When we’re preparing for a trip, our ‘to pack’ lists seem endless – chargers, passports, outfits, adapters – but our gut health essentials are rarely front of mind. We spoke to BellyME’s Head of New Product Development and Specialist Trainer John Mitrev about why it matters, and how to protect it while travelling.
Why is it so important for us to consider our gut health when we travel?
Australians love travelling, especially to the beautiful countries to our north and northwest, but unfortunately, many of us will invariably contract a tummy bug when we travel there. And, as many will attest, this can completely ruin your holiday! You end up swapping lifelong memories of sandy beaches and exotic cocktails for torrid nightmares spent sweating in vomit-strewn bathrooms… not fun!
This is why it pays to look after your gut health – so that you can enjoy that well-earned rest.
Why does air travel disrupt our gut so much – and what can we do about it?
Bugs spread through aerosol transmission via the air conditioning system as well as direct contact with contaminated surfaces such as trays and window shades, and international flights can carry up to 800 passengers – that’s a lot of germs about to be shared! And because our immune system and gut microbiome are intricately linked, supporting the microbiome also supports the immune system’s response to these invisible invaders. A probiotic that contains a high number of beneficial bacteria – like our 80 billion probiotic drink – can help create a more resilient microbial environment while you travel.
Aside from food and water contamination, what are some lesser-known travel risks to gut health?
- Hydration: Drinking enough water is essential. If you are unsure about the local water supply, choose bottled water. Electrolytes are also important in hot and humid climates. Ingredients such as coconut water and natural mineral salts help support hydration, and specific probiotic strains like Lactobacillus plantarum L 137 can support the gut microbiome.
- Sleep and jet lag: Long haul travel disrupts sleep and digestion. Poor rest affects appetite, digestion and the balance of the gut microbiome. Herbal ingredients such as valerian and hops can support relaxation and healthy sleep patterns, which may help your body adjust to a new time zone.
- Stress: Even holidays have stressful moments. Try not to over schedule your days. Calming herbs such as ashwagandha may help the body cope with stress, while ingredients like papaya and apple cider vinegar can help ease stress related indigestion.
- Immunity: Supporting your immune system abroad is always beneficial. Zinc, olive leaf extract and antioxidant rich fruits such as pomegranate are all widely known for their immune supporting properties.
How are issues like heat exhaustion, dehydration and fatigue connected to gut health? And how can travellers recover?
Most of our immune system is located in and around the gut, so it makes sense that gut health plays a major role in illness and recovery. When your gut health is not at its best, your immune system is more vulnerable. As Hippocrates said, all disease begins in the gut.
Australian researchers have also found that during intense physical activity in extremely hot weather, the body diverts blood flow away from the gut in order to cool down. If this happens for long periods of time, the gut lining can become damaged and potentially allow harmful bacteria to enter the bloodstream. Staying hydrated and avoiding over exertion in hot weather is key. Once you are recovered, targeted gut support such as probiotics can be used under the guidance of a healthcare practitioner
What are some things travellers should always do to protect their gut health?
- Take quality probiotics for one to two weeks before travel and continue throughout your trip. This can lower the risk of food-borne illness leading to traveller’s diarrhoea.
- Be cautious with street food and mobile vendors – delicious, but sometimes lacking proper hygiene practices.
- Rest as soon as you reach your destination. Travel is exhausting, and giving your gut a chance to settle helps it cope with new environments.
And finally…
Enjoy your travels – just don’t forget to look after your gut. It’s more important than most of us realise, and in many ways, it’s its own form of travel insurance.
