Traveling Could Negatively Impact Your Gut Flora
When you decide to leave and unplug, to visit new places and undertake a rather long and adventurous journey, one of the biggest setbacks is to suffer from intestinal problems while traveling
On vacation, due to the sudden change in routines and eating habits, the natural balance in the body is often compromised. Our bodies have been used to the same rhythms, thus changing a routine too quickly does not allow enough time for bacterial flora to adapt. These changes don’t allow bacterial flora to adapt. Any unusual drinks and new foods that the body is unfamiliar with can further affect the already disrupted intestinal balance.
In the case of more adventurous travels, to particularly far-away destinations, it is sometimes the lack of sanitary standards, water or contaminated foods that threaten the balance of our intestinal flora.
Because of these factors, many travelers experience digestive discomfort and often search for solutions such as the right probiotic strain for diarrhea or ways to support gut health while adapting to new environments.
Common Gut Disorders During Travel
Constipation
If you happen to experience abdominal pains during your trip and have less frequent defecation upon arrival at your destination, or if your stools are noticeably hard, you may be experiencing constipation.
Diarrhea
Travelers’ diarrhea is characterized by the evacuation of feces in liquid form 2 or 3 times within 24
hours. Sometimes it is accompanied by severe fatigue, and in severe cases it also manifests itself with mild or high fever. It usually appears 2-3 days into a trip and lasts up to 5 days. Learn more about diarrhea.
When an upset stomach disrupts your trip, you want relief that works—which is why so many
travelers ask how long probiotics may take to ease diarrhea. The answer can vary depending on the
individual, but some may notice improvements within a few days, while others may require
consistent use over a few weeks.
Abdominal Pain
Abdominal pain is a very common complaint amongst travelers. The main causes include inadequate nutrition and anxiety problems. When traveling, there is no shortage of anxiety and unfamiliar foods not usually found back home. A new routine, imposed by a long journey, will alter the timing and ritual of digestion, which can cause abdominal pain.
Abdominal pain also occurs in association with travelers’ diarrhea or following a febrile gastroenteritis caused by salmonella. Always seek the help of a doctor or HCP. Learn more about abdominal pain. Learn more about abdominal pain.
How to prevent intestinal problems when traveling?
The intestinal flora is made up of “good” bacteria, but also of potentially harmful bacteria, both of which are essential for preserving the health and functions of the gut. Under normal conditions, there is a perfect balance between these types of bacteria, but some situations can affect this harmony, favor the establishment and proliferation of pathogenic bacteria, and thus causing intestinal disorders.
To help prevent the onset of gut disorder during travel, it’s helpful to follow a few simple rules:
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Make a point of being relaxed and try not to get overwhelmed with stress and angst.
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Don’t alter your eating habits too drastically. It’s good to try to maintain your homely habits and set aside the temptation to try new foods and drinks, at least for a few days. Opt for foods such as vegetables, grains, fruits, nuts and natural yoghurts.
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Avoid raw foods and avoid eating naturally fermenting foods, such as potatoes, broccoli, cabbage and all fizzy drinks that can increase gas production in the stomach.
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Avoid bulk-made drinks (always opt for sealed bottled where possible) and hydrate yourself with liquids that restore the mineral salts lost during travel.
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Avoid putting ice in your drinks, these are prime location for water-born contaminants.
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Make time for physical activities throughout your trip, even if just a brisk walk each morning.
Probiotics: Bifidobacteria, Bacillus clausii, Lactobacilli, Eubacteria
It’s often useful, with the recommendation of a doctor, to take probiotics that protect the intestinal flora and can help reduce the risk of travelers’ diarrhea. Treatment should generally begin a few days before the trip and continue for the duration of the stay. Discuss your prevention plan with your health care provider prior to embarking on your journey.
When choosing a probiotic strain for diarrhea, it is important to look for strains that can survive the digestive system and reach the intestines effectively.
Many people also ask what is Bacillus clausii. Bacillus clausii is a spore-forming probiotic bacterium known for its ability to withstand harsh conditions and help support the balance of intestinal flora.
In terms of what is Bacillus clausii used for, it is commonly taken to support gut health during periods of imbalance, such as travel, dietary changes, or episodes of diarrhea.
Another common concern among families is whether probiotics can prevent stomach infection in children. While probiotics may help support gut balance, parents should always consult a healthcare professional for proper guidance, especially when traveling with children.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best probiotic strain for diarrhea during travel?
The best probiotic strain for diarrhea is one that can survive the digestive process and support intestinal balance. Strains such as Bacillus clausii are commonly used for this purpose.
How long does probiotic take to work for diarrhea?
Some travelers may notice improvement within a few days, while others may need consistent use for
a few weeks depending on their condition and the probiotic used.
What is Bacillus clausii?
Bacillus clausii is a spore-forming probiotic bacterium that helps support and maintain the natural balance of good bacteria in the gut.
What is Bacillus clausii used for?
It is commonly used to help support intestinal flora balance during digestive disturbances such as diarrhea, especially when traveling or experiencing changes in routine.
Can probiotics prevent stomach infection in children?
Probiotics may help support gut health, but they should not replace medical advice. Parents should
consult a healthcare professional to determine the best approach for children.
Stay Gut-Healthy for a Smoother Travel Experience
Travel can disrupt your usual routine and expose your body to new foods, environments, and bacteria, all of which may affect your gut's health. Common issues such as constipation, diarrhea, and abdominal pain can occur when the balance of intestinal flora is disturbed.
Understanding these risks can help you prepare better. Many travelers now explore options like choosing the right probiotic strain for diarrhea and learning how long does probiotic take to work for diarrhea as part of their travel health plan.
Probiotics, including strains such as Bacillus clausii, may help support intestinal balance when used appropriately and consistently alongside healthy habits.
With simple precautions, proper hygiene, balanced nutrition, and informed choices, you can reduce the risk of digestive issues and enjoy a more comfortable and worry-free travel experience.
Our Product
Erceflora® aims to prevent or help recover from a number of conditions associated to poor intestinal wellbeing as a result of imbalance microbiota for both kids and adults.
Gut disorders triggered by one or more of these scenarios can be prevented by taking Erceflora® Gut Defense daily. Symptoms can also be alleviated by taking Erceflora® Gut Restore as soon as they manifest.
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REFERENCES
- World Gastroenterology Organisation. Global Guidelines: Probiotics and Prebiotics.
- Hill C, et al. (2014). Expert consensus document: The International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP) consensus statement. Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Traveler’s Diarrhea – Prevention and Treatment
