Woman goes viral on TikTok after revealing ‘gross’ reality of food poisoning abroad

Many will be familiar with the pain and discomfort that comes with food poisoning abroad.

But one woman’s experience seems to have resonated with TikTok users.

US-based travel influencer Aili Hillstrom revealed her encounter with the so-called “Bali Belly” to her audience of 2.4 million members – in stunning graphic detail (below).

The problem is essentially an upset stomach or traveler’s diarrhea.

This is often noticed within the first week of a trip abroad as the body adjusts to a new environment with new foods and different bacteria.

If you don’t have the same immunity as the local population, eating certain foods with a high risk of infection is likely to make you sick.

Aili found out the hard way, as evidenced by her TikTok video, which has nearly 3 million views so far.

First, she warns people not to look for “easy outs.”

“I have Bali Belly and I can tell you,” she says in the clip. “I’ve seen people talk about Bali Belly on this app and nothing could have prepared me for it, it happens about one in ten…”

Suddenly the camera shakes and the young woman jumps up and runs away – probably into the bathroom.

Then she turns back to the camera and continues, “…Every 10 minutes and it’s so painful.”

Symptoms of “Bali Belly” — also known as traveler’s diarrhea — include bloating, cramping, nausea, urges to go to the bathroom, loose stools and sometimes fever, according to Better Health.

Ways to prevent this include washing your hands with soap and water after using the bathroom and before eating or preparing food.

Make sure hands are completely dry before handling food, plates, cups and other utensils.

Treatment of the condition includes: Antibiotics to kill a bacterial infection, anti-nausea medication, and limiting alcohol consumption and high-fiber foods, which can worsen diarrhea.

Also drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration.