HELEN SPATH is a partner in Tullivers Health Store, in Colliergate, York. She will regularly appear on this page to bring you advice on how to stay healthy with herbal and homeopathic remedies or food supplements.

Q. We're off on holiday in a couple of weeks and if last year was anything to go by, there's a good chance I'll end up with the runs. What do you recommend?

A. Diarrhoea on holiday is a very common complaint, estimated to affect up to 50 per cent of travellers, depending on their destination.

It is mostly caused by eating undercooked or contaminated foods or foods we're not used to, and/or by drinking contaminated water.

And is if the sudden shock of having to scramble to the nearest toilet isn't unpleasant enough, there's always the abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting and general feelings of being unwell which are often part and parcel.

The good news is there's a lot you can do to reduce your chances of being caught short.

Only drink bottled or canned beverages, including water, and don't assume the tap water in your hotel is safe to drink.

Remember also not to use ice in your drinks and take care with dairy products such as unpasteurised milk, cheese and ice cream.

Always wash your hands before eating or handling food and after using the toilet.

If, despite your best efforts, you still fall ill, make sure you drink plenty of water as diarrhoea can cause dehydration. Experts recommend between two and three litres a day, especially if you're in a hot climate.

A top tip is to replace lost fluid with an isotonic solution, one which contains the same salt concentrations as normal body fluids.

Try to avoid food for 24 hours, then return gradually to solid foods, starting with boiled rice and soup.

Herbal remedies can also help. An essential holiday herbal is the A.Vogel Tormentil Complex from Bioforce.

Tormentilla herb helps to reduce the frequency and severity of loose motions and avena sativa exerts a mild sedative and restorative effect on the nervous system.

Dilute 20 to 30 drops in a little water two or three times a day and one drop per year of age for children over two.

Children with diarrhoea must consult a healthcare professional, and medical advice must always be sought if symptoms do not improve within 24 to 36 hours, or if diarrhoea is accompanied by severe pain, vomiting, fever or loss of blood.

For further advice, ask at your local health shop.