How To Prevent Upset Stomach When Traveling Mexico City?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,
  1. DON'T: Drink the Water in Mexico. …
  2. DO: Get a Filterable Water Bottle.
  3. DON'T: Avoid Mexico Street Food Altogether. …
  4. DO: Choose the Right Street Food. …
  5. DON'T: Assume Mexico is the Only Sickness. …
  6. DO: See A Doctor if You're Sick in Mexico.
  7. DON'T: Pack the Whole Medicine Cabinet.

How do I prepare my gut for Mexico?

  1. Don't overeat. Part of the fun of vacationing is eating at new restaurants and trying new foods. …
  2. Eat plenty of fiber. …
  3. Drink lots of water. …
  4. Choose beverages wisely. …
  5. Get groceries from local stores. …
  6. Go to the bathroom. …
  7. Wash your hands. …
  8. Carry medications.

Why do I get sick every time I go to Mexico?

A common cause of sickness while on vacation in Mexico is

caused by dehydration

. You should drink more water than you might usually drink to compensate for the heat and perspiration.

What to take to prevent getting sick in Mexico?

Stick to

sealed bottled water (which at most Mexican hotels is readily available, if not free) or disinfected water

. Plus, make sure your ice is made from the same H2O. Avoid reconstituted juice, which is made with water, as well as unpasteurized milk. Sodas, hot coffee and tea, and pasteurized milk are all safe.

Should I take Pepto-Bismol before going to Mexico?


Yes. Pepto-Bismol has been used for a number of years to prevent travelers' diarrhea

. Studies show that if adults take the equivalent of two tabs four times a day, it can decrease the incidence of travelers' diarrhea up to 60%. Now, many people who take that amount of Pepto-Bismol end up with severe .

Why do I get stomach aches when I travel?


Lack of sleep and change in cuisine

can trigger these health issues for travellers. Medical experts cite stress and change in normal routine as the reasons for health problems such as stomach bloating, stomach ache, restlessness, and lack of appetite during travelling.

How do I settle my stomach before a flight?

Your best bet is

water, a light pre-flight meal, and—if you know you're highly-affected during flights—Gas-Ex

, which can help if your belly starts acting up, says Dr. Sam. Also make sure to go for a walk every now and then—either to the bathroom or just down the aisle. Moving around can help keep things…well…

What should I avoid in Mexico?

  • Don't eat street food without washing your hands first.
  • Don't wear sandals or flip flops.
  • Don't flaunt your valuables.
  • Don't use the metro at the hora pico.
  • Don't drink in the street.
  • Don't carry your visa and passport with you.
  • Don't eat near the big tourist attractions.

What should I avoid eating in Mexico?

Never eat food that has not been cooked thoroughly. Avoid

raw seafood, undercooked eggs, and any meat that is not completely cooked

. If you want to eat fish, order it cooked, or try ceviche, which is a “raw” fish dish that utilizes citric acid to kill bacteria (it's delicious!)

How do you prevent travelers diarrhea?

  1. Avoid food buffets. …
  2. Don't drink from lakes, streams or rivers.
  3. Don't eat raw fruits or vegetables unless you can safely wash them in treated water. …
  4. Drink canned or bottled beverages, and skip the ice. …
  5. Wash hands often. …
  6. Use bottled water to brush your teeth.

What helps diarrhea in Mexico?

Lifestyle and home remedies. 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.

What can I take for travelers diarrhea?

Azithromycin is preferred to treat severe travelers' diarrhea. Fluoroquinolones may be used to treat severe, nondysenteric travelers' diarrhea. Rifaximin may be used to treat severe, nondysenteric travelers' diarrhea. Single-dose antibiotic regimens may be used to treat travelers' diarrhea.

Why can't I drink water in Mexico?

Many want to know, Why is the water in Mexico not safe to drink? First off,

waterborne illness isn't exclusive to Mexico

. You can get sick from water anywhere in the world, as water is a great carrier for things like bacteria, protozoa, viruses, toxins and parasites — which can all make you sick.

What can I take to my stomach in Mexico?


Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol)

can be effective for treating mild cases of traveler's diarrhea. Use it according to the instructions on the box. Antimotility agents like Imodium can also be used, but they should be saved for emergencies, like airplane travel.

Why do you get diarrhea in 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.

Do probiotics help with travelers diarrhea?

There's no hard proof that probiotics work for this problem.

Some research shows they help travelers avoid this kind of diarrhea, but other studies show there isn't any benefit

. The strongest evidence points to help from Bifidobacterium bifidum, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Saccharomyces boulardii.

Should I take a probiotic 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.

Can traveling affect your stomach?

But

travel can often wreak havoc on your body, putting the digestive tract in shock

. “Even a quick weekend getaway by car can cause your stomach to act up when your routine is changed – be it diet, exercise, travel stress or exposure to foreign bacteria,” says Dr.

How do flight attendants avoid motion sickness?


Certain medications, such as Dramamine, the scopolamine skin patch and Benadryl

, are very effective. They work best if they are taken a couple of hours before the flight, so if you know that you are susceptible to motion sickness, plan ahead.

Should you fly on an empty stomach?

Eat Light. Contrary to popular belief,

flying on an empty stomach doesn't help you combat air sickness

. In fact, an empty stomach actually exacerbates symptoms. Eat a light meal such as crackers, fruit, and other light snacks.

Can I take Pepto Bismol on an airplane?

If you have any medical aids or devices, check the TSA's Special Procedures. Also

bring travel-sized bottles of basic medications, too, such as acetaminophen, Pepto Bismol, and Tums—good to have on hand when you're in the air

.

What is considered rude in Mexico?

Mexicans often “hold” a gesture (a handshake, a squeeze of the arm, a hug) longer than Americans and Canadians do. Don't stand with your hands on your hips; this signifies anger. It is considered rude to

stand around with your hands in your pockets

.

Where should you avoid in Mexico City?

  • Tepito. If you're looking for a bargain, you're better off avoiding Tepito market | © Benedicte Desrus / Alamy Stock Photo.
  • La Merced Market. …
  • Doctores. …
  • Iztapalapa. …
  • Colonia del Valle. …
  • Tlalpan, Xochimilco and Tlatelolco. …
  • Centro Histórico. …
  • Ciudad Neza.

Can I eat salad in Mexico?

Can You Eat Salad In Mexico Resorts?

Salads and fruits without skin are safe to eat

. The resort is a safe place, so you won't have any problems. The practice of using “good” water to wash anything that comes into contact with people's mouths is common in restaurants and hotels, just as it is in other places.

Sophia Kim
Author
Sophia Kim
Sophia Kim is a food writer with a passion for cooking and entertaining. She has worked in various restaurants and catering companies, and has written for several food publications. Sophia's expertise in cooking and entertaining will help you create memorable meals and events.