This is an emotive subject as some people will say upset tummy is due to food-related problems, others will say it's dehydration & over indulgance of alcohol / food, while another group will say it's down to not being used to the climate. All reasons are correct, plus another one, which is a certain amount of luck seems to enter into the equation. There are some basic tips which may help prevent it & they willalso apply to anyone who is suffering frm it as whatever the cause, one still needs to rehydrate & also have relief from some of the symptoms.

WASH YOUR HANDS BEFORE YOU EAT!

The money is in circulation so long, in such hot conditions, that it gets dirty and can carry bugs. You'll get stomach/toilet problems if you touch money and then eat a chip from your fingers, or hold an ice cream cone which you then eat. A basic point of personal hygene that is often overlooked in western countries.  Carry antibacterial wipes or gel; both available at chemists, Tescos etc.

DRINK LOTS AND LOTS OF WATER! 

If you're thirsty, then you've left it too late - just get into the habit of drinking water even if you're not thirsty. In the hot season, drink about twice the amount of water you usually would. It's so dry out there that you are constantly sweating, but don't realise as you're not wet (it evaporates straight away). Please do not drink ice cold water though as it upsets the balance in your body and can promote an upset tummy. Cold yes, ice cold no.

Egyptian pharmacies sell boxes of 'oral rehydration salts' - they're in a white box with a woman and baby on the front. you mix it with water and drink it to rehydrate yourself. drink one before bedtime if you've been drinking (it also stops any hangover! - be sure to pinch your nose as you drink as it's doesn't taste great) You can also buy them in the UK; Dioralyte & they come in various fruity flavours. (Chemists, Tesco etc)

KNOW WHICH ICE CUBES YOU CAN HAVE

Everyone says 'stay away from the ice', but it's fine if it's filtered water ice. A solid cube of ice means thatit has been made with local water - avoid them like the plague. A hollow cube of ice (eg. the one with a hole running through one end of it) has been made with filtered water - you should see the huge filters they have in the Hard Rock Cafe!!!

PIPING HOT FOOD ONLY

Because the weather is hot you might be tempted to eat salads and ice creams, but unless you can be sure it is totally fresh and clean then avoid it. To keep healthy, food should always be piping hot. If it is room temperature or luke warm this will allow bacteria to develop and this is what most often causes upset stomachs, along with the sad fact that some folk (chefs or guests!) may not have washed their hands! The problem with buffets is that people may pick up an item & put it back again. Posters do report witnessing this.

DRUGS & NATURAL PRODUCTS

There are many chemists in Sharm & around Egypt in general, who are helpful & knowledgable. UK products are often ineffective! Ask for Antinal (antibiotic) at about 90p a packet in Dec ‘07. Antinal suspension is available for kids. (Web info says it’s also known as Ambatrol (nifuroxazide)Bacifurane, Nifrozid, Endiex.& Ercefuryl, but it’s Antinal in Egypt ). Don't forget to haggle! Even in a chemist. If they charge more then about 10LE, they're trying it on.

The antibiotic drug used in the UK as a prophylactic & treatment is ciprofloxacin, available from some GPs on private prescription. This would be the equivalent of Antinal.

  Local peppermint tea also helps with the digestion.

 A useful UK product is Motilium pills (from a chemist) as they aid digestion & prevent anything lying heavily in the gut. It’s not a laxative but if you have something dodgy, it helps it to go thru (without making you rush to the loo.)

Citricidal (Grape fruit seed extract) is available in Health Shops & there are several websites explaining that conventional antibiotics only kill bacteria. The grapefruit seed extract has been shown to inactivate viruses, yeasts, fungi, parasites and worms, as well as bacteria. It is therefore antibacterial, antifungal and antimicrobial. Recommended 1-3 tablets a day, with or without meals & it’s ideal for travelling to places where food or drink may be contaminated.

Lactobacillus acidophilus pre-biotic tablets may also help line your stomach in preparation for unfamiliar bacteria potentially found in the food out there. You can buy ones that don’t have to be kept in the fridge. Holland & Barret sell timed release ones as the body doesn’t store it for long. Also when taking acidophilus do not drink or eat anything really hot immediately after as heat kills the good bacteria.

You can buy Buscopan, over the counter here, which is great for gripes.

  Freshly squeezed lemon & lime juice, sugar to taste, topped up with still mineral water is a good kidney / system flush.

 Aloe Vera pills or liquid is also a good, natural internal & external soother, with properties to fight bugs.