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How to Avoid Illness and Stay Healthy in Mexico

By Jim Labelle

Republish: EasyPublish™
Published: 28Nov2010
Word count: 541
Viewed: 255 time(s)

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Everyone who plans a journey to Mexico has been warned of the infamous "Montezuma's Revenge." This nasty stomach condition is typically caused by unclean water, or raw fruits and vegetables that have not been washed adequately with purified water. The culprit behind this condition can be a number of parasitic organisms or amoebas, a typical example being Escherichia coli. This condition affects both travelers and locals alike. The locals, however, have learned to control the condition naturally by eating certain herbs and foods. Here are a few tips for avoiding Montezuma's Revenge so it doesn't ruin your next vacation in Mexico.

Drink only purified water. Since the illness is typically passed through unpurified water, it is essential that you avoid drinking or washing your vegetables in any water that comes from a tap. Buy purified water in sealed containers. Bringing along a travel water purification system is not a bad idea either. You can also buy a bottle of grapefruit seed extract and add a few drops to a glass of water once or twice a day to kill any parasites that may try to sneak past your defenses.

Eat epazote. The herb epazote, Dysphania ambrosioides, can be found for sale in any Mexican market. Locals add it to dishes such as beans and eggs. Not only does this herb add flavor, but it also contains strong anti-parasitic compounds. Add a few fresh leaves to a fruit smoothie or steep some fresh leaves in hot water to make a tea. You can take epazote to prevent getting sick or when you are sick. Either way, it is a sure way to beat Montezuma's Revenge into submission.

Papaya smoothies are muy bueno. Papaya is a common fruit sold in Mexican markets and has strong healing effects on the stomach. If your stomach is not feeling right, eat a breakfast of straight papaya. You can also make it into a smoothie (using only purified water of course). The seeds of the papaya are also strongly anti-parasitic. Add a few (no more than 10 per person) to a smoothie for added effect. The seeds must be crushed in order to be effective. Beware that papaya seeds have been known to cause abortions in pregnant women when too many are consumed so don't go overboard with these powerful seeds.

Avoid sugar and starches. If you feel the effects of a bad stomach coming on, stop eating sugar and starches immediately since this is the food parasites feed on. Stick to a diet of papaya, oatmeal and raw or steamed vegetables, like broccoli. If you can, fast for a few days and drink the epazote tea. If the organisms don't have food, they won't survive long in your stomach.

You don't have to be afraid of contracting Montezuma's Revenge when you take a vacation in Mexico. Instead, you can be prepared to prevent it. If it does attack, recognize it immediately and follow the preceding advice. The worst thing you can do is ignore it and continue to eat foods that will make it worse. By keeping your body healthy, you will be better able to fight the parasite if it attacks. This way, you can enjoy Mexico without succumbing to traveler's diarrhea, or Montezuma's Revenge.

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