Prevention of gastrointestinal infections in India

Zeppy · Jan 15th, 2008, 02:12

We used the MSR SweetWater Purifier Water Filter. For a description see http://www.ems.com/catalog/product_d...=1200343068951.

Nick-H · Jan 15th, 2008, 02:30

Thanks... another one for people in the market for such a machine to check out

I use a Zero-B reverse-osmosis and filtration system, but it is no-way portable: it is a heavy piece of below-the-sink, mains-powered kit with it's own small pressurised storage tank.

I believe it protects us against stuff like pesticides as well as bacteria and viruses. It is certainly as good, given a certain maximum contamination level of input, as commercially-bottled water, and hopefully much better as it is entirely under our own control.

vistet · Jan 15th, 2008, 02:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zeppy

We, semi-well informed, had a travel immersion heater and believed that if the water was brought to a boil and boiled through and through--i.e. not just boiling at the top, but also at the bottom of the container--it was safe to drink...

Water brought to boil is safe . in fact water brought to simmer is safe. Disinfection have already occured at 85 degrees , this has been proven again and again last century. It´s the basis of hospital and health care procedures - and as already mentioned washing machines cycles.Boiling the babys bottle for several minutes is ok if you want to use it in surgery, otherwise just dunk it - it´s safe way before you can handle it again .

See also for example this quote from one of the scientist guys , Dr Thomas E. Dietz , responsible for many Himalayan expeditions :

Quote:

Heat kills microorganisms, and virtually all enteropathogens are readily killed at temperatures well below the boiling point. The process of heating water to a boil makes it hot enough long enough to disinfect it, even at elevations as high as Everest Base Camp (references 1,2). There is no need to boil water for 5 minutes, 10 minutes, or 20 minutes, as some guide books recommend! Bringing water to a boil is adequate for disinfection.

I recommend his water page, still one of the best summaries made , except on UV : try www.sodis.ch for documentation on (slow , low tech) UV disinfection.

atala · Jan 16th, 2008, 10:26

It is reassuring to know that heating water is still the best way to disinfect, because often chai-wallas add what might be dirty water to their tea pots which they then serve rather quickly, just getting the brew hot again.

Also with severely dirty water, just heating it a bit after filtering it seems quite easy. Thanks for the input, vistet.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nick-H
I believe it protects us against stuff like pesticides as well as bacteria and viruses

Pesticides/chemicals are removed only if your system has a carbon powder stage, which it apparently does not, because you would have to change it often. I have a doubt about viruses in this system, would have to be researched. Heating would do the job.

I wonder where this 10 minutes boiling idea comes from. I have heard (and accepted) it also from scientifically minded people, people working with NGOs doing field-work...

Nick-H · Jan 16th, 2008, 12:00

Our machine has several stages of filtration as well as the RO, and is serviced every few months.

This is what it does...

Quote:

Stage 1 . Filtration Prefilter (20 micron)

This filter removes larger particles such as dust, sand and other suspended particles above 20 microns and thereof it renders clarity to incoming water. This filter removes suspended impurities from water making the water crystal clear.

Stage 2. Sediment cartridge (5 micron)

The sediment cartridge is the second step in the purification process. This filters out suspended impurities like fine sand , clay etc. from water and offers high clarity to water.

Stage 3.Bacteriostatic Activated Carbon Filter

The carbon cartridge made from high grade silver impregnated carbon removes organic impurities, carcinogenic chemicals (such as VOC and THMs), chlorine, colour and odour from water. It also prevents the growth of bacteria on the carbon itself. This makes the water crisp to taste.

Stage 4. Reverse Osmosis Membrane

This comprises of a semipermeable Energy Saving Polyamide (ESPA) membrane. Besides removal of 99.9% microbes (bacteria, viruses and cysts), it also removes harmful chemical impurities, pesticides ,excessive dissolved salts and all suspended particles below 5 micron making the water pure, safe and crystal clear.

Stage 5 Resin carbon cartridge

This is the last step in purification process. The resin beads in this chamber destroy the bacterial cell wall giving the bacteria absolutely no chance to regenerate. The bacteriostatic carbon in the chamber removes colour and odour, thereby restoring the water’s natural taste. This cartridge offers double safety and protection.

