Going overseas? Your travel checklist should include your gut health.
Travelling to Bali or South-East Asia? Don't Forget to Prepare Your Gut Before You Go
As Perth settles into winter, many people are dreaming of escaping to the warmth of Bali and other South-East Asian destinations.
While most travellers think about passports, flights and accommodation, few think about preparing their digestive system before they leave. Yet traveller's diarrhoea, commonly known as "Bali Belly", is one of the most common reasons holidays are interrupted.
The good news is that with the right preparation, your risk can often be reduced.
Why do travellers get sick?
When travelling overseas, your digestive system is exposed to unfamiliar bacteria, viruses, parasites, food preparation methods and water sources.
Even if you're careful with what you eat and drink, your gut microbiome can still be challenged.
Symptoms may include:
Diarrhoea
Stomach cramps
Nausea
Vomiting
Bloating
Fatigue
Dehydration
For some people, symptoms last only a day or two. Others can spend several days confined to their hotel room instead of enjoying their holiday.
Preparing your gut before you travel
One of the most well-researched natural strategies for reducing the risk of traveller's diarrhoea is beginning a travel-specific gut protocol before you leave.
Depending on your health history and destination, this may include:
Specific probiotic strains, including Saccharomyces boulardii, a beneficial probiotic yeast that has been widely studied for traveller's diarrhoea.
Targeted nutritional support.
Herbal medicines that support digestive health and immune function.
Your naturopath can recommend the most appropriate protocol based on your destination, medical history and any existing digestive concerns.
Pack a natural travel kit
Even with the best preparation, and be careful about what you eat and drink in a foreign country, you can still get sick.
Packing natural medicines with you means you're prepared if symptoms do develop, and this can go a long way to helping you with a quick recovery so you can to get back to enjoying your holiday sooner.
Your personalised travel kit may include high potency herbal medicines that are for practitioner-only dispensing, electrolytes and other support for your digestive system that is suited to your individual needs.
Travel well, recover quickly
At Perth Natural Medical Clinic, our naturopaths regularly help travellers prepare for overseas holidays with personalised travel health advice.
A little planning before you leave could save several days of illness while you're away.
If you're travelling to Bali or anywhere in South-East Asia this winter, book an appointment before you fly and give your gut the best chance of staying healthy throughout your holiday.
Planning a trip? Speak with one of our experienced naturopaths before you leave and travel with greater confidence.