The ailment has a lot of funny names, but traveler's diarrhea is far from cute. Aside from sending sufferers frequently to the bathroom, it can cause fever, cramps, and nausea.
You don't have to travel abroad to get it and, in fact, you can get it in any situation where food is undercooked, raw, or not kept sufficiently cool.
While there are several possible causes, the main culprit is the bacteria E. coli. It causes about 80 percent of all cases. Whatever the cause, these steps can help you avoid food bourne illness.
* This famous caution still applies, "Boil it, cook it, peel it, or forget it." Don't eat anything that isn't thoroughly cooked.
* Boil the water or drink bottled water. Carbonated water is even better. Skip the ice. It's frozen water that may not be pure.
* Order meat well done. Meat can be contaminated and cause infections.
* At a buffet, make sure food is hot. Never eat lukewarm food. Bread and potatoes are the safest.
* Avoid food with fillers like creams or jellies.
* Eat only thoroughly cooked eggs, scrambled or hard fried.
* Avoid raw shellfish.
* Sprouts are actually notorious for contamination. They should never be eaten raw and should be cooked thoroughly.
