This is one area where prevention can really pay off. In addition to the precautions above, these steps can help:

• Always wash your hands with soap and water before eating. This prevents transferring bacteria or parasites to your food or mouth. Use alcohol gel when you can’t wash your hands.
• Consider taking Pepto-Bismol (2 tablets, 4 times a day), to prevent travelers’ diarrhea if you will be traveling less than 3 weeks in a developing country. Pepto-Bismol may help prevent more than half of all cases of travelers’ diarrhea. Pepto-Bismol may cause black stools or a black tongue, which look strange, but are harmless.

Just in case you do end up getting sick, learn more about how to take care of yourself if you do get an upset stomach.