I recently went on the trip of a lifetime. I was able to go to Tanzania for a safari experience that was spectacular. Before I went on the trip, I researched what vaccines I needed and what medication to take in case of illness. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the one thing I really had to be aware of was the chance of getting travellers diarrhea, which is pretty high (where I was going) at somewhere between 40 to 70%.

I could just see myself on the jeep amidst all the wild animals (that included elephants, giraffes, wildebeests, and very hungry lions to name a few) trying to figure out where to go to the bathroom if diarrhea struck at the wrong moment. That would definitely have put a damper on things…to say the least.

Fortunately, a friend of mine who is an emergency room doctor had gone on a similar trip. She gave me the key to preventing a diarrheal illness. It came in the form of a pretty pink tablet that tastes like mint. The remedy is something that has been around since 1901. It is good old Pepto-Bismol. She suggested that I take two tablets prior to each meal. The CDC recommends 2 tablets four times a day.

I was religious about taking my Pepto and I remained healthy while many people around me were dropping like flies. The way it works is by coating the stomach and intestines protecting them from acid and killing potentially diarrhea-causing bacteria. Pepto-Bismol is a relatively safe treatment. However, it contains salicylate, which is found in aspirin. People who have aspirin allergies or who are allergic to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories should not take it. In addition, it contains bismuth, which can turn your tongue and stool black and can cause constipation.

Fortunately, I had no problems with my newfound preventive treatment. From now on when I travel outside the country I will make sure I have a good supply. It is cheap, effective and it really did work like a charm. It kept me safely in the jeep and out of harms way. Asante sana (that is Swahili for thank you very much) Pepto-Bismol!