Off to Turkey in 10 days and traveling with friends who have traveled to some pretty "dicey"(Burma, Zimbabwai, S.A.) and they swear by grapefruit seed extract to keep you from the touristas while eating street food. It's available at the health food store and they take 2 pills a day and have never had a problem in these LDC's.
Any experience out there?
Posted by
Calgary
1736 posts
No experience, but I'd be careful with this one, because grapefruit can interfere with a lot of medications, so make sure it isn't contraindicated if you are taking any meds. (Note that the Mayo Clinic article mentions that all grapefruit products, not just juice, can be problematic.)
Posted by
2539 posts
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states traveler’s diarrhea can strike as many as 30-70% of travelers depending on where and when they travel. Given case studies in Mexico, the CDC reports that this disease may be reduced 50% by taking bismuth subsalicylate (what's in Pepto-Bismol or equal) four times a day (two chewable tablets or two ounces of liquid). Of course, cautions are mentioned (young children, those with aspirin allergy, etc.).
Posted by
Chicago
792 posts
I have never heard that theory but it doesn't make sense to me. Grapefruit inhibits a key liver enzyme, slowing down metabolism of certain substances by the liver. This is why it interacts with so many medications that are broken down in the liver. The symptoms from food poisoning are usually a result of toxins produced by the bacteria. So if the liver is working slower, and potentially breaking down those toxins slower, I would think that could make you MORE prone to food poisoning.
Perhaps your friends have built up antibodies to a lot of bacteria from their travels and this is why they don't have a problem, not the grapefruit.
Posted by
Greeley, co, usa
2580 posts
Why don't you google it. I have not used it but have heard good things about it for years.
Posted by
Danville, VT
12040 posts
Makes no medical sense. Your friends have been lucky, nothing more.
PS- "Traveler's diarrhea" isn't simply getting diarrhea on vacation. It's caused by a specific endemic strains of E. coli to which the local population have developed immunity, but to which travelers are susceptible. If you're headed to a locale where the water sources are questionable, the same general guidance applies everywhere... don't drink tap water, avoid ice in your drinks, don't eat raw vegetables or non-pealable fruit.
Posted by
TX
502 posts
Not to mention the placebo effect. Think fhe grapefruit seed extract will help, and it does!!!
There are similar claims about a lot of supplements.