There are lots of ways for the happy traveller to keep healthy in India. Here are a few tips:

ONLY drink BOTTLED water at ALL times! I even clean my teeth in it!

Don’t order drinks with ice…the water that made the cubes may not be bottled water.

A coconut a day keeps the Delhi belly away. Well it works for me so give it a try.

Nearly all restaurants/cafes have “hand wash” facilities. USE THEM ~ no matter how they look. Then use a liberal splash of antibacterial hand wash. Himalaya sell a great one which can be found in most chemists and supermarkets in India.

Parex tablets by Metagenics (you need a naturopath to prescribe it) can be taken after meals.  It is a potent  anti-parasitic herbal combination to keep the stomach bugs at bay.

BioMedica TriFlora is a good probiotic that does not require refrigeration and helps to keep your tummy healthy.

For more simple ailments (such as constipation or a cold) try the Himalaya Ayurvedic products sold in chemists and supermarkets in India. They have a huge range of marvellous remedies.

If you unfortunately get sick call or get your hotel to call a doctor right away. In my experience house calls are not expensive in India. The doctor will prescribe medications that will cure your ailments in a jiffy. Medications are so cheap that it will make you weep when you next purchase something from your own chemist at home. Years ago I tried treating my son for a stomach bug in India with drugs brought from home. After two days vomiting and the tablets having no effect I called for a doctor. After taking the Indian medications for six hours he got up and asked for a hot chocolate! The doctor was a darling, the house call cost me $10 and the five different medications were $6.

Most of all REMEMBER you are in INDIA. You are there to experience the sights, tastes and smells of India itself ~ so try eating and sampling Indian foods. Leave the familiar items on the menu like a chicken sandwich till you get home…and try the malai koftas instead. You never know you might just find your new favourite food!

Follow these tips and you’re sure to…

“EXPELHI THE DELHI BELHI”…