What is Bali Belly and How Can it be Avoided?

photo: detik.net.id

During a vacation, you definitely want to enjoy it smoothly and happily. Of course, you don't want anything as small as possible to ruin your vacation that has probably been prepared for a long time. You are also certainly someone who does not want to be disturbed by the emergence of stomach pain when you are on vacation. 

In this article, we will discuss stomach pain that is often experienced by tourists in Bali, or more commonly called Bali belly. Have you ever heard of this term? Although it does not exist in the medical world, the term Bali belly is said to be a fairly common term among tourists, especially foreign tourists visiting Bali for vacation.

So, what exactly does Bali belly mean? Is there a way to avoid it? Well, to answer these questions, continue reading the explanation about Bali belly below.

Read More: Bali : Located and How to Get to Bali

What is Bali Belly ?

photo: detik.net.id

Literally, Bali belly comes from the English language, which means Bali stomach. This term is often used to describe food poisoning symptoms, which are generally characterized by diarrhea or vomiting. Sometimes, the symptoms that appear are also accompanied by bloating, loss of appetite, fever, and a painful stomach.

Bali belly is usually caused by viruses found in contaminated food and water. According to identification results, the most common viruses that cause this condition are Rotavirus and Norovirus. In addition to viruses, Bali belly is also typically caused by bacterial infections that contaminate food. Common bacteria found in these cases include E. coli, Salmonella, and Campylobacter.

The viruses or bacteria enter the body through food contamination. Given that trying local food is something that cannot be missed when traveling, it is not unlikely for someone to get Bali belly. This risk is quite high considering the tropical and humid conditions in Indonesia, which make the development of bacteria on food faster.

Not only that, if food storage, processing, and serving are done without paying attention to good and correct hygiene standards, then the risk of bacterial spread will be greater. Therefore, as a tourist, it is advisable for you to pay attention to the tips below.

How to avoid Bali belly 

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For those of you who want to visit Bali Island, it is best to understand how to avoid Bali belly. So, how do you avoid Bali belly? Here are some steps you can take to avoid Bali belly:

- Pay attention to drinking water 

The first thing you should do to avoid Bali belly is to pay attention to the drinking water. While you are on Bali Island, it is best to consume bottled water or water in packaging. Also, when ordering drinks it's best to order it without ice to avoid the risk of ice cubes made from non-sterile water.

- Maintaining cleanliness 

The next thing you should do to avoid Bali belly is to maintain cleanliness. While you are in Bali, it is best to regularly wash your hands using soap and running water, or you can also use an antiseptic solution. Handwashing is a must for you to do, especially before eating. Additionally, when you want to wash fruits or vegetables, avoid using tap water.

- Pay attention to food 

You also need to pay attention to the food you consume while on vacation on Bali Island. During your vacation, it is best to choose fresh food or food that has just been cooked, and try to avoid ready-to-eat food. Additionally, avoid consuming undercooked meat.

- Use clean utensils 

In addition to paying attention to the food consumed, you also need to pay attention to the utensils used for eating. When you're about to eat, make sure that the eating utensils are clean and dry. If the eating utensils are wet and not clean, it's best to avoid using them.

- Preparing medication 

The last way to avoid Bali belly is by preparing medication. Especially for those who have a history of digestion problems, it is best to consult with a doctor. You can prepare medicine or supplements to prevent viruses from entering the body.

That is the explanation of Bali belly and tips that you can consider to prevent it. Culinary tourism cannot be missed. However, you can increase your vigilance and caution in choosing a place to eat or food consumed.

Read More: Best recommendations for places to stay in Bali

Source: 

- Southern Cross Travel Insurance. How to prevent Bali Belly. 

- Better Health. Traveller’s diarrhea. 

- Prime Plus Medical. Top Ways To Cure Bali Belly: Please Read It Before Traveling.