That's good enough for me!

Although, as we suffer a lot from brownish-black deposit on our bathroom fittings, I think our water has a high iron content.

Next gadget-buying stage is to add an iron remover and water softener that will process all our water before it enters the storage tank.

pv41 · Jan 23rd, 2008, 21:39

So my question is:I'm taking probiotics and swedish bitters now to prepare for my trip to India from feb 27-Mar 31st (first time to India). Do I continue to take the probiotics and bitters while in India? If so, if i do get sick and get antibiotics to wipe it out (which I'm perfectly fine with), I stop w the probiotics and bitters, correct??
Also, I have heard that grapeseen extract kills good bacteria too so don't use while on probiotics.
Plse advice. Thanks.

Nick-H · Jan 23rd, 2008, 22:28

Hello pv41 and welcome!

The last time I was prescribed an anti-biotic by a dentist here he advised me to take pro-biotic at the same time, saying that I might well suffer gut problems without them --- so I'd suggest to continue taking them.

I hope you've read the whole of this thread, though, and will only use antibiotics where necessary, not just for a simple tummy upset.

pv41 · Jan 24th, 2008, 00:38

Thanks Nick for the reply. Yes, I've read the entire thread and it's made me very paranoid, to say the least. No where did people talk about taking probiotics throughout their trip along w antibiotics if needed. That's why I felt compelled to ask the question. I will keep taking

preventative measures and hope it works. I'm already lactose, gluten and yeast intolerant... How about taking Triphala, which was recommended by my ayurveda person in the States???

Nick-H · Jan 24th, 2008, 01:01

---Ahh, you may have caught me out there

. I won't try and make any other suggestions, as I really am not qualified.

I am no doc, not even a nutritionalist --- but I do believe that a certain confidence and lack of worry will strengthen you.

The rest is in taking sensible precautions.

There's quite a lot in this thread, which I haven't read for some time. It includes recommendations from both alopathic and other forms of medicine, and some inevitable disagreement and controversy. Take from it what sounds good to you, and use it to help you keep fit, but don't let it become a burden.

In the end, if you consume those bugs you will get sick. If that jam cake has your name on it, and you stop at that counter...

But it is about being prepared, rather than afraid.

vistet · Jan 24th, 2008, 01:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by pv41

..if i do get sick and get antibiotics to wipe it out (which I'm perfectly fine with), I stop w the probiotics and bitters, correct??
.

Where I work we use probiotics (although we generally just call them benovelent bacteria ,lactobacillus to be specific) to counteract enteritis in patients who receive antibiotics. From that experience I´d say that probiotics do their best during and after antibiotics.
For patients with really persistent obstipation we give a single shot of a certain antibiotic ... somehow I doubt this is useful info on this board

pv41 · Jan 24th, 2008, 01:49

This is useful info, thanks Vistet. My doctor gave me Cipro in case I come down w something so was thinking specifically this w probiotics.

J to the G · Feb 3rd, 2008, 05:48

Question...

Does anyone know anything about chinese herb called curing pills??

Any info on where I might find Demal200 a homeopathic remedy for malaria in London or India?

Does anyone know if Swedish bitters should be continued everyday while traveling or not? And do you know if ginger bitters are just as effective?

And how much grapeseed extract should be taking during trip? and if it is recommended to start before trip?

And does anyone know if the combination of any of these natural remedies are bad together or an overload on your system....grape seed extract; probiotics; garlic pills; multivitamin; barberry tincture; sweedish bitters; plus Malarone (reluctantly), plus andrographis tincture?

Any thoughts/help appreciated.

-J to the G

pv41 · Feb 3rd, 2008, 13:42

I wanted to ask the same exact thing. I'm very curious to know the above as well.

J to the G · Feb 3rd, 2008, 15:16

...be answered

Nick-H · Feb 3rd, 2008, 15:42

I'm astonished at the list of things that you think might need to be taken!

Is it so health-threatening here?

