A study of 47 adults traveling from Sweden abroad examined their fecal bacteria before and after travel. While the overall gut bacterial composition remained unaffected, the family of bacteria, including salmonella, shigella, and Escherichia coli<\/em>, increased 10-fold.<\/span> <\/p>\n\n\n\n The family of bacteria mentioned above, Enterobacteriaceae, and many other bacteria can easily be spread through contaminated water or food or by being in contact with an animal carrier. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Each country you visit has unique strains of bacteria. When you visit new places, you introduce those bacteria to your gut, where they try to settle in. This can lead to unpleasant symptoms such as diarrhea and abdominal pain.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Many countries, especially tropical ones, don\u2019t have the same hygiene, food handling standards, or water chlorination that you are used to. In these countries, you may be more likely to be exposed to food and water-borne pathogens than in your home countries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A common cause of travel sickness is from the bacteria I mentioned earlier, enterobacteria. It\u2019s not, however, the only cause. Viruses and parasites can also be the culprits of unpleasant symptoms. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Noroviruses are the leading cause of foodborne illness worldwide.<\/span> You can become sick from it by accidentally getting tiny feces particles in your mouth. This can happen through exposure from eating contaminated food, touching a contaminated surface, or drinking contaminated water.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Next up, we\u2019ve got parasites. Just the thought of them makes me squirm. In a study of 6,086 travelers, parasites were the highest reported gut infection.<\/span> While many different parasites exist, Giardia, Crypto, and Entamoeba histolytica<\/em> are the most common causes of \u201ctravel tummy.\u201d<\/span> Parasite exposure happens through contaminated food or drink. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You\u2019ll need to be extra careful about hygiene and the cleanliness of your food, and avoid eating raw food and stick to drinking only bottled water. It\u2019s also wise to carry some medications and activated charcoal, but prevention is key. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Keep in mind that getting a gut infection isn\u2019t just a matter of being exposed to these pathogens, though. It means your gut flora and your immune system aren\u2019t strong enough to remain unfazed against the pathogens. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Your gut flora can resist the colonization of these new bacteria, whether they\u2019re good or bad. Trillions of these bacteria in your gut flora have a balance unique to you, and they play a critical role in protecting you against gut infection.<\/span> <\/p>\n\n\n\n In a study of 90 international travelers from Hong Kong, researchers examined the good bacteria present before and after travel compared to unhealthy bacteria levels. Individuals with high levels of actinobacteria richness (an important gut bacteria to maintain balance) had lower levels of enzymes caused by unhealthy bacteria post-travel. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Individuals with lower actinobacteria richness had higher levels of the same enzymes post-travel. Therefore, having lower levels of healthy gut bacteria or lower gut flora diversity increases your risk of getting sick.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s not too early to take steps to protect your gut and reduce your risk of getting sick. Read on to find out more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Using digestive enzymes<\/a> can help you enjoy local cuisines without digestive discomfort. When you have low digestive power, you end up experiencing those uncomfortable symptoms like bloating<\/a>, indigestion, and stomach heaviness.\u00a0 Adding that to the introduction of new strains of bacteria makes the outcome more precarious.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Digestive enzymes can break down proteins, carbohydrates, and fats in foods and help you absorb more nutrients. In a study comparing the effectiveness of digestive enzymes versus medication to relieve digestive problems, the enzymes were equally as effective, with a bonus. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The enzymes also relieved digestive discomfort at a much higher rate.<\/span> Taking some control by taking digestive enzymes gives you a leg up on stomach travel discomfort. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Maintaining optimal stomach acidity is essential for preventing gut infections. Your stomach acidity is the #1 protective barrier against bacteria and parasites. When your gut pH is less than 3, bacteria cannot survive for more than 15 minutes.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n One study compared the bacteria-killing properties of stomach acid. Researchers compared the stomach acid in patients with a normal stomach pH of 3 or less to patients with less acidic stomach acid with a pH of greater than 6.8. Those with normal stomach acid levels killed 99% of bacteria within 15 minutes. Individuals with less acidic stomach acid did not kill any of the bacteria.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Not only can proper stomach acidity kill microbes, but it also helps your digestive system break down food and move it along. The acid in our stomachs is hydrochloric acid.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Low stomach acid is more common if you:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Taking betaine HCL<\/a> (hydrochloride) is a great way to optimize your stomach acid levels. It can re-acidify your stomach. It\u2019s best to take it with food at mealtime.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Taking probiotics alone doesn\u2019t tend to change your gut flora, but synbiotics can. Synbiotics are a combination of both prebiotics and probiotics<\/a>. Prebiotics are fibers that set the stage for probiotics. Your gut cannot digest them, so they are left over to feed probiotics.<\/span> <\/p>\n\n\n\n The combination of prebiotics and probiotics makes probiotics even more effective.<\/span> More healthy gut bacteria means more protection from the bad bacteria you are sure to encounter while traveling. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Another way to strengthen your gut barrier before and after your trip is with postbiotics like butyrate. Butyrate is produced in your gut when good bacteria break down fiber in your colon. It\u2019s also the primary source of energy for your colon.<\/span> Without it, your gut cells don\u2019t have enough energy to maintain your gut barrier.<\/span> More importantly, butyrate stimulates your gut lining cells to produce peptides against bad bacteria.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n A study examined butyrate\u2019s effect on macrophages, your white blood cells responsible for engulfing and destroying other cells like bad bacteria. Butyrate increased the bacteria-killing activity of macrophages.<\/span> This activity is important for killing bacteria beyond your gut barrier. