One of the best parts of travelling? Trying out new cuisines! But sometimes, we get unlucky and are struck by Traveller’s Diarrhoea (TD).
TD is one of the most common travel-related illnesses, affecting up to 60 per cent of travellers. It is usually caused by bacteria (such as E. coli), although viruses and protozoa can also be culprits. It’s typically spread through contaminated food or water, especially in regions where sanitation is limited.
When you are hit with a bout of TD, you might suffer from symptoms ranging from mild stomach cramps and loose stools to severe pain, vomiting or fever. Most cases resolve within a few days, but some infections can linger without proper care.
The good news? With a little preparation and good hygiene, you can reduce your risk and recover quickly if it happens.
Simple habits go a long way in preventing diarrhoea abroad:
- Eat food that is freshly cooked and served hot.
- Avoid raw salads, unpasteurised dairy products and food from street vendors with poor hygiene.
- Drink only bottled, boiled, or filtered water. Also, avoid ice in drinks.
- Wash hands with soap and water regularly, or use a hand sanitiser (with ≥60% alcohol) when water isn’t available.
You can also consider probiotics as a protective measure. Your gut naturally contains “good bacteria” that keep digestion healthy and balanced. However, when you’re exposed to unfamiliar foods or water during travel, this balance can be disrupted, making it easier for harmful bacteria to grow.
Taking probiotics, such as Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, or Saccharomyces boulardii, helps restore the gut’s natural balance, strengthen its defences and support faster recovery. When taken before and during your trip, probiotics may also help lower the risk of diarrhoea by improving your gut’s resistance to infection.
When choosing a supplement, look for products that contain at least 1 to 10 billion CFUs (colony-forming units) per dose, as this range is commonly used in research and shown to be effective for general gut support.
Probiotics are generally safe for most people, though those with weakened immune systems, certain gut conditions, or who are pregnant should speak with a healthcare professional before use.
If you experience symptoms of TD, the most important is to stay hydrated and rest. You can also take some of these to ease your discomfort:
- Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS): Replace lost fluids and electrolytes.
- Activated Charcoal: Helps absorb toxins in the gut.
- Anti-diarrhoeal medicines: Can slow gut movement to reduce the frequency of stools (avoid if you have a fever or blood in your stool).
If symptoms persist beyond a few days or worsen, see a doctor!
A healthy gut makes for a happy trip! Before you fly, stock up on travel-friendly medicines. You visit your nearest Unity stores with pharmacy services and speak with a friendly pharmacist for advice on travel-friendly medicines, probiotics and hydration solutions to include in your travel kit.
Together, we can help you travel confidently – and enjoy the adventure without interruption or worries!
