Overlanding misery?

This top travel tip is all about something that every overlander gets at some stage or another. The squits! Miserable! I’m a great fan of alternative ways to dealing with on the road illness. The reality is that unless we are travelling on a mobile pharmacy we usually don’t have the right western medicine.

Of course bung yourself up with Imodium to keep going when you really have to and you have it, but that stuff is just a bung. So what could you do when you are in a remote area and your Imodium has run out. What can you do with ingredients you can find in many developing world markets and mini stores?

To begin with, you need to keep yourself hydrated. Lots of clean water is the go but to add to its effect, add a little sugar and salt. I know it sounds grim but it works well.

Sometimes when you are feeling this ill, facing luke warm water just doesn’t appeal; black tea with sugar and that dash of salt really helps you to keep hydrated and it’s often more appealing.

Even though you usually don’t feel like eating, what really helps you tastes magic. Start off by not eating anything for a day. But on day 2 boil some plain white rice and as you do so, mix in some fresh ginger and a little sugar. Top that off with some ripe bananas. Go for ripe. All are frequently available. The key with this is to eat easily digestible food that’s not fussy. The ‘icing’ on your pudding cure is natural yoghurt.

The lactobacillus acidophilus and bifidobacterium in yogurt pretty much destroys the bacterium that’s given you Delhi belly, Montezuma’s revenge or whatever it’s called where you get stricken.

Does it really work? Oh yes! If you can’t face the yoghurt to begin with, just go with the rice for the first day. Of course if your squits continue, then you must find a reputable doctor. There are some nasty bugs out there, but this recipe will help give you strength and in fact help you stay alive until you find one.