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Microbiome Breakthrough<\/a> is an excellent source of synbiotics designed to heal your gut and improve your gut microbiome. Collagen<\/a> and gelatin boost the benefits of synbiotics by providing nutrients to nourish your gut lining. You can even boost your butyrate levels with prebiotics to feed and improve your gut lining. Last but not least, the IgYmax in Microbiome Breakthrough can safely and specifically bind bad microbes and escort them out of your gut.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Probiotics like Lactobacillus plantarum<\/em> OM<\/a> promote digestive regularity, and produce enzymes that help you digest your food and substances that inhibit harmful bacteria. If you do get traveler\u2019s diarrhea, it can support faster recovery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n L. plantarum<\/em> relieves diarrhea caused by E. coli <\/em>from the Enterobacteriaceae family, a common bacteria encountered while traveling. L. plantarum<\/em> may even reconstruct unbalanced gut flora. It does all this while increasing the important organic acids that support your digestive health.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Read more about this fantastic probiotic here<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Even if you\u2019re having a great time, travel can be stressful. There are flights to catch, new and often challenging situations, and new people to meet. <\/p>\n\n\n\n With your brain in constant contact with your gut through the gut-brain axis, it\u2019s hard to escape the havoc stress can wreak on your gut. Stress can compromise the healthy cells in your intestines. And when they\u2019re compromised, undigested food, bacteria, and toxins can pass through the lining and eventually get into your bloodstream, referred to as leaky gut<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Stress can also prevent you from fully digesting your meals<\/a>. When you are stressed, you trigger your body’s fight-or-flight response. To preserve energy for what your body believes may be coming, your central nervous system shuts down digestion.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Mindful eating is a great way to counteract the effects of stress on your gut and digestion. It optimizes your digestion while allowing you to enjoy your food more fully. Here are some tips on how to eat more mindfully<\/span>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Taking these steps can help regulate your stress response and improve your digestion.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n If you get constipated while traveling, you\u2019re not alone. It can be caused by:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not only does being constipated make you uncomfortable, but it\u2019s also not healthy for your body. When your stool sits in your colon for a longer time, it can increase the amount of bacteria sitting in your gut and change your gut flora.<\/span> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Also, your body eliminates most fat-soluble metabolic waste into your bile, which is then supposed to leave your body through your stool. Given long enough, your body can re-absorb toxic waste from the stool into the bloodstream.<\/span> This reabsorption can cause hormone imbalances and may increase your risk of certain cancers.<\/span> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Make sure you\u2019re giving yourself enough time to relax and go to the bathroom. Don\u2019t hold it until you get home. Try to maintain a regular schedule to give your body time to release. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If that is still not enough to get your digestion regulated, or if you want to get a leg up on constipation, Herbal Power Flush<\/a> can help. This blend of fiber, herbs, and digestive enzymes works overnight to restore regularity by morning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For more tips on how to relieve constipation, check out this blog post<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This may be a no-brainer, but getting a reminder is always good. Don\u2019t eat foods that cause tummy troubles for you, especially if you\u2019ll be traveling by plane. Some top foods to avoid include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Everyone is different, so you know what foods you can handle well and which foods cause you trouble. If you choose to enjoy these foods, digestive aids like MassZymes<\/a> and HCL Breakthrough<\/a> are great tools in your toolbox to keep your digestion smooth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can pick up parasites without even knowing it. Taking herbs like those found in Para Guardian<\/a> can inhibit parasites and bad bacteria without disrupting your gut flora.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some of the most effective antimicrobial and digestive-soothing herbs, to name a few, include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n All of the herbs above have the added benefit of being inflammation-balancing and antioxidants. Taking these herbs preventively is a good idea, although they don\u2019t replace medications. <\/p>\n\n\n\n What if I told you you could find all 6 supplements I mentioned throughout the article in just one package? Not only does it support you in every way you need, but it also saves you money. The 90-Day Gut Cleanse Stack<\/a> includes the herbal supplements you need to eliminate foreign invaders and protect yourself from future threats. It\u2019s the total travel package to ensure you enjoy your visit instead of being stuck in the bathroom. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The joys and stresses of holiday travel are quickly approaching. The frustration of stomach discomfort doesn\u2019t have to be inevitable. Choosing the right supplements and foods, and eating mindfully, will support your gut and keep you feeling great.<\/p>\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/bioptimizers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/114-1-1024x683.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nFood And Water-Borne Bacteria, Viruses, And Parasites<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nNatural Ways To Keep Your Gut Healthy While Traveling<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1. Use Digestive Enzymes And Betaine HCL<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
2. Strengthen Your Gut Flora And Barrier<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/bioptimizers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/312-1-1024x576.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n3. Use Probiotics<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
4. Eat Mindfully<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/bioptimizers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/410-1-1024x681.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n5. Allocate Time To Use The Bathroom<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
6. Avoid Foods That Trigger Your Stomach Issues<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/bioptimizers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/58-1-1024x686.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n7. Use Antimicrobial Herbs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The Total Package<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The Takeaway<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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