Probiotic Prebiotic Supplements: Your Travel Companion for Digestive Wellness

Traveling can be hard on your digestive system, especially if you have a sensitive gut. You may experience bloating, constipation, diarrhea, or other discomforts that can ruin your trip. But don’t worry, there’s a simple solution to keep your gut healthy and happy: prebiotic and probiotic tablets. These supplements can balance your gut flora, boost your immunity, and improve your digestion. This article’ll explain how prebiotic and probiotic tablets work and why you should take them before and during your travels.

Why does the digestive system go for a toss when traveling?  

• Cannot procure a healthy meal  

It becomes extremely difficult for anyone to procure a balanced meal while traveling. Our indulgence in fast food and processed foods increases as a result. Without a proper diet containing micro and macronutrients, fiber and probiotics, your gut health while traveling goes for a toss, thus causing digestive issues like diarrhea and constipation.   

• No fixed schedule  

Your regular routine cannot be followed while traveling. This becomes even more difficult if you are traveling across time zones. When you break your regular schedule, your body isn’t able to function according to the body clock, thus causing issues related to digestion as well as sleep.   

• Lack of physical activity  

When you're traveling, even though you may be on the move, your body is not actually getting the physical activity it needs. Sitting in a car seat for extended periods of time can have detrimental effects on both your bones and your gut health. Movement plays a crucial role in improving digestion. Sitting for too long can cause compression of your organs and restrict blood flow to your gut, ultimately slowing down the process of digestion. Therefore, it's important to be mindful of the negative impact of prolonged sitting on your body and prioritize activities that promote better digestion while traveling, such as taking breaks to stretch.

What are probiotics and prebiotics?  

The digestive tract contains trillions of microorganisms, including both beneficial and harmful bacteria. When the balance between these bacteria is disrupted, it can lead to digestive issues like gas, bloating, and diarrhea. Probiotics (good gut bacteria) work by colonizing the gut bacteria and removing harmful ones, thus restoring balance and promoting a healthy gut environment.  

Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that offer a range of health benefits, especially for your digestive system. These friendly bacteria help maintain a healthy balance of microorganisms in your gut, which is crucial for optimal digestion and overall well-being. Probiotics can be found in select foods, such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi. They are also available as probiotic tablets. 

In addition to their role in digestive health, probiotics have also been shown to support immune function, reduce inflammation, and enhance nutrient absorption. Certain strains of probiotics have even been linked to improved mental health by reducing stress and anxiety.  

Prebiotic fiber is a type of dietary fiber that serves as food for the beneficial bacteria in your gut. Unlike probiotics, which are live bacteria, prebiotics are non-digestible fibers found in certain foods. Your good bacteria feed on this fiber to survive in the gut. You can get prebiotics from bananas, apples, oats, onions, garlic, and artichokes.  

Why are prebiotic and probiotic tablets your best travel partners? 

The gut microbiota is a very delicately formed colony of good gut bacteria. It is important that there be a correct balance in the gut microbiome composition. Sedentary lifestyles, poor nutrition, and improper sleep can hamper this balance, leading to various digestive problems.

Prebiotic fiber serves as food for the gut bacteria, thus helping them survive longer. Probiotics, on the other hand, ensure that there’s enough diversity and that one type of bacteria isn’t overpowering the others.   

Together, probiotics and prebiotics take care of your gut, even while traveling. Prebiotic and probiotic tablets ensure that you’ve had your share of prebiotic and probiotic supplements to keep your gut functioning well. 

How to choose the right probiotic and prebiotic supplements for travel? 

• Shelf-stable & portable

Look for supplements that don’t require refrigeration and are easy to carry around in your pocket.  

• Easy to have 

It is better to source supplements that are easy to administer. For example, effervescent tablets are easy to have on the go; all you need is a glass of water.  

• Colony forming units  

While buying probiotic supplements, please check the CFU, which indicates the number of live bacteria that you are consuming per serving. The higher the number of CFUs, the better.  

Wrapping Up  

This dynamic duo is like your gut's protective sidekicks, working together to maintain a healthy and happy digestive system. Probiotics are the cool and friendly bacteria that keep your gut in balance, while prebiotics are the superfood that fuels and nourishes these good bacteria. It's like having a party in your gut, with all the good guys thriving and keeping your digestion on track. 

So, next time you hit the road or take off to explore new horizons, don't forget to pack your trusty travel companions: probiotic and prebiotic capsules or tablets! Your gut will thank you, and you'll be ready to embrace all the exciting adventures with a happy tummy. Bon voyage!

References: 

https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/food-science/prebiotics 

https://www.optibacprobiotics.com/learning-lab/in-depth/mental-health/probiotics-for-stress 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK553134/