Jan 15th, 2008, 02:30	#167
Nick-H Loud-mouthed, Noisy Bird Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 24,219	Thanks... another one for people in the market for such a machine to check out I use a Zero-B reverse-osmosis and filtration system, but it is no-way portable: it is a heavy piece of below-the-sink, mains-powered kit with it's own small pressurised storage tank. I believe it protects us against stuff like pesticides as well as bacteria and viruses. It is certainly as good, given a certain maximum contamination level of input, as commercially-bottled water, and hopefully much better as it is entirely under our own control. __________________ . IndiaMike Mod Team (The Grumpy One)

Feb 3rd, 2008, 05:48	#177
J to the G Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: San Francisco Posts: 8	natural remedies + Question... Does anyone know anything about chinese herb called curing pills?? Any info on where I might find Demal200 a homeopathic remedy for malaria in London or India? Does anyone know if Swedish bitters should be continued everyday while traveling or not? And do you know if ginger bitters are just as effective? And how much grapeseed extract should be taking during trip? and if it is recommended to start before trip? And does anyone know if the combination of any of these natural remedies are bad together or an overload on your system....grape seed extract; probiotics; garlic pills; multivitamin; barberry tincture; sweedish bitters; plus Malarone (reluctantly), plus andrographis tincture? Any thoughts/help appreciated. -J to the G

Feb 3rd, 2008, 15:16	#179
J to the G Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: San Francisco Posts: 8	may they... ...be answered

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Jan 15th, 2008, 02:12	#166
Zeppy Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Paris Posts: 178	We used the MSR SweetWater Purifier Water Filter. For a description see http://www.ems.com/catalog/product_d...=1200343068951.

Jan 23rd, 2008, 21:39	#171
pv41 Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: New York Posts: 10	So my question is:I'm taking probiotics and swedish bitters now to prepare for my trip to India from feb 27-Mar 31st (first time to India). Do I continue to take the probiotics and bitters while in India? If so, if i do get sick and get antibiotics to wipe it out (which I'm perfectly fine with), I stop w the probiotics and bitters, correct?? Also, I have heard that grapeseen extract kills good bacteria too so don't use while on probiotics. Plse advice. Thanks.

Jan 23rd, 2008, 22:28	#172
Nick-H Loud-mouthed, Noisy Bird Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 24,219	Hello pv41 and welcome! The last time I was prescribed an anti-biotic by a dentist here he advised me to take pro-biotic at the same time, saying that I might well suffer gut problems without them --- so I'd suggest to continue taking them. I hope you've read the whole of this thread, though, and will only use antibiotics where necessary, not just for a simple tummy upset.

Jan 24th, 2008, 00:38	#173
pv41 Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: New York Posts: 10	Thanks Nick for the reply. Yes, I've read the entire thread and it's made me very paranoid, to say the least. No where did people talk about taking probiotics throughout their trip along w antibiotics if needed. That's why I felt compelled to ask the question. I will keep taking preventative measures and hope it works. I'm already lactose, gluten and yeast intolerant... How about taking Triphala, which was recommended by my ayurveda person in the States???

Jan 24th, 2008, 01:01	#174
Nick-H Loud-mouthed, Noisy Bird Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 24,219	---Ahh, you may have caught me out there . I won't try and make any other suggestions, as I really am not qualified. I am no doc, not even a nutritionalist --- but I do believe that a certain confidence and lack of worry will strengthen you. The rest is in taking sensible precautions. There's quite a lot in this thread, which I haven't read for some time. It includes recommendations from both alopathic and other forms of medicine, and some inevitable disagreement and controversy. Take from it what sounds good to you, and use it to help you keep fit, but don't let it become a burden. In the end, if you consume those bugs you will get sick. If that jam cake has your name on it, and you stop at that counter... But it is about being prepared, rather than afraid.

Jan 24th, 2008, 01:49	#176
pv41 Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: New York Posts: 10	This is useful info, thanks Vistet. My doctor gave me Cipro in case I come down w something so was thinking specifically this w probiotics.

Feb 3rd, 2008, 13:42	#178
pv41 Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: New York Posts: 10	I wanted to ask the same exact thing. I'm very curious to know the above as well.

Feb 3rd, 2008, 15:42	#180
Nick-H Loud-mouthed, Noisy Bird Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 24,219	I'm astonished at the list of things that you think might need to be taken! Is it so health-threatening here?

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