If you are like us and love to have a truly authentic experience when travelling by trying local foods, eating at markets and from street food vendors etc, then these tips might come in handy for your next trip. I researched this quite a bit before heading to Bali for the first time, and now I still travel with this knowledge today. Nothing ruins a trip more than getting sick, so I hope these tips help you on your next travels. 
 

ESSENTIALS FOR YOUR TRAVEL MEDICINE BAG
There are three main items I make sure I travel with, and I pack small containers of these into our day pack as you never know when sickness or food poisoning may come on. 

• COLOSTRUM TABLETS |  Colostrum is the first secretion from the mammary glands after giving birth, rich in antibodies. I was looking to buy travel precautionary medicines after some research, but we do not have these available in New Zealand. What forums have said was that the main thing that made up these medicines was colostrum, which IS available in a tablet from here in New Zealand. When taking colostrum it helps support and boost the stomachs good bacteria. Apparently, it is given to some professional athletes when they are flying to other countries to protect their immunity before playing big games. It is recommended to take one every day in the morning on an empty stomach, and again in the evening just before eating if you are eating at places like markets or street foods.
  LINK TO BUY: HERE.

• ACTIVATED CHARCOAL | Activated charcoal works by trapping toxins and chemicals in the gut, preventing their absorption. The charcoal's porous texture has a negative electrical charge, which causes it to attract positively charged molecules, such as toxins and gases. Even when we are not travelling, this is something that we have at home and use when needed, it is even said to be good for hangovers. Basically, if you are feeling a bit yuck in the tummy, have two capitals and try and have them as close to when you are feeling sick so it can work as quickly as possible before the sickness intensifies. It is all natural, so it will do no harm. 
  LINK TO BUY: HERE.

• ANTI-DIARRHOEA PILLS | I take with me for those 'just in case' moments! It is better to let the bug in your system detoxify if you get to this point, so it is advised to let it 'ride out' - however if you have to board a plane etc, these pills would be ideal for those situations. 
  WHERE TO BUY: Over the counter at the pharmacy, or get your doctor to prescribe.
  
   

Additional ITEMS TO CONSIDER taking 

• IMMUNITY BOOST VITAMINS - a combination of vitamin C, garlic, olive leaf and echinacea and PROBIOTICS to strengthening your immune system. People often get sick from the long haul flights - the recycled air in the air conditioning systems is notorious for carrying bugs. It is recommended that you start taking these vitamins at least 4 weeks before you travel to give your body time to absorb and boost your immune system for the flights and any food-related bad bacteria. 
  LINK TO BUY: HERE AND HERE

• KAWAKAWA TEA | This tea has a natural soothing and healing effect on the tummy, so if you have an upset stomach, or have bee vomiting etc, then this tea is the perfect thing to have with you. I like the one from T-Leaf brand as it also is infused with ginger and lemongrass which are also perfect for stomach soothing. 
  LINK TO BUY DRY: HERE
  LNK TO MAKE YOUR OWN FRESH: HERE

 

OTHER TIPS  

• LOCAL WATER | Depending on what country you are in, do not drink or brush teeth with local tap water - you may need to purchase bottled water. You may also want to avoid ice, but for me, this was a little tricky as I love to drink cocktails when on holiday, and they are always loaded with ice. I just usually sipped quickly before the ice melted. 

• WHAT TO DRINK | Kombucha is a great choice if it is on the menu, as this will help promote healthy bacteria. And if you are somewhere tropical, order fresh coconut to drink as these are loaded with natural electrolytes, amino acids and antioxidants.  

• ORDER FRESHLY COOKED FOOD | Often at street food stalls there are pre-made items that are cooked in advance and put on display to help beat the crowds. Choose stalls that cook to order or you can ask to have a fresh batch made for you. Piping hot temperatures kill germs that cause digestive illnesses. Cool or lukewarm temperatures, on the other hand, encourage their growth.

• eat where it's busy and where locals are eating | If locals are eating there, it's a good sign you've found a gem! Also, busy restaurant's produce more food and have a higher turn over of food meaning, less food sitting around. Fresh is always best!

• use hand sanitizer | Often when eating at markets or street food, there is no place to wash your hands before you eat. Travel with hand sanitizer and use before eating.