Let's Talk About "The Trots"

Whether you call it Montezuma's Revenge, Delhi Belly, or the Aztec Two-Step, you know what I mean. One minute you are enjoying your vacation and the next you feel like you're in the ugliest stages of colonoscopy prep.

This condition is most likely to strike a) in developing countries and b) at the most inopportune time. One particularly memorable episode involved a flight between Puerta Vallarta and Oaxaca and a pilot who apparently didn't know how to turn off the seatbelt light. At the time, I felt sure he knew of my plight and was seizing the occasion to express some long held anti-American sentiment.

Another vivid experience caused me to extend my stay at a B&B in Ballarat, Australia - which blows to bits the belief that this malady only strikes in the Third World. Here, however, there was a silver lining to my cloud: the doctor insisted I drink something that would restore my electrolyte balance and, thus, I learned a valuable lesson.

Turns out that one of the reasons we feel so rotten when travelers' diarrhea strikes is that all that fluid loss causes not only dehydration, but also out of whack electrolytes. Gatorade helps, but isn't always available, so I carry a powdered sports drink. My current favorite is GU2O, which I buy at REI. You can also improvise by mixing 1 quart/liter of clean water, 2 tablespoons of sugar or honey, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda.

While you're waiting to feel better, stick to the BRAT diet - bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast - and drink as many clear liquids as you can. Gingerale and cooled camomile tea are good choices.

As far as medications go, Imodium or Lomotil will help with the symptoms, but my doctor thinks it's better to let nature take its course. Instead he recommends Levaquin, an antibiotic that is also effective in treating urinary tract infections and respiratory infections, so I NEVER leave home without it.

Staying healthy on the road is a lot easier if you go prepared (no pun intended).