Travelers visiting many tropical, subtropical and developing countries are at increased risk of gastrointestinal disease. They are usually caused by bacteria, parasites and viruses. The microscopic errors at the top of these rather painful torments (for all the wrong reasons ...) are the E Coli diagrams, staphylococcus, shigella and salmonella diagrams, campylobacter jejuni, cryptosporidiosis and hepatitis A.
Infected food is the biggest culprit, and the second is water. Ice cream, cocktails served in reused coconut shells, raw seafood, ice and street vendors are potential risks that can interrupt your adventure with less pleasant memories to pass on to family and friends.
Nausea, stomach cramps and diarrhea of such acute infections usually die out after a few days (except, of course, you got hepatitis A or something like giardia). Of course, if you are unlucky that you will be sick in a few days, you should see a doctor.
Fortunately, there are remedies you can take that will strengthen your immune and digestive system and hopefully give your body more chances to cope with the new environment. The herbs described below will make an excellent blend of travelers. The best form of admission is fabric, which can be prepared by visiting a local herbal clinic, if you have one in your area or, alternatively, a local herbalist.
Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus)
Astragalus is a good antiviral, antibacterial and antimicrobial. The polysaccharides in it support the immune system. Astragalus increases the activity of phagocytes, natural killer cells and antibody levels in the blood.
Psorroris (Picrorrhiza kurroa)
It is an Ayurvedic herb that is best given in low doses, since higher doses can cause diarrhea and flatulence in more sensitive people. Its bitter herb, so it stimulates the digestive system. It is also antimalarial, supports the immune system and protects the liver. Picrorrhiza encourages all aspects of the immune system, such as the activity of B and T cells, as well as the activity of phagocytes. This herb is used in ayurvedic medicine for liver problems and immune problems.
Goldenseal (Hydrastis Canadensis)
Goldenseal is an intestinal antibiotic that, for example, helps reduce adhesive pricking and stimulates certain immune functions of the body. For example, it has been shown that berberine, which is one of its active ingredients, increases the activity of macrophages that are digested by bacteria and viruses. Barberry also contains berberine, so more detailed information about this very valuable component is given below. Goldenseal, being a bitter herb, is also well suited to the digestive system. However, if you are pregnant or suffer from hypertension, you should not take gold.
Barbary (Berberis Voulgaris)
Berberine, one of the active ingredients of this herb, is an antiprotozoa that helps protect travelers from the gyardium, leishmania and treponema of the pallidum. Other notable effects of berberine are its activity against giardia, dysentery and candida, as well as cholera vibrios. The active ingredients berber and palmatin are also antibacterial. And berbamine, which, like berberine, is an alkaloid, is a strong antibacterial, which apparently works by increasing leukocytes and platelets. However, the component palamin is a uterine stimulant, and since such pregnant women should not take this herb. Barbary is another antibiotic of the intestine, but it is also antimalarial (although no self-respecting herbalist recommends anything other than medical treatment if you become infected with malaria).
Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea or augustifolia)
Echinacea is an immune stimulant. Its main active ingredients are polysaccharides and alkamides (especially isobutylamides), which are both immunomodulatory and polyacetylenes, which are antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal. Echinacea supports the activity of phagocytes, which are part of the immune system, and is also considered antiviral and antimicrobial. One of the ways in which Echinacea appears to work is to inhibit the action of the enzyme hyaluronidase. This enzyme is used by microorganisms to destroy the connective tissue that precedes them from penetrating and spreading through the body. For these reasons, it is excellent as part of the means to overcome obstacles for travelers.
These remedies are not intended to be preventable, like a vaccine. They work on the principle of giving your body an increased chance of staying healthy. But nothing will replace common sense. Wash your hands before eating. Do not drink bottles with ice or water where the seal was broken. Drink cocktails with glasses, not pretty, but probably old coconut shells. Do not eat anything fresh that you can not clean. Do not eat ice cream or drink unpasteurized milk. Be careful with food from street vendors. Some people do it and everything is fine. But they are a risk factor with gastrointestinal disorders. A good idea is to pack some oral hydrating salts as a precaution.
But above all, enjoy the rest!
Refrences: C Fisher & G Painter, Western Grass Materia Medica for the Southern Hemisphere
Class Notes from Ses Salmond, Certified Teacher of Natural Therapist and Herbal Medicine
