[SpursFan741]

I thought it would be useful to start this thread: How to avoid Food poisoning while travelling / staying in Asia or Latin America?

From my own experience ,I have been food poisoned several times in China and once before in Korea. I spent more than 5k in total before for hospital costs because of this ( I didn't have any Insurance).

Bare in mind,I never took any street food and I avoided Spicy food and i never got food poisoned before in Europe.

So I would like to know from other members: how do you avoid getting food poisoned when you travel or stay in Asia or Latin America? All tips are appreciated and will save myself and other members a lot of hapiness / money.

[Prince Charming]

Avoid eating food from transportation hubs, airports, train stations, bus stations, Search out restaurants where there are lots of locals even if they look shitty or dirty. dirty looking full of locals is better than clean looking empty or only tourists places. travel with a bottle with built in filter for when you cant get your hands on clean water.

Dont wash your hands or use hand sanitizers. I have traveled to some 80 countries and rarely wash my hands. I rarely get sick. like a cold every few years. combined with a healthy lifestyle I think this has exposed me to a variety of germs in low doses training my immune system. Your results may vary

[brianmark]

Don't go to India, if you get food poisoning easily. You're guaranteed to get deathly ill there.

[CleanSlate]

I've been in SEA for almost 1.5 years and never got a case of food poisoning. Sure, a couple times I got the Bangkok belly that put me on the toilet multiple times in one day, but it was never more than a 24 hour thing. The one time I got food poisoning was right in the good ol' USA and was laid up in bed for a week with fever and vomiting.

Here's one tip if you like street food... only go to the stands with very high turnover rates.

Because they run out of food quickly and have to resupply every so often, their food is fresher and cleaner than the street stand with very few customers. If you buy food from a street stand with no line, you don't know how long that food has been sitting there in the sun, heat, and humidity!

[MongolianAbroad]

Avoid street food when possible. If the worker doesn't have access to running water, that means he is taking a piss or a shit and has nowhere to wash his hands, then he makes your food with hands that have urine splash or fecal matter on them.

Then you get sick.

To lower your odds of becoming ill, you want to eat at businesses where workers have access to running water after they touch their genitals or wipe their asses .

Also, if you go into a restaurant and you're the only customer, leave. If you're the only customer, the food in the kitchen could be days or weeks old and will get you sick. You want to eat at places that have high traffic, as that makes it much more likely the ingredients are fresh.

If you want to avoid spending all night in the shower vomiting and shitting uncontrollably, then eat only at restaurants with running water and a high volume of traffic.

[Super_Fire]

I've never gotten food poisoning in Asia, but I did once in Venezuela; woke up in the middle of the night because I farted in my sleep and it was a wet one. Reach back, touched my boxers and it was a Hershey surprise. I exploded with diarrhea on the toilet, was about 3 a.m. Ran out of toilet paper almost immediately because the room staff left one half-used roll there. Woke up a while later and puked all over the toilet, had to shower to clean off. Woke up later and took a massive diarrhea shit and had to shower to clean. Repeated about one more time.

I can't remember what food I ate that made me sick. I just felt like sharing that.

[RoadTo100]

Anecdotally, I find eating fermented foods helps mitigate the risk of food poisoning (maintains healthy gut flora). This differs from place to place, for example:

- Kimchi (Korea & much of Asia)
- Natto (Japan & much of Asia)
- Sauerkraut (Europe, America)
- Milk Kefir (Europe)
- Kombucha (anywhere there are hipsters)
- Mango Pickle (India)
- Regular Pickles (everywhere)
- Yogurt (everywhere)

Haven’t been to South America / Africa, but they both have traditionally fermented foods as well I am sure. All cultures do because before refrigeration it was one of the best ways to preserve food.

[uhriginal]

(11-03-2017 03:27 AM)Super_Fire Wrote:  

I've never gotten food poisoning in Asia, but I did once in Venezuela; woke up in the middle of the night because I farted in my sleep and it was a wet one. Reach back, touched my boxers and it was a Hershey surprise. I exploded with diarrhea on the toilet, was about 3 a.m. Ran out of toilet paper almost immediately because the room staff left one half-used roll there. Woke up a while later and puked all over the toilet, had to shower to clean off. Woke up later and took a massive diarrhea shit and had to shower to clean. Repeated about one more time.

I can't remember what food I ate that made me sick. I just felt like sharing that.

This is what I came in to the thread for

[Heart Break Kid]

Well, plenty of people get food poisoning in the West - there isn't really a counter to it unless you just eat pickled stuff all day. I don't think your chances of getting food poisoning at that much higher in Asia, even in cities that have dirty looking restaurants it's largely just a chance game.

[Spectrumwalker]

It's all part of the experience. Shit happens.

However I only eat seafood in coastal towns.

[balybary]

I've got food poisoning in the city of Medan, Sumatra. I've spent 2 shitty days.

Then 2 days before taking the plane from Sumatra to Europe, I've decided that if I eat outside it was only at the McDonald's restaurant close to my hotel.

It must be hard to shit on yourself in a plane.

[CaptainChardonnay]

A good tip would also be to check if the staff at food trucks are wearing rubber/plastic gloves while preparing your food. In SEA I would regularly go to a Banh Mi place and it was always delicious and good to go. I would meet up with them when they're family came and set up their cart at the same time every day around like, 3 or 4pm and buy 20 cent fresh sandwiches.

[buja]

Strengthen your immune system.

Cut back on soda and energy drinks and sugar in general...and other high acid drinks like coffee and black tea.

I agree with eating fermented food as mentioned below.
However, know the difference between fermented and pickled.
Pickles and most sauerkraut are NOT fermented...but pickled.

I eat any and all street food in Mexico, every country in Central America, Colombia, Paraguay, and NE Asia and SE Asia.

I've had food poisoning only two times...outside the US.
1. an expensive restaurant in Guadalajara, Mexico
2. some bad pork from a butcher shop in eastern Korea.

Maybe my immune system is strong because I ate Tijuana street food since I was a kid.

[uhriginal]

I will also add to eat raw garlic as a preventive measure.

It's a natural antibiotic and will help suppress any food poisoning caused by bacteria and fungus. If anything, raw garlic should be a daily staple in your diet.

[Hell_Is_Like_Newark]

Be aware that while you are drinking bottled water the ice in your drink may have been made from tap water. Freezing doesn't kill all the bacteria. This is generally not an issue in Thailand which took steps to make sure restaurants use filtered water to make ice. I can't speak about other countries in the region though.

[Sherman]

The best advice is don't drink the tap water. I have never been sick in Mexico and I don't worry about what I eat. I must have developed good immunity over the years. But I only drink purified drinking water. Of all the countries I have been in, the only place I ever got sick from food poisining was in Ukraine.

[The Beast1]

One thing that I did in my prepper bag was to buy a bunch of OTC animal antibiotics. They're the same stuff that needs a prescription but labeled for animals.

It might be worth popping one of these during a violent case of the runs.

Even then, it's sometimes best to just drink a lot of fluids, lemon juice, gatoraid, and some ramen to help let the misery pass.

[Tail Gunner]

(11-03-2017 01:55 PM)The Beast1 Wrote:  

One thing that I did in my prepper bag was to buy a bunch of OTC animal antibiotics. They're the same stuff that needs a prescription but labeled for animals.

It might be worth popping one of these during a violent case of the runs.

Even then, it's sometimes best to just drink a lot of fluids, lemon juice, gatoraid, and some ramen to help let the misery pass.

Really really bad advice. Antibiotics will kill not only all the harmful bacterial but also all the beneficial bacteria. When all the bacteria in your gut is dead this leaves a giant void, which is filled by the only things left living in your gut -- yeast and fungi. Without the beneficial bacteria to keep them in check, this leads to candida and fungi overgrowth, leaky gut, autoimmune disease and a myriad of other health problems.

https://www.amymyersmd.com/2016/11/antib...havoc-gut/

I speak from experience. It took me many years to recover my health from antibiotic use. Personally, I will never use antibiotics again in my life -- unless it is a life-threatening condition. Your best bet to avoid food poisoning is to maintain a healthy immune system (which includes a healthy bacterial diversity in your gut) and choosing carefully where you eat. Also carry some natural supplements that soothe a sour stomach, including ginger, peppermint, and charcoal (to absorb impurities).

[Lighter]

My only rule: Only eat at places with lots of local customers. And in Asia that means eating the street food.

That rule applies everywhere in the world and it has always worked fine for me. And I eat anything I can get my hands on.

Now for story time:

I drank tap water in Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam without issue. The only time in my life I've gotten food poisoning is when I decided to eat a packet of Chick-Fil-A sauce that had been in my car for over a year.

[BigTony]

I remember walking the streets of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The shopkeepers sold meat hanging out in the open in warm weather. The meat was open to flies and whatever else could get to it.

The locals don't get sick because they build up a resistance to the food and the way it is prepared.

The best advice I can give you is:

1- When eating abroad, try to get someone you know to prepare your foods. When I travel, I will have my lady or her mother make most of my meals.

2- Eat at an expensive hotel/restaurant.

3- Purchase a bottle of black seed oil.

As others have mentioned, you should build up your immune system before going to foreign countries. I take Black seed oil and vitamin C every day and I have not been sick since taking it. I also noticed that my energy levels are higher since taking it.

Here are some of the benefits of black seed oil as it relates to your immune system:

Quote:

2. Fights Fungal Infections – Fungal infections occur when bacteria grow on top of your skin, resulting in a variety of different diseases and rashes. Research shows that fungus and mold cannot co-exist with the compounds found in black seeds, leading many scientists to conclude that black seed oil is beyond a powerful herb, but an excellent natural remedy. The results show that black seed has an effective antifungal and anti-bacterial properties that can extensively treat and cure fungal infections.

