Being Alive Newsletter, Being Alive/Los Angeles - July 1993
Satindar Dua, MS, RD, CDE

A good rule of thumb is "boil it, cook it, peel it, or forget it." Be more cautious than usual. Drinking questionable water in remote areas can be dangerous. Even on mountains not populated by humans, streams can be contaminated by animals. Treat water with iodine solution or boil it; better still, boil it twice. Take plenty of medical supplies, i.e., prescription medicines that you may be using. In addition take hydrogen peroxide, Pepto-Bismol, antibiotics Septra or Bactrim or another appropriate antibiotic for chest congestion with fever. University of Texas studies show that Pepto-Bismol taken prophylactically during trips may be quite effective as a protection for diarrhea.

Food During Air Travel

Most airlines now offer a variety of alternatives to their standard meal. You must request these special meals a few days in advance. If your airline is unable to provide your choice, consider bringing your own.

Avoid ordering entrees that are laden with heavy sauces. Choose broiled/baked fish, poultry or lean meats. These will be easy to digest. If you feel that the food is not hot enough, request it to be heated again. Avoid eating fresh fruit and vegetable salads. You can ask for extra bread, crackers and cheese packets. Drink only regular carbonated drinks and without ice (it may be made from contaminated water). Let the drink stand for a while for the bubbles to go flat, as these may cause gas, bloating or stomach cramps.

Air travel (high altitudes) can cause de-hydration. Try 4-5 oz. of fluids, e.g., ginger ale, 7-Up, canned fruit juices, every couple of hours. Avoid drinks that contain caffeine and alcohol, as these will make your kidneys lose more fluids and further add to your dehydration. Stay away from coffee, cocoa, hot chocolate, beer, wine and booze.

Consider investing in a small thermos (refrigeration) box or Igloo and packs of blue ice to keep food cold. Carry, on the flight, individually wrapped cheese packets, deli meat packets, crackers, packs of flavored yogurt, cottage cheese, instant breakfast, nutrition supplements and fruits that you can peel. You can select milk or fruit juice from the airline's beverage cart to complement you meal.

WHEN TRAVELLING BY CAR

Fatty foods can be hard for your body to digest when travelling, when physical activity is minimal. Carry food in your Igloo (refrigeration box) and hot fluids or boiled water, soups or stews in a thermos flask. Take also plenty of disposable cups, bowls, plates and dinnerware, and a can opener. Lactaid tablets to digest milk foods will be helpful. It will be convenient to stop at rest areas to enjoy a small snack and carry on your journey till you reach a big town for a scrumptious meal.

EATING AT RESTAURANTS

Restaurants are required to follow sanitation guidelines established by state and local health department to ensure cleanliness and food hygiene. You should avoid the same foods in restaurants that you would avoid at home. Order meat well done; if it is served medium or rare, send it back. Cut in the center of a steak, hamburger or a piece of meat to check doneness. If it is the least bit pink or bloody, it needs more cooking. Order fried eggs cooked on both sides; avoid runny scrambled eggs. Any preparations with raw eggs, seafood or vegetables should be avoided.

GOING ON TRAILS

Always carry plenty of fluids in your thermos flask, crackers, cookies and pretzels. Trek slowly to avoid fatigue. Stop to take a little rest, to get your breath back every couple of hours and have a small snack and drink. Take some hydrogen peroxide and band-aids to clean and cover any abrasions. When travelling to areas that may have low standards of sanitation, one should consult with one's physician.

930700
BA930723

Copyright © 1993 - Beings Alive. Permission granted for noncommercial reproduction, provided that our address and phone number are included if more than short quotations are used. Subscription lists are kept confidential. Being Alive, 621 N. San Vicente Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90069, Tel - 310.289.2551; FAX - 310.289.9866; Email: BeiAlive@aol.com  http://www.beingalivela.org/