to prevent. Observing the following measures will help keep your vacation diarrhea-free:

Drink Bottled Water Never drink water from hotel taps and never drink water provided for you at mealtimes, unless it is bottled. Even if the hotel claims its water is purified, this does not necessarily mean the water is bacteria-free. Remember too that beverages such as Scotch and water, and ice cubes are usually made with tap water.

Waterborne bacteria can also enter your system when you brush your teeth with tap water. Moistening your toothbrush and rinsing your teeth with bottled water will help you stay germ-free.

Always Peel Fruits and Vegetables Yourself Peeled fruits, fruit salads, raw vegetables and salad greens should be avoided as these items are handled by somebody and/or rinsed in water. Instead, buy fruits and vegetables that you can peel yourself and use only bottled water in their preparation.

Eat Only Well Cooked Fish and Meat Undercooked fish or meat is teeming with local bacteria and should be avoided.

Avoid Unpasteurized Dairy Products Most supermarket milks and cheeses, provided they are packaged, are pasteurized. Soft cheeses bought in bulk from local markets are likely not.

Avoid Street Vendors Foods and beverages sold by street vendors are not a wise choice if you wish to avoid intestinal problems.

Preventing Giardiasis
People who spend time camping or hiking are most likely to become infected with the Giardia parasite. To avoid contracting giardiasis (sometimes referred to as “beaver fever”), you should:

• Wash Your Hands Carefully. Practise scrupulous hygiene after toilet visits and before consuming foods.
• Carefully Dispose of Sewage Wastes The proper disposal of wastes will prevent contamination of surface or groundwater.
• Avoid Consuming Untreated Water. Water from springs, streams and lakes is often contaminated with Giardia. Be careful not to swallow stream or lake-water when bathing or swimming.

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