Stomach Bugs in China: A Gastroenterologist Explains
We've all been there – that moment (or week) of regret after eating that questionable chuanr. Or even that experience of complete bafflement at what you could possibly have done to be suffering the stomach pain you find yourself in. Here to help you learn how to prevent such afflictions is Beijing United Family Hospital (BJU) Gastroenterologist, Dr. Galletly.
What are the common stomach problems expats face when they arrive in Beijing? What can they do to avoid them?
The most common problems are likely to be upset stomachs, diarrhea, or vomiting. The risk can be reduced by drinking bottled or filtered water and by trying to avoid food that has been standing out for a while, wasn't cooked well, isn't fresh, or could have been washed in contaminated water. It is difficult to avoid the risk completely and having a supply of anti-diarrheal medicine and oral rehydration salts at home can be helpful.
What should one eat while recovering from food poisoning?
Food poisoning, or gastroenteritis, causes inflammation in the gut, which can cause profuse diarrhea and vomiting. This can result in dehydration, so the most important thing to do while recovering is to rest and to drink plenty of fluids to keep well hydrated. Oral rehydration salts can help. As regards food, avoid spicy food, oily food, and greasy food until the symptoms of food poisoning have fully resolved. Bland white foods such as rice (or rice porridge), steamed fish, and chicken are best for a few days.
Does boiling Beijing tap water make it safe?
No. Boiling tap water will help kill any bacteria and other microbes that might be present but will not remove chemicals or other contaminants that might be in the water. I would recommend using bottled water or filtered water for drinking, cooking, and cleaning your teeth.
Do probiotics really help in having a healthy gut?
Probiotics are live strains of bacteria and other microorganisms that we consume either in food and drinks (e.g. live yogurts, kimchi, kefir, or sauerkraut) or as supplements. They can be taken to maintain or improve general health or as “medicine” to help treat and recover from specific diseases. Probiotics are thought to help supplement the microbiota – the community of billions of bacteria living in your gut – which plays a vitally important role in maintaining a healthy metabolism and immune system. It is probably not necessary to take probiotics continuously – a 30-day course is usually sufficient. Probiotics may be particularly useful in helping the gut and the microbiota to recover from a bout of gastroenteritis or after a course of antibiotics.
Does drinking warm water after a meal really help with digestion?
Probably the main benefit of drinking warm water with a meal is that it can help make us feel full and stop us from overeating. It may also help promote the emptying of the stomach after a meal.
What is the most common food in Beijing that causes digestive issues from your clinical experience at BJU?
Street food – although delicious – can be a cause of food poisoning and gastroenteritis. Spicy foods such as Szechuan hotpot can cause temporary abdominal discomfort or diarrhea – and can worsen symptoms from gastritis, ulcers, or reflux disease.
Dr. Neil Galletly is BJU’s Section Chief of the Digestive Disease Center. To make an appointment with him, please call the BJU Service Center at 4008-919191.
What to learn more about what IBS is now that you know how it's treated? Dr. Galletly goes into more detail here.
Interested in the low-FODMAP diet but aren't sure what a FODMAP is? Dietitian Jackie Gao explains.
Having digestive issues but they don't sound like a stomach bug or IBS? Read about acid reflux to see if that's what you might be suffering from.