Traveller’s Diarrhoea: How to Prevent it to Smoothly Enjoy your Vacation

When planning the ideal holidays, the first thing that comes to mind are the places to visit or what dish of local cuisine to eat, but we should not forget about the possibility of a diarrhoea ruining your vacation, especially in certain destinations.

Because traveller’s or tourist's diarrhoea is one of the most common affections during international holidays, especially when travelling to destinations with limited sanitary conditions.

WHAT IS THE TRAVELLER’S DIARRHOEA?

The traveller’s diarrhoea is an intestinal disorder caused mainly by the consumption of contaminated food or water.

It is a common disorder and affects approximately 30-70% of people travelling to countries where hygiene is less strict than in their country of origin. The symptoms appear usually after the first days of travelling, although they could appear at any moment. In the majority of cases, the symptoms last for 3 to 5 days.

WHAT IS THE CAUSE?

The most frequent cause of the traveller’s diarrhoea are bacteria, since it represents between 80 and 90% of all the cases. Viruses and parasites are responsible of only 5% to 15% percent of cases. Usually, it is not severe, but can cause dehydration and demineralization. 

HOW TO AVOID IT?

• Wash your food with safe water and a food disinfectant, if possible.
• Avoid eating raw foods that can’t be peeled of that haven’t been correctly disinfected.
• Only drink bottled water, even when brushing your teeth.
• Do not drink iced drinks if you are not sure about the water’s origin.
• Avoid smoothies or soft drinks from street markets.
• Take a close look at the best before date, especially of meat, fish and dairy products.
• Follow the right conservation advices of food.
• Evaluate the sanitary conditions of the places where you eat. Be especially cautious with street food and markets.

PROBIOTIC’S SUPPORT

The use of specific probiotics is recommended both before and during your travel. Saccharomyces boulardii is one of the most useful strains for diarrhoea, and the one with the most scientific evidence. It is a yeast capable of surviving gastric acidity and of reaching a high concentration in the gastrointestinal system. All without altering the natural bowel flora and with antibiotic resistance.

In addition, this yeast can release substance that inhibit certain bacterial toxins and their effects, as well as other immunostimulant and anti-inflammatory actions on the intestine. To sum up, it keeps the bowel’s good functioning, assists in restoring microbiota when the latter is attacked by pathogen agents.

There are other probiotics from the Lactobacillus group that also help in restoring intestinal flora and can help decreasing the symptoms of diarrhoea and its duration, and even preventing the apparition of it.

Don’t let traveller's diarrhoea ruin your vacation!