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Best Probiotics to Take Before Travelling : Keep Your Gut Health in Balance

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medically reviewed by Dr Godmi Tresa

Dr J S S Dev

Updated on July 11, 2024

We all may have faced gut problems while travelling at least once. Why does travelling have an impact on our gut? Have you ever wondered?

When we travel, our routines often change, affecting our well-being, eating habits, and gut health. This blog will explore strategies for maintaining a healthy gut while travelling and offer practical advice for optimal digestive health during your journeys.

The changes in time zones, unusual cuisines, and irregular meal schedules while travelling can affect our digestive system. These disturbances may cause discomfort, indigestion, or even more severe gastrointestinal problems. But can we skip trying all those excellent plates from all over the world? Of course not! Therefore, understanding how to care for your gut while travelling becomes essential.

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Your Second Brain: Does it Know When You Travel Travelling?

Our gut, often called the "Second brain," plays a significant role in digestion and overall well-being. It's home to many microbes that help break down food and support our immune system. However, travel can bring changes in time zones, meal timings, and eating unfamiliar foods. These shifts can upset the balance of these microbes, leading to digestive issues like bloating, gas, or diarrhoea.

Your brain goes into a mode called "Vacation Brain". This brain is more active and aware of its surroundings. It switches from regular functioning to concentrating on feeling and experiencing the vacation. This is when your digestion can take a little backdrop.

Disruptions to your gut can affect digestion, energy levels, and mood. Maintaining a healthy gut is crucial to prevent digestive issues from ruining travel experiences. This can be achieved by : 

  • Drinking enough water
  • Consuming balanced meals
  • Including fibre-rich foods in your diet. 
  • Intake of probiotics found in yoghurt or supplements can help restore balance to your gut.

Paying attention to gut health by practising mindful eating and incorporating probiotics can improve our overall well-being.

Boost Your Gut Health While Travelling: A Guide to Probiotics Usage

Grabbing some probiotics for travel is essential for gut health. These friendly bacteria act like superheroes, supporting our digestive system. Changes in routine during travel can upset gut flora, leading to discomfort. Let's learn how probiotics can help.

Probiotics are live microorganisms that offer various health benefits when consumed adequately. 

They work by;

  • Maintaining a balanced environment in our gut is essential for smooth digestion and a robust immune system.
  • Adjusting the changes in the gut with unfamiliar foods, stress, and bowel routine.
  • Acting as reinforcements, helping restore balance among the gut microbes.

One practical way to ensure you get enough probiotics is by taking supplements. 

Discovering the Best Probiotics for Traveller's Diarrhoea

Finding the right probiotics for travel can make a real difference in keeping your gut happy and your journey enjoyable. Here are various types of travel-friendly probiotics and highlight some recommended products.

1. Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium Strains: These probiotics are well-known and versatile. Lactobacillus supports digestion and immune health, while Bifidobacterium aids in maintaining a balanced gut environment. These strains are commonly found in yoghurt and fermented foods.

2. Saccharomyces boulardii: This probiotic yeast prevents traveller diarrhoea and other digestive disturbances. It's a robust option for supporting gut health during trips.

3. Spore-forming Probiotics: These are great probiotics that can withstand travel-related challenges. Their protective outer layer makes them suitable for surviving changes in temperature and other environmental factors.

Tips : 

  • Taking probiotics a week before your trip is always a good idea to maximize their benefits. 
  • Whether travelling abroad or taking a long trip locally, it's always best to prepare your digestive system. 
  • It's important to discuss with your healthcare provider which probiotic suits your health and travel requirements. 

Make sure you choose the suitable strains of probiotics for your needs.

Easing Travel Constipation: Tips and Natural Remedies

Another villain who may enter the scene while travelling is constipation. Constipation can tag along with us during travel, making our adventures less enjoyable. Understanding its causes and having effective remedies at hand can ensure a smoother journey.

Along with the routine changes, travelling causes limited physical activity, which contributes to travel constipation.

To prevent or alleviate travel-related constipation, here are some natural remedies and practical tips:

1. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep your digestive system running smoothly. Dehydration can worsen constipation.

2. Fibre-rich foods: Pack snacks like fruits, nuts, and whole-grain crackers. Fibre aids digestion and prevents constipation.

3. Physical Movement: Stretch, walk, or do simple exercises during breaks to stimulate bowel movement.

4. Prunes and Fig Snacks: These natural laxatives can offer quick relief.

5. Herbal Teas: Chamomile, ginger, and peppermint teas can soothe your stomach and encourage regularity.

6. Probiotics: Consider taking probiotics before and during travel to support gut health and regular digestion.

7. Avoid Excessive Processed Foods: High-fat or sugary foods can slow digestion, leading to constipation.

8. Routine Maintenance: Try to eat and use the bathroom regularly to keep your body's rhythm intact.

Travel constipation is common, but armed with these remedies and tips, you can enjoy your journeys without discomfort.

Boost Your Travel Game with Probiotics Before Departure

Getting ready for a journey involves more than just packing your bags; it also means preparing your body, especially your gut. By introducing probiotics before departure, you're giving your gut a head start. These helpful bacteria can improve digestion, prevent bloating, and even boost your immune system. They help maintain a balanced gut, which is essential for comfortable travels.

When to Take Probiotics? 

It is a good idea to start about a week before your vacation. This gives the probiotics time to settle in and prepare to handle any digestive challenges that might pop up during your journey. As for dosage, follow the instructions on the label of your chosen probiotic product. It is always best to seek professional help regarding this before travelling.

Managing Traveler's Diarrhea with Probiotics

One of the most exciting parts of travelling is trying new cuisines and recipes. But what if they can be harmful to our digestive health?

Experiencing a traveller's diarrhoea can be frustrating during an otherwise enjoyable trip. This prevalent problem can interfere with our schedules and impact our digestive health. Fortunately, again our helpful remedy is : The PROBIOTICS. 

  • When we travel, our gut encounters new foods, water, and environments, making us susceptible to digestive disturbances like diarrhoea. Traveller's diarrhoea is uncomfortable, leading to dehydration and spoiling our travel experiences.
  • Probiotics, those friendly bacteria, can come to our rescue. Certain strains like Saccharomyces boulardii are effective in preventing traveller's diarrhoea. These probiotics create a protective shield in the gut, making it harder for harmful bacteria to take hold and cause trouble.

Taking probiotics before and during your trip can help maintain a balanced gut environment, reducing the risk of diarrhoea. They can also help ease the symptoms if diarrhoea does strike. These beneficial bacteria act as reinforcements, supporting your gut's natural defence mechanisms.

Wrapping Up!

Next time, before you book your ticket, prepare your gut. A healthy gut can create a more pleasant and worry-free travel experience. You won't have to stress about changes to your routine or cuisine and can enjoy exploring new places. Don't hesitate to take probiotics before you travel. At Nirva, we offer expert assistance in prioritizing your gut health. Our team of dieticians, health coaches, and doctors are always available to assist you. Book your appointment today with Nirva and prepare to explore the world in good health.

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