Using Probiotic Supplements While Traveling

Probiotic supplements and food with added probiotics are a sight in most supermarket and drug store aisles. Many people tout the supplement’s health benefits and feel they help prevent the onset of diarrhea; yet, the jury is still out on whether these “gut-friendly” bacteria actually help the digestive system.

Probiotics introduce multiple strains of bacteria into the digestive system and can help restore a healthy balance. For instance, people taking antibiotics are often told to supplement with probiotics. Probiotics may also help after a bout of diarrhea. Yet, people with autoimmune deficiencies should be wary of probiotics because they may experience more severe digestive side effects.

There is no conclusive evidence suggesting these supplements can be used as a preventative measure against traveler’s diarrhea. According to WebMD, there is only circumstantial evidence that certain probiotics — S. boulardii, Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacteria bifidum — lower the risk of getting traveler’s diarrhea.

Still, the best precaution against traveler’s diarrhea is to avoid unwashed and uncooked food in developing nations and to drink bottled, rather than tap, water. Probiotic supplements should be seen as an addition to food safety guidelines. For most people, they are a low-risk supplement, and have the potential to do more good than harm. Be sure to start taking a probiotic well in advance of traveling; common side effects include diarrhea and stomach upset.