<Do you actually know when to take these medications? If your diarhea is caused by food poisoning, and your body is desperately trying to get rid of the toxic gunk you just swallowed, is taking Immodium a good idea? >

At least a dozen or more bacterial organisms, a few viral agents and various toxic substances can cause food poisoning. Vomiting and diarrhea are not necessarily the body's defenses at work to eliminate them from the body. Many of the biological and toxic agents can cause the death or block the ability of the cells responsible for the absorption of water in the colon. Profuse vomiting and diarrhea do not, in of themselves, necessarily eliminate the organisms from the body. Some agents produce toxins, which are enough of an irritant to force the body to react violently to them with vomiting and/or diarrhea. In these cases, the body's reaction may be beneficial. However, uncontrolled diarrhea is one of the leading causes of death in many third world countries. Both vomiting and diarrhea can cause severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. While most healthly individuals can tolerate a limited amount of vomiting and diarrhea for 24 hours, much after that and the body's ability to recover is greatly impaired. Access to large amounts of clean water and foodstuffs that will replenish electrolytes may allow you to discount carrying anti-diarrhea medications and that is your choice, but you will still be weak from a major degree of stress. I for one, carry anti-diarrhea medication, based upon personal experiences of traveling companions, as well as myself. Pete