Quote:

7. Infection Killer – Infections of all types are fought off by the immune system, specifically white cells. By targeting the immune system directly, black seed oil helps your body fight off infections from head to toe. This is a unique property that black seeds were known for throughout history, and they stood the test of time to be one of if not the most powerful natural remedies today. Not only does black seed pack anti-bacterial properties but also anti-fungal, a great one two combo that can treat and cure infections.

Quote:

10. Reduces Flus and Fevers – Another arising issue directly related to a weak immune system is flu or fever can cause serious even more damage to your immune system. Not having a way to help your body can leave you in bed for days if not weeks. Since the black seed is anti inflammatory, you can use black seed oil for cases of flu and fevers for quick relief. With immediate aid to your immune system, your body will feel the potent anti oxidant and anti bacterial properties of black seed oil go to work.

Quote:

13. Black Seed Oil for Diarrhea – Since most diarrhea is a result of a viral infection, the anti-inflammatory properties of black seed makes a perfect home remedy for it. It balances your digestion and intestines, allowing your body to become less constipated.

Many suggest mixing 1-2 teaspoons of black seed oil with yogurt for 2 days before the diarrhea is completely gone.

Quote:

46. Boosts Immunity – You can also use black seeds to improve your overall immune system, thereby improving your body’s defense mechanism and protection to bacteria. Since most of today’s common ailments are caused by inflammation, black seeds make a perfect herb to tackle many diseases that people suffer today.

https://www.diamondherbs.co/101-black-se...wear-tear/

I hope this helps.

[Incubus]

I buy and cook all my own food (SEA and EE)
I drink/sip Hot coffee or tea or bottled water or juice drinks (boxes or bottles)....uhm you won't easily find TEA in the Philippines sadly I had to find a specialty shop to get 3 teabags (all they had) once (savages)......pack your own tea!
I bring bottled water to my residence (daily along with beer)
I buy fresh fruit and clean it at my residence
never eat fish or sushi
I eat a lot of eggs (2 raw ..gulped down in the morning)
Along with the below
one apple a day no matter what for break-fest (dunno why but I must)

Not one issue

Primary reason I shop/cook and eat a lot at my place....I'm at the age where I need HIGH fiber to shit every day...most countries diets you'll be constipated for weeks...LMAO

Ive never seen "raisin bran" in SEA or EE...actually I don't recall any morning cereals at both
but you can buy "walnuts" eggs apples kobasa( salted heavily preserved meat), rye breads ..for a half decent high fiber breakfast as an example
HEY I LIKE A DAILY SHIT ...shoot me
Shoppings is a great way to meet chicks anyways

Final note....give 5 hours in any SEA country to watch for cockroaches...actually don't waste the time ...I just put ALL garbage in the fridge and dump it daily

[RatInTheWoods]

Probably the biggest cause of food poisoning is poor hand hygiene.

Wash your hands or use antibacterial wipes to give your hands a REALLY good clean.

I travel extensively in third worlds and Asia, and I eat street food all the time, if you are careful, examine the vendor and watch locals, you will be fine.

I swear I get sick eating Expat food, or going to 5 star hotel restaurants much more often than my favorite street vendors, especially in Thailand.

Also, avoid Ice cream and dairy.

[Stakes Is High]

my experience is definitely an exception. traveled india for 6 months, lived in brasil for 18 months, traveled elsewhere where one is normally worried about sickness, never experienced food borne illness...

Always bottled water where you are sketchy on the tap. Don't use antibacterial soap, you need to get your bacterial environment accustomed to the locale. Watch servers and food preparation, dont be scared to walk away if something doesnt look right (ex. chicken meat hanging in the open air for who knows how long in india).

[LatinoHeat]

Most people think food is the culprit but 95% of the time its from accidentally drinking tap water, more specifically the ice in restaurants. Stick to bottled drinks and bottled water and be suspicious of ice used in drinks at mom and pop diners.

The urban myth about street food causing you sickness is mostly bullshit IMO, specifically because the meats are usually cooked very well done anyways. I never got sick eating street tacos but def gotten sick drinking ice made from tap water in nice restaurants. The locals have guts that can handle it, you probably can't

The people telling you to drink the water in Vietnam are the same bros saying that the pull out game is 100% effective. Some of the advice here, lol don't wash your hands really??

[Sisyphus]

I got food poisoning twice in my 5 months in Ecuador. Once was from eating at a bus station as Prince Charming alluded to (I think it was in Riobamba). I was out of commission for two days. I suspect that the second time was from having blackberry juice. In Quito fruit juice stands are very common and it's usually $1 for a refreshing fruit drink which I would often get as a nice treat. The one time I had blackberry juice I got pretty bad food poisoning, I couldn't really eat for about a week. I was later told that the blackberries often have worms in them. That's a very specific piece of advice but something to keep in mind.