Bali Belly is an upset stomach and digestive discomfort that travellers often experience when they consume contaminated or pathogenic food and water, adjust to new food and water, or feel stressed about travelling.
In simpler terms, it’s a traveller’s diarrhoea.
Bali Belly happens commonly to people visiting Bali. It got this name because many tourists in Bali face this issue. But it can occur anywhere in the world.
According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, 30-70% of travellers may be affected by this illness while they travel. If you’re visiting Bali, it’s good to be prepared with practical information to handle Bali Belly effectively.
This blog helps you understand this condition, how to prevent it, and what to do if it strikes. It will ensure you don’t get anxious and can enjoy your trip well.
When you eat foods different from what you’re used to, your stomach may need time to adjust to the food.
This can happen because:
Eating food from places that don’t follow expected hygiene practices can affect how food is prepared, stored, and handled.
What Does This Mean? Food handlers may:
Drinking impure or infected water, including tap water, can make you ill. But there are other ways you can be exposed to unsafe water:
Using tap water for brushing your teeth can be risky. If the water isn’t treated properly, even ingesting small amounts accidentally can lead to health issues.
Some local places might not use filtered water to make ice. Ice made from tap water carries the same risks as drinking the water directly. Even if the drink itself is safe, contaminated ice can introduce pathogens.
Bottled water is generally safe. However, there can be instances of tampering or improper sealing.
Travelling can be stressful. Stress from travel, excitement, or even a different sleep schedule can affect your digestive system.
Let’s break down how stress and routine changes affect your digestive system.
Travel can change your sleep schedule. Less rest or sleeping at odd hours can affect your digestive system.
The symptoms of Bali Belly can appear immediately, after 48 hours, or a few days later. They depend on:
Bali Belly can be contagious. An infected person can spread germs by:
A person may be sick for 1-3 days or more. The duration depends on the cause, the person’s immune system, and how it’s managed.
If it’s caused by bacteria, the person may be sick for some days.
Individuals with a strong immune system may recover faster. Those with preexisting health conditions may experience a longer duration of symptoms.
Symptoms | Steps |
Diarrhoea:Frequent, loose stoolsDehydrationSymptoms worsen.Recovery gets prolonged. | Drink properly sealed bottled water, oral rehydration solutions (ORS), or clear broths. Take small, frequent sips instead of large gulps Avoid alcohol, caffeine, dairy, spicy, fatty, and raw foods. |
Nausea/Vomiting:Feeling queasy or throwing up | Sip ginger tea. Avoid solid foods. Eat bananas, rice, apple sauce, and toast, as they are gentle on your stomach. Eat bland foods like boiled potatoes, and plain pasta. Rest in a cool, comfortable environment. Your body needs energy to fight off the infection and recover. Avoid strenuous activities and get plenty of sleep. |
Stomach Cramps:Sharp or dull pain in the abdomen | Use a warm compress. |
Bloating:Feeling full or swollen in the abdomen | Eat smaller meals. Avoid carbonated drinks. Walk around. |
Fever:Elevated body temperature, often with chills | Take over-the-counter medications. These can help alleviate symptoms and make you more comfortable. |
Loss of Appetite:Not feeling hungry or interested in eating | Eat light and bland foods. |
Weakness:Feeling unusually tired or weak | Rest. Stay hydrated. Eat gradually. |
Besides, maintain good hygiene. It prevents spreading the infection to others and reinfection.
Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water, especially after using the bathroom and before eating.
Clean and disinfect surfaces regularly, especially in shared spaces.
Some cases of Bali Belly can be severe. Consult a doctor if:
If unsure about your condition, always seek advice from a doctor.
When dealing with Bali Belly, it’s important to eat foods that are easy on the stomach and help the person recover without worsening their symptoms. This tabulation summarises the dos and don’ts of diet.
Foods To Eat | Foods To Avoid |
Bananas:They provide potassium, which helps replace electrolytes lost through diarrhoea. Either mash the ripe bananas or make small pieces and eat. | Dairy Products:They can be hard to digest and may worsen symptoms. |
Rice:Plain, white rice is gentle on your stomach and can help firm up stools. Ensure rice is cooked rice with plenty of water until it’s very soft and easy to digest. | Spicy Foods:They can upset your stomach. |
Applesauce:Applesauce is easy to digest and can help firm up stools. Consume the unsweetened version. | Fatty Foods:They can be difficult to digest and may cause further stomach upset. |
Toast:Plain, white toast is bland and easy to digest. Toast bread lightly and eat it plain or with a small amount of unsalted butter. | High-Fiber Foods:They can be hard to digest and may aggravate symptoms. |
Boiled Potatoes:They are rich in carbohydrates and are gentle on the stomach. Boil potatoes without adding butter, cream, or spices. | |
Plain Pasta:It’s rich in carbohydrates and is easy on your stomach. Ensure the pasta is cooked until very soft. Avoid adding rich sauces or spices. | |
Clear Broths:Broths are nutritious and help stay hydrated Drink clear chicken, beef, or vegetable broth. Avoid creamy soups. |
You can take the following proactive steps to prevent Bali Belly.
Water and Beverage Safety:
Food Safety:
Personal Hygiene:
Restaurant and Vendor Choices:
Medication and Supplements:
General Travel Tips:
Symptoms like diarrhoea, nausea, and vomiting can indicate Bali Belly. But if symptoms are severe or don’t improve, you must consult a doctor.
No, you can’t avoid the condition entirely. But you can reduce the risk by following good hygiene practices, drinking safe water, and eating at reputable places.
Buy bottled water. Check its seal and make sure it’s not tampered with. Avoid ice from the outdoors. Eat at well-reviewed restaurants.
Anybody, regardless of where they are from, can get Bali Belly. However, tourists from regions with different diets and hygiene standards might be more susceptible.
Even if you come from another tropical place with similar foods, you can still get Bali Belly.
Tropical places have similar climates, but their foods and cooking methods differ. Additionally, local water sources and hygiene practices play a key role in causing digestive issues.
Every region has its specific bacteria and microorganisms. Your body might not be immune to the local strains found in Bali.
You can still get Bali Belly at an upscale restaurant. However, the risk is lower compared to less reputable places. Upscale restaurants often follow higher hygiene standards.
Bali Belly can happen if:
Bali Belly is commonly associated with tourists. But it can also affect locals who may consume food or water from less hygienic sources.
Disclaimer: This website does not provide medical advice. The information given is general information only and is not intended to be used as medical advice, treatment or diagnosis. Always seek medical advise from a qualified doctor or health practitioner.