Don’t Be Afraid of Bali Belly! Here are 5 Best Ways to Avoid Bali Belly You Can Follow

Illustration of People suffering from Bali Belly, photo by Sora Shimazaki on Pexels

Are you planning to have your long holiday in Bali? That’s a great choice! But there’s something called Bali Belly that you might want to watch out for. It’s a stomach or tummy ache that can spoil your trip with many bathroom trips and cause you bad stomach pain. Bali belly usually happens when you consume something bad during your holiday.

But worry not because we’ve got you covered. This article will give you 5 (five) simple tips to keep you away from Bali Belly so you can enjoy your long holiday in Bali without any trouble. Without further ado, let’s get you ready for a fun, worry-free vacation!

5 Ways to Avoid Bali Belly

Here are five ways for you to help you steer clear of Bali Belly during your trip to Bali:

1. Always Stay Hydrated with Bottled Water

Illustration of Person Drinking Bottled Water, photo by Mauricio Mascaro on Pexels

So, why should you avoid drinking tap water in Bali and choose bottled water? There are a couple of reasons. First, the water supply in Bali does not undergo the rigorous purification processes that you might be used to back home. This means that tap water isn't always safe to drink directly.

In fact, there's a real possibility that the tap water could be contaminated. Drinking contaminated water is risky because it can contain harmful organisms like amoebas, viruses, and bacteria. These can cause serious illnesses such as cholera, typhoid, amoebic dysentery, and even Hepatitis A.

These risks increase, especially after heavy rainfall or flooding, which can further contaminate the water supply. Therefore, sticking to bottled water is a safer option to ensure you stay healthy and enjoy your trip without any health worries.

As we’ve mentioned before, it’s crucial to ensure the water you drink is clean or even comes from bottled water to avoid Bali Belly. This also applies to any beverages, like tea or coffee. Please be cautious with ice unless you’re sure it’s made from bottled or purified water. Carrying a reusable water bottle with a built-in filter can also be a good alternative for staying hydrated while enjoying your holiday in Bali.

2. Be Selective with Street Food Vendors

Illustration of Buying from Street Food Vendors, photo by Ketut Subiyanto on Pexels

When in Bali, sampling local food vendors can be a delightful experience for you, but it’s very important for you to choose where you eat carefully to avoid Bali Belly. Always look for vendors with high turnover rates for their foods, as this often means the food is fresh and hasn’t been sitting out for long periods. These kinds of stalls usually have a crowd or a line, indicating their popularity.

However, please also remember that not all popular street foods are clean. Are they wearing gloves or using utensils to handle food? Is the cooking area kept clean? These are good indicators of a vendor who takes food safety seriously. Additionally, you can use Google Review to make notes and look out for vendors with good reputations.

3. Wash Your Hands Regularly

Washing Your Hands is Important, photo by Ketut Subiyanto on Pexels

Keeping your hands clean is one of the most important and effective ways to protect yourself from Bali Belly. Germs that cause stomach upsets can easily be picked up from surfaces or by shaking hands and then transferred into your mouth when you eat.

Please make it a habit to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, especially before eating or handling food and after using the bathroom. If soap and water aren't readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer as a backup. This simple practice can reduce your risk of getting sick.

Moreover, always consider carrying a small bottle of hand sanitizer when exploring Bali, as you might not always have easy access to soap and water, especially if you’re planning to visit remote areas or beaches.

4. Avoid Raw and Unpeeled Fruits or Vegetables

Person Eating Fruit, photo by Scott Webb on Pexels

Eating raw or unpeeled fruits and vegetables can be quite tricky in Bali. Some sellers decided to skip part, not to clean the fruits or vegetables entirely. These practices can harbor bacteria, viruses, or parasites leading to Bali Belly. To stay safe, it’s best to avoid salads, salsas, and other dishes made with raw produce unless you’re sure they’ve been washed in clean, running water.

5. Use Probiotics and Supplements

Consume Probiotics and Supplements for Gut Health, photo by Artem Podrez on Pexels

Consuming probiotics and certain supplements can be a proactive way to protect your digestive system from Bali Belly.

Probiotics, which are live beneficial bacteria, help maintain the natural balance of organisms in your intestines. Research suggests that probiotics like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium can enhance gut health and boost your immune system, potentially helping to fend off pathogens found in contaminated food or water.

Studies published on PubMed Central have shown that taking probiotics can reduce the risk and severity of traveler’s diarrhea, often caused by the same pathogens responsible for Bali Belly. Additionally, supplements like activated charcoal and digestive enzymes may provide extra protection. Activated charcoal is known for absorbing toxins and bacteria from your digestive system, potentially reducing the effects of contamination.

Our Final Conclusion

Following these steps can greatly reduce your chances of experiencing Bali Belly, allowing you to enjoy your adventure in this beautiful island paradise fully. With these precautions in place, you’re all set to explore Bali with confidence and good health!