Stop food poisoning SPOILING YOUR HOLIDAY

You've worked hard for this break- and you deserve to enjoy it. Here's how to stop tummy troubles ruining your fun

- TANYA PEAREY

Jetting away this summer? Bet you can't wait. And enjoying the food and drink at your destination is all part of the pleasure. But going away comes with a risk too, because who hasn't had some of the enjoyment of a break marred by a bad stomach? Overindulging, new foods and spices, plus buffets in clammy climates, can all combine to spell disaster for your digestion. But there are ways to help you dodge a traveller's tum.

'To help avoid food poisoning while on holiday, it's important to pay attention to hygiene and cleanliness,' says GP Dr Krishnaraj Sivarajan from Spire Healthcare. A little care can go a long way. And that can go for holidays in the UK, too. Here's what you need to know.

Before you go...

TAKE PROBIOTICS 'Some studies suggest that taking probiotics may help reduce the severity of food poisoning,' says Dr Sivarajan. 'Probiotics may also help you recover from food poisoning by restoring the balance of bacteria that usually live in your gut.' *

PRIORITISE  TRAVEL INSURANCE

And find out how to seek medical help in the country you're visiting in case of health emergencies.

PACK A FIRST-AID KIT

Include over-the-counter preparations, such as oral rehydration sachets, anti-sickness, antidiarrhoeal, antispasmodic and paracetamol tablets.

HAVE YOUR TRAVEL JABS

There's no vaccination against travellers' diarrhoea, of course, but being up to date with jabs, such as hepatitis A, is sensible as the infection is typically transmitted by infected food and drinks. Check whether vaccination against typhoid and cholera is recommended for your destination.

When you're there...

BE CAREFUL WITH DISPLAYED FOOD