Probiotics, a Trusted Ally in the Vacation Kit

Vacations mean relaxation, discovering new places and, often, different culinary experiences. However, changes in diet, consumed water, time zones or even the stress associated with travel can influence the balance of the intestinal microbiota and can favor the appearance of digestive disorders. For this reason, a probiotic, a prebiotic or a synbiotic can become a useful element of the vacation kit, regardless of whether the destination is an exotic one or a European country.

What Are Probiotics?

Probiotics are live microorganisms, mainly bacteria and, more rarely, yeasts, which, administered in adequate quantities, bring benefits to the host's health. They contribute to maintaining the balance of the intestinal microbiota and can support the normal functioning of the digestive and immune systems.

Currently, some of the best-studied probiotic strains are Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG), Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12, Limosilactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 and Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745. These names can be found on the labels of dietary supplements and over-the-counter medications (OTC), it being important that the choice of product be based on the probiotic strain and on the scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness.

What Are Prebiotics?

Prebiotics are not microorganisms, but indigestible substances (inulin), represented mainly by certain types of dietary fiber. They constitute the food source for beneficial bacteria in the intestine, stimulating their development and activity.

A diet rich in prebiotics can support the health of the microbiota and can complement the effects of probiotics. Among foods with a high prebiotic content are oats, barley, legumes, onions, garlic, leeks and asparagus.

What Are Synbiotics?

Synbiotics represent the combination of a probiotic and a prebiotic. According to the consensus definition of the International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP), a synbiotic is a combination of live microorganisms and a substrate selectively utilized by the host's microorganisms, which confers a health benefit.

Through the association of the two components, synbiotics aim not only to provide beneficial bacteria, but also to create a favorable environment for their development and survival in the intestine.

Diet or Supplements?

Ideally, the intestinal microbiota is supported through a varied and balanced diet, rich in fiber and fermented foods. However, in certain situations, such as travel, antibiotic treatments or significant dietary modifications, the exogenous intake of probiotics or synbiotics can represent a useful solution for maintaining the balance of the intestinal flora.

When Is Supplementation Recommended?

In the case of travel, many specialists recommend beginning the administration of a probiotic approximately three days before departure, continuing throughout the entire duration of the vacation and for another three days after returning home. This strategy can contribute to the adaptation of the intestinal microbiota and to reducing the risk of appearance of digestive disorders associated with travel.

The Vacation Kit: Two Capsules That Can Make a Difference

The vacation kit can also include two types of probiotics, each having a well-defined role: one for daily administration and one intended for emergency situations.

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The Emergency Capsule, Saccharomyces boulardii

Saccharomyces boulardii is a probiotic yeast, which gives it an important advantage over bacterial probiotics: it is resistant to antibiotics and presents good stability at room temperature, facilitating transport during travel.

Due to these characteristics, it can be administered concomitantly with an antibiotic treatment, without it being necessary to observe the 2-3 hour interval recommended in the case of most bacterial probiotics.

Administration is useful at the first signs of acute digestive disorders, such as:

traveler's diarrhea;
diarrhea associated with consumption of contaminated food or water;
some food poisonings;
episodes of diarrhea appearing during antibiotic treatment, upon the recommendation of the doctor or pharmacist.

In the case of severe, persistent diarrhea, accompanied by fever, blood in stool or signs of dehydration, medical evaluation is necessary, and the probiotic must not replace the recommended treatment.

The Capsule for Daily Administration, a Multi-Strain Probiotic

Dietary changes during vacation, new dishes, different spices, modification of the mineral composition of water, irregular meal schedule or travel stress, can influence the balance of the intestinal microbiota and can favor the appearance of bloating, constipation, abdominal discomfort or altered intestinal transit.

In these situations, the daily administration of an OTC probiotic or a premium dietary supplement, which contains multiple strains and is protected against gastric acidity, can contribute to maintaining the balance of the intestinal flora during the journey.

As a general recommendation, administration can begin approximately three days before departure, can continue throughout the entire vacation period and for another three days after returning home. In most cases, one capsule per day is administered, in the morning, after breakfast, observing the indications from the leaflet of the chosen product.

A Practical Tip

The two products do not exclude each other, but complement each other. The probiotic administered daily has a preventive role, contributing to maintaining the balance of the intestinal microbiota, while Saccharomyces boulardii can represent a useful option when the first signs of an acute digestive disorder appear during the journey.

How Do We Correctly Transport Probiotics on Vacation?

For the effectiveness of a probiotic to be preserved, it is important that the product be transported and stored according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

It is recommended to keep the capsules in the original packaging, together with the leaflet, to observe the temperature and humidity conditions and to verify the expiration date before departure. If the product requires refrigeration, it must be transported in a thermally insulated bag. Also, during air travel, it is preferable that probiotics be kept in carry-on luggage, thus avoiding exposure to the extreme temperatures in the aircraft hold.

A Simple Gesture, with Important Benefits

A successful vacation means the freedom to enjoy every experience without the worry of digestive problems. Choosing an appropriate probiotic, prebiotic or synbiotic, alongside a balanced diet and observance of food hygiene measures, can contribute to maintaining digestive comfort throughout the journey.

Before administering any dietary supplement, consultation with a doctor or pharmacist is recommended, especially in the case of children, pregnant women, persons with chronic conditions or those with compromised immune systems.