As the long winter days drag on, many Scarborough residents are already dreaming of their next sunshine-filled holiday. However, while travel companies are keen to entice you with promises of relaxation, there’s an often-overlooked concern: the potential toll a holiday abroad can take on your gut health.
Many vacationers find that their dream getaways can quickly be derailed by digestive issues. Louise Wheatley, a teacher from Scarborough, shared her unfortunate experience after a trip to Cape Verde almost turned into a nightmare due to severe stomach problems. What was meant to be a special family holiday to celebrate two important birthdays became a distressing ordeal, as Louise found herself bedridden for three days with agonizing stomach symptoms.
The Importance of Gut Health While Traveling
Louise’s story took a positive turn when a Cape Verdean doctor prescribed a probiotic, which instantly alleviated her symptoms and allowed her to enjoy the rest of her holiday. This experience left her determined to find a similar probiotic once she returned home.
Jake Shaw, a natural health expert and founder of Nature’s Zest Nutrition, emphasizes that gut problems while traveling are preventable with the right preparation. According to Shaw, “When you go abroad, your body is exposed to a variety of new conditions, and while holidays should be a time to enjoy, it can lead to gut issues if you’re unprepared.” To help travelers stay healthy, Shaw has put together a comprehensive travel toolkit designed to prevent digestive discomfort while abroad.
Shaw’s Travel Toolkit for a Healthy Holiday
Here are the probiotics Shaw recommends for a gut-friendly holiday:
Saccharomyces boulardii: This yeast probiotic is known to prevent traveler’s diarrhea and antibiotic-associated diarrhea. It has been proven to reduce the risk of digestive issues caused by contaminated food or water and can help shorten the duration of symptoms if they do occur.
Lactobacillus rhamnosus: Known for enhancing the gut’s barrier function, this probiotic has been shown to reduce the risk of traveler’s diarrhea, particularly in high-risk areas like tropical or developing countries. It works by preventing harmful pathogens from attaching to the intestinal lining.
Bifidobacterium bifidum: This probiotic supports overall gut health and can help with bloating or irregularity. It also helps maintain the integrity of the gut barrier, preventing harmful bacteria and toxins from entering the bloodstream.
Lactobacillus acidophilus: Known for maintaining a healthy gut microbiome, especially when exposed to new diets, this probiotic is highly studied and can help promote digestive health while traveling.
Tips for Using Probiotics During Travel
Start Early: Begin taking probiotics 7–14 days before your trip to help your gut adjust.
Take Daily: Continue taking probiotics while traveling to maintain gut health.
Pair with Prebiotics: Consider pairing probiotics with prebiotics like inulin or resistant starch to support good bacteria growth.
Hydration: Stay hydrated to ensure a healthy gut environment.
With these tips and the right preparation, Scarborough residents can embark on their holidays with confidence, knowing they’re well-equipped to keep their gut health in check and avoid the digestive woes that could ruin their travels.
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