You can treat Bali belly in two ways: with natural or medical remedies. Both have their own benefits, and it’s important to understand them. Learn when to rely on natural remedies and when to see a doctor. This post serves as a guide to help you understand the natural and medical remedies you can consider.

For Moderate Cases: Natural Remedies for Bali Belly

If you’re only experiencing mild Bali belly, try a natural approach first. You can use simple treatments as first aid or supportive care before seeing a doctor. Address it promptly to avoid more severe conditions that will certainly make you uncomfortable later on.

The Antispasmodic of Menthol in Peppermint Tea

Menthol helps relax the smooth muscles in the digestive tract, which ultimately relieves stomach cramps. If you’re experiencing stomach pain and a feeling of fullness, drinking peppermint tea can be an effective natural remedy. However, this approach does not address the root cause of “Bali belly.”

Probiotic Capsules or Drinks

You can find probiotic drinks at pharmacies or convenience stores. However, you should be mindful of lactose intolerance if you plan to consume them, especially yogurt products. The main probiotic strains are Lactobacillus and S. boulardii; choose products containing these.

The goal is for the beneficial bacteria in the probiotics to eliminate the bacteria causing “Bali belly.” It’s best to use probiotics as a complementary treatment rather than as the primary remedy for “Bali belly.”

Popular in Bali: Coconut Water

In Bali, you can find plenty of fresh coconut water for sale. Not only is it refreshing and quenches your thirst, but it’s also good for relieving Bali belly. The nutrients in coconut water help the intestines absorb fluids more efficiently.

Fluid retention in the body is essential for relieving Bali belly. Often, people with Bali belly find it difficult to retain fluids due to an uncontrollable urge to vomit. It’s best to consume coconut water at room temperature, not with ice cubes. While it’s ideal for natural hydration, it’s not suitable for cases of severe dehydration.

Ginger Drink: Indonesia’s Traditional Remedy

For generations, ginger drinks have been relied upon as a natural remedy by Indonesians, and this tradition continues today. If you’re feeling nauseous or have an upset stomach, ask for a ginger drink at your hotel. If you’re out at night, you’ll find many street stalls serving hot ginger drinks.

Ginger contains gingerol, an active compound that can interfere with the function of serotonin receptors. After enjoying this beneficial drink, you’ll feel less of an urge to vomit. In Indonesia, this drink is called “Wedang Jahe”, ask the hotel staff for it by this name. You can also find other traditional, beneficial drinks such as “Wedang Ronde,” “Sari Temulawak,” “Wedang Uwuh,” “Beras Kencur,” and “Kunyit Asam.”

Medical Treatments for Severe Cases

Seek medical help if you experience severe symptoms of Bali belly. Here are some medical treatments you can use to treat Bali belly:

Moderate to Severe: Antibiotics

You can purchase antibiotics directly at pharmacies in Indonesia. However, consult a pharmacist first about your symptoms and take them according to medical advice. There are at least two main types of antibiotics you can look for: Ciprofloxacin and Azithromycin.

Understand your condition first before taking antibiotics. If you have watery diarrhea up to 6 times a day and a fever higher than 38.5°C that doesn’t improve within 2 days, look for one of the antibiotics listed above. Antibiotic treatment is only appropriate if Bali belly is caused by bacteria. Unfortunately, this approach is less than ideal if your Bali belly is caused by a viral or parasitic infection.

Most Popular: Oral Rehydration Solution

In Indonesia, ORS is a common treatment for Bali belly sufferers. You can easily find ORS at clinics and pharmacies. ORS helps restore the intestines’ ability to absorb fluids even when your digestive tract is infected.

ORS contains essential nutrients such as potassium, sodium, and glucose. It works by relying on sodium-glucose transport, which allows the intestines to continue absorbing water optimally even when inflamed due to bacteria or viruses. ORS is the standard treatment for moderate dehydration. If you’re severely dehydrated, seek IV therapy.

The Most Effective: IV Drip

If you want to recover more quickly from “Bali belly,” see a doctor or clinic that offers IV drip treatment. Instead of taking oral medication, this treatment uses an IV drip. Medication and essential nutrients enter your bloodstream directly. This differs from ORS, which must first be digested before you can benefit from it.

Especially for those experiencing watery diarrhea and vomiting simultaneously, an IV drip is the best course of action. You don’t need to worry about fluid needs in your intestines because the fluids (saline, vitamins, anti-nausea medication, and electrolytes) will enter your bloodstream directly.

At FastDripBali, you can get in-home medical services for IV drip treatment, right at your location. Given that your condition might make it difficult to carry out simple activities, you should look for a doctor who can come to your villa, homestay, or hotel.

Frequently Asked Questions

What herbal remedies can help with Bali belly?

You can drink peppermint tea, guava juice, and temulawak to relieve the symptoms of Bali belly. These drinks are only suitable for initial and supportive care, not as a primary treatment.

What are the signs that someone has a gastrointestinal infection?

If the person has a loss of appetite, abdominal pain, a high fever, and watery diarrhea, they are most likely experiencing Bali belly.

What causes Bali belly?

An unmanaged lifestyle while in Bali can trigger it. For example, drinking tap water, eating food that hasn’t been properly covered, or consuming foods that are completely unfamiliar to your stomach.

What should you avoid consuming when experiencing digestive issues?

Avoid milk, alcoholic beverages, coffee, high-fat foods, acidic foods, and spicy foods if you have a digestive infection.

Is it okay to drink Yakult when experiencing digestive issues?

Yakult contains beneficial bacteria that can fight the harmful bacteria causing digestive issues. However, individual tolerance to this drink varies, and it should not be relied upon as the primary remedy.