40. Stay ahead of food poisoning with activated charcoal
Food poisoning is undeniably common in Mexico; Known as ‘Montezuma’s revenge,’ this classic case of traveler’s diarrhea is caused by things like the tap water, new and spicy food (that is often left out in open-air markets or street carts to be prone to bacteria-growth), and even Michelen-star, gourmet restaurants.
Needless to say, no matter where you dine, there is a risk of getting sick.
If you get hit by food poisoning, immediately nip it in the bud with 1-2 tablets of activated charcoal. It’s a natural detoxifier that will remove harmful bacteria from the system, putting a stop to Mexico’s infamous TD (traveler’s diarrhea). These supplements will save you a day on the toilet and help prevent any distress.
41. Bring probiotics & fortify your gut
Along with activated charcoal, you should fortify your gut before your travels and pack things to strengthen your digestive system. I always bring Align probiotics (a solid brand with an effective product), or Global Healing has a fantastic probiotic that targets yeast, sugar, and candida-based fungus.
I also use Mary Ruth’s liquid chlorophyll because it is naturally anti-cancerous and a pure detoxifier. In bad cases, you can try immodium to relieve diarrhea, cramps, and bloating. Aloe is also very soothing for the stomach and will calm any inflammatory pain, I never travel without it.
42. Don’t eat raw vegetables
Unless you are eating in an upscale restaurant, avoid eating raw vegetables as they can often carry bacteria that only is killed when cooked in high temperatures. For example, you will want to order your tacos without the raw onion or cilantro that usually comes on top. If you purchase your own, scrub them thoroughly and cook them well.
43. Know the safe fruit combinations (and the not-so-safe ones)
One of the most random but useful tips I’ve ever received for Mexico travel is not to mix papaya with oranges. These two fruits combine to create a strong natural laxative! This is especially useful information for resort buffets so you can choose your combinations carefully before a fast-paced day of adventures at sea or deep in the jungle!
Most washed fruits will be safe. Keep in mind that pears, apples, kiwis, prunes, and figs can also stimulate the bowels.
44. Avoid certain street vendors
As mentioned above, there is a slightly higher likelihood of food poisoning at open-air eateries and food trucks – however, don’t avoid them altogether. It would be a shame to miss a REAL Spanish taco, and most people generally do not get sick.
Immerse yourself in this new country, but still be selective. Do this by:
- Looking for long lines of people (proving the food has fast turnover and is made-to-order)
- Seeing where the locals are drawn towards (residents know how to avoid food poisoning)
- Finding places with a minimum of 2 employees
- Using your intuition to discern what food is clean (is the food on ice, heated, or preserved in a way that prevents bacteria?)
45. Avoid the open markets (CDC recommendation)
With that being said, the CDC recommends that tourists avoid open-air markets. This is another rule that doesn’t need to be hard-and-fast.
Many people visit and feast on expensive meals, then end up getting sick. Others spend their whole trip consuming street food and never get sick. These are the laws of unfairness and there are no guarantees either way.
46. Book with a trusted local food guide
You can lower your chances of food contamination by ensuring your food is served hot and fully cooked, going on a
food tour that is guided by a local (to ensure they are picking the safest spots), and simply being judicious about the produce you are purchasing. Many dishes are cooked with produce that has been washed in the unclean tap water, so consider this in your deliberation.
47. Bring hand sanitizer wherever you go
I met a woman at the hotel who had been very sick from food poisoning. She mentioned that she regretted not carrying hand sanitizer since she was confident this was the reason behind her illness: touching door handles, cars, walls, railings, etc.
48. Stick to drinking bottled water at the hotel
Most tourists stick to the bottled water provided by their hotel. This is great for meal-to-meal, and you can bring 1-2 with you on a day trip, but many people stay at hostels or Airbnbs that are not as stocked. Pack along a filtered water bottle in case you have no access to a purified option. Don’t drink from plastic water bottles if they have a broken seal.
49. Pack a backup LifeStraw for peace of mind
Sometimes, food poisoning is just psychological. This sounds like an exaggeration but the mind is a powerful thing. If you fear food poisoning strongly, this can worsen the preemptive fear in your body, so perhaps bring a LifeStraw, just in case.
This product has literally saved lives and helped people that had no access to clean water. It can be used directly in a glass of tap water or a flowing river to keep you ahead of water-borne illnesses like e. coli.
50. Be cautious with ice
Ice cubes are a tricky one… Bars will often make your cocktails with ice cubes that are safely store-bought. But if they’re using the local tap water, it may be best to use bottled beverages like beers, liquor, or White Claws. For mixers or chasers, you may also consider a canned soda instead of any drinks on draft. Or you may go European vibes and stick to a no-ice policy.
51. Use purified water for brushing your teeth
The same goes for brushing your teeth. You can significantly reduce your chances of water-borne illness by playing it safe (even with small things like brushing your teeth!) I recommend using the water bottles provided by the hotel or your personal filtration system.
52. Ask your host or concierge about safe local spots
Some travel websites are going to have paid reviews and won’t reflect the reality of what’s good (and safe) in the area. Trust the local word – If staying at a resort, your concierge will offer recommendations and can book a car for you to the destination. An Airbnb host will often send their favorite nearby eateries and it’s best to rely on a resident’s perspective.
53. Prevent alcohol poisoning by staying hydrated
This is a big one if you plan to sip on margaritas and mezcals all day. The Mexican sun will increase the likelihood of dehydration, worsening any effects of alcohol poisoning and drying you out like a Spanish raisin!
While your resort may encourage the ‘bottoms up’ lifestyle, you could be paying for it the next day with alcohol poisoning. Get ahead of this by incorporating more water and taking it easy on the inclusive drink package. You can also plan ahead with Cheers hangover preventative supplements.
54. Bring electrolytes in case you DO get sick
In the off-chance that you still get sick (even after incorporating all of these wondrous tips!) be sure to have some electrolytes on hand. Some people favor the old-school Pedialyte Electrolyte Packets, while others prefer Liquid IV Electrolyte Packets. These truly save lives and you will feel so much better with a surge of electrolytes soothing the war on your body!
55. Visit the pharmacy to see an affordable doctor
Also, most pharmacies have a small doctor’s office where they give walk-in consultations and will prescribe any medications you may need. The doctor’s fee is usually less than $5 USD and worth knowing about if nothing else works.
){kind=link}