11 Comments
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Lillie's avatar

Thank you for writing this column and this particular post on Traveler's Diarrhea. Your medical advice - on the diarrhea and on other topics - matches my common sense approach to diet. I am a steady eater who has always focused on food and exercise for healing instead of pills & supplements. This approach to health came from my history teacher reading and thinking how did people live long lives in the 1200s, 1500s, etc. Not the majority, I know. But many people lived to ripe old ages. Then I looked at my own relatives of my grandparents and great-grandparents generation because I have personal knowledge of their lifestyles. No antibiotics, just food, exercise (many farmers) and home remedies. I emulate their habits wherever I can.

I am 80, live in Alaska, and can still run, hike, & bike - slowly! You are the Best! You are welcome to visit us anytime!!! We travel often, so we may drop in on you! 😬 😬 😬

Dr Arif Hussenbux MBBS's avatar

haha loved reading this!! clean food and moving body! The best health tips are simple!

God bless you - may you stay strong!!

Gary Bloomer's avatar

All great advice. Thank you. My wife and I never travel without loperamide (brand name: Imodium). Similarly Dioralyte, both of which are easily available from most pharmacies.

Lilla Toth-Tatai's avatar

What's your opinion on active charcoal, colostrum to help clear out toxins faster? Do you recommend some probiotic treatment after such an illness?

Dr Arif Hussenbux MBBS's avatar

Yes - small evidence for probiotics after gastroenteritis. I don’t recommend charcoal or colostrum

Lilla Toth-Tatai's avatar

Thank you. Is it because there's no scientific evidence for their effect or do you consider them contraproductive/harmful in these cases? I'd love to understand more.

Robert Rowe's avatar

How should you manage oral rehydration if you have type 2 diabetes?

Dr Arif Hussenbux MBBS's avatar

Difficult to answer personal questions without knowing the severity of your T2DM 😀

Robert Rowe's avatar

Sort of in remission now due to lifestyle changes, not on medication

Mariela Mircheva, RD's avatar

As a dietitian, I loved the reminder that the goal is nourishment, not punishment. Such an important message for recovery 👏