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Traveling to Cozumel, Mexico


Wed, May 20, 2015 12:41 PM

I've been working with a nutritionist and know many of the foods that cause my UC flare ups.  I'm very concerned about traveling to Cozumel this summer and what I'll be able to eat.  I know what foods to avoid, but does the island have water filtration systems and is  the water safe to be consumed? We vacationed in Mexico a couple of years ago and stayed at a resort.  The water there was safe and I could eat at any of their many restaurants on site.  We're staying at a B & B this time.  Should I only drink bottled water in Cozumel?  Do foods need to be washed using bottled water?  Are restaurants using water to prepare food that is safe?  We'll be eating lunch and dinner out every day for a week and I'd rather not eat hot meals all the time.  I would like a salad, but know ingredients will be washed so I may not be able to have a salad.  To add to my water concerns, I can't consume dairy, refried beans, black beans, white onions, processed meats.  This will really limit me on what I can order.  I hate to eat just fruit for every meal!  But I can't afford to have a flare up while I'm there.  Help!

FPO levans84
Joined May 20, 2015

Fri, June 05, 2015 10:38 AM

Travel Tips for Vacation Time

How To Avoid Traveler's Diarrhea
Diarrhea afflicts one out of three U.S. travelers to less developed countries. These tips can help prevent an unpleasant bout of "Montezuma's revenge":
·         "Don't drink the water"--unless you boil it first.
·         Drink bottled mineral water, even when brushing your teeth.
·         Try not to swallow the water when showering.
·         Don't swallow water when swimming in fresh water, swimming pools, or where the ocean may be polluted.
·         Avoid non-carbonated beverages, such as iced tea and fresh juices.
·         Avoid all ice and ice cream; raw vegetables and salads; raw or uncooked meat, fish, or shellfish.
·         Avoid uncooked dairy products unless you are certain that they have been pasteurized and prepared under sterile conditions.
·         Never eat food from vendors' carts.
·         Never eat prepared food, such as potato salad and canapes.
·         Peel all fruits and egg shells yourself.
·         Never eat food that has been allowed to sit until it reaches room temperature.

To learn more check out: http://www.ccfa.org/resources/traveling-with-ibd.html

FPO administrator
Joined Oct 12, 2017

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