Why does my stomach hurt when I go to Mexico?
Asked by: Ally Nikolaus DVM | Last update: November 14, 2023Score: 4.6/5 (17 votes)
It's possible that traveler's diarrhea may stem from the stress of traveling or a change in diet. But usually infectious agents — such as bacteria, viruses or parasites — are to blame. You typically develop traveler's diarrhea after ingesting food or water contaminated with organisms from feces.
How do I fix my stomach after Mexico?
If you do get traveler's diarrhea, avoid caffeine, alcohol and dairy products, which may worsen symptoms or increase fluid loss. But keep drinking fluids. Drink canned fruit juices, weak tea, clear soup, decaffeinated soda or sports drinks to replace lost fluids and minerals.
How can I avoid stomach problems in Mexico?
You can take steps to avoid travelers' diarrhea
Avoid food that has been sitting on a buffet. Eat raw fruits and vegetables only if you have washed them in clean water or peeled them. Only drink beverages from factory-sealed containers, and avoid ice because it may have been made from unclean water.
Why is my stomach not feeling well after going to Mexico?
Traveler's diarrhea occurs within 10 days of travel to an area with poor public hygiene. It's the most common illness in travelers. It's caused by drinking water or eating foods that have bacteria, viruses, or parasites. It usually goes away without treatment in a few days.
What is the stomach disease in Mexico?
Traveler's diarrhea is an intestinal infection that occurs as a result of eating or drinking contaminated food or water. Food handlers who do not wash their hands after they use the bathroom can transmit the infection to people who consume the contaminated food.
The Cause of Lower Abdominal Cramping Pain
How long does the Mexico stomach bug last?
Traveler's diarrhea usually goes away on its own within several days. Signs and symptoms may last longer and be more severe if the condition is caused by certain bacteria or parasites.
What foods to avoid when traveling to Mexico?
Never eat things washed with tap water (fruits, vegetables, ice made with tap water, etc.) Never eat food that has not been cooked thoroughly. Avoid raw seafood, undercooked eggs, and any meat that is not completely cooked.
How do I prepare my stomach for Mexico?
One of the best ways to prepare for Mexico travel is to prep your immune system and strengthen your gut health. Some common supplements include probiotics, Vitamin C, echinacea, zinc, elderberry, and other immune boosters.
Why do I get sick everytime I come to Mexico?
Sunstroke, dehydration and heat exhaustion are some of the most common ailments among tourists and this is because they simply do not show the Mexican weather the respect it is due. This goes doubly when you're drinking alcohol or eating spicy, salty foods.
How do I reset my gut after travel?
Quick fix: If doubling down on your water intake doesn't get things moving, try going for a walk. Exercise—even low-impact activities, like yoga and walking—stimulates the gut, which means food has less time to sit in the large intestine, where water gets reabsorbed back into the body, drying out your waste.
Can you brush your teeth with tap water in Mexico?
Brushing Your Teeth
Residents in Mexico may brush their teeth with tap water, but they'll rinse and spit, careful not to swallow. As a tourist, you may be better off taking the precaution of using bottled water to brush your teeth, and do try to remember to keep your mouth shut when you shower.
What can I buy for an upset stomach in Mexico?
If you do come down with this ailment, nothing beats Pepto Bismol, readily available in Mexico. Imodium is also available in Mexico and is used by many travelers for a quick fix.
What illnesses are going around in Mexico?
- Enteric Infections & Diseases. Cholera. ...
- Respiratory Infections & Diseases. Coronavirus Disease 2019. ...
- Sexually Transmitted Infections & HIV. ...
- Soil- & Waterborne Infections. ...
- Vectorborne Diseases.
What do Mexicans do when sick?
In rural Mexico, families prepare a hot beverage, like lemon tea, and add lots of onion or garlic. It doesn't taste the best, but it does fight infections. In urban Mexico, a standard treatment for colds is hot water mixed with cinnamon and honey.
Can I eat fruit in Mexico?
Finally, street side fruit should absolutely be enjoyed in Mexico, giving the abundance of it. Typically pre-chopped and bagged, this ideal on-the-go snack is as healthy as it is delicious, so…why shouldn't you eat it again? Well, this comes down to circumstance.
Should I take probiotics before going to Mexico?
Probiotics should be started at least two weeks prior to your planned travel. This helps in seeding the helpful bacteria in the gut. This, in turn, will optimize immune function and help ensure good health while travelling. However, it is important to continue taking the probiotic throughout the travel.
Should I take Pepto-Bismol before going to Mexico?
Taking 2 tablets of Pepto-Bismol 4 times a day before you travel and while you are traveling can help prevent diarrhea. Do not take Pepto-Bismol for more than 3 weeks. Most people do not need to take antibiotics every day to prevent diarrhea while traveling.
What is the most common food poisoning in Mexico?
Salsas – Salsas that sit out, un-refrigerated, are far and away the most common cause of food poisoning across all the people of Mexico City. So try to eat in places serving lots and lots of salsa, rather than those where empty tables are just storing salsas.
Is it OK to have ice in Mexico?
It's very common for travelers to worry about the safety of the water. And once a year I get this silly question about the ice and if it is safe to drink drinks with ice. The simple answer is, YES!
What is the warning on food in Mexico?
In 2020, Mexico enacted a law requiring warning labels on the front of food packages that contain "excess" sugar, calories, sodium, or saturated fat by Official Mexican Standards.
Is Mexican stomach bug contagious?
Noroviruses are highly contagious. That means the norovirus infection can easily spread to others. The virus is shed in stool and vomit. You can spread the virus from the time you first have symptoms of illness until several days after you recover.
What kills stomach virus?
It's hard to kill
“It's resistant to many common disinfectants,” Hall said. CDC recommends using bleach to kill it, including chlorine bleach or hydrogen peroxide. That's why health departments often require restaurants to use bleach to clean countertops and kitchen surfaces. It's also able to survive being dried out.
How do you get rid of a tummy bug?
- drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration; you need to drink more than usual to replace the fluids lost from vomiting and diarrhoea – water is best, but you could also try fruit juice and soup.
- take paracetamol for any fever or aches and pains.
- get plenty of rest.
What is the #1 health risk of Mexico?
The major health concern in Mexico is Obesity. In Mexico, 32.4% of the population is obese, making it the country with the 2nd highest prevalence of obesity, behind the US. The country also has the highest prevalence of diabetes in the OECD, with 15.9% of the population having diabetes.