When it comes to a healthy gut, the role of probiotics, especially Saccharomyces Boulardii, has often been the center of discussion.

More precisely, for conditions like Traveler’s Diarrhea affecting no less than 30-70% of travelers.
However, the travel season and the destination do have a major role to play.

It was not until 1920 when French microbiologist, Henri Boulard (hence the name) discovered the budding yeast Saccharomyces Boulardii during a Cholera outbreak. Boulard observed how people who drank tea made using the outer skin of lychee and mangosteens were immune to cholera.

Let’s find out more about Saccharomyces Boulardii and what makes it an effective probiotic to carry along when traveling.

Traveler’s Diarrhea-Why It Happens

Simply put, traveler’s diarrhea is a short-lived digestive condition often characterized by loose stools and abdominal cramps. Usually, people traveling cross-country with irregular food habits and poor hygiene are prone to developing these conditions.

In the majority of cases, it is caused by consuming contaminated water or food. Travelers’ diarrhea, although never serious, can get extremely unpleasant. Commonly observed symptoms include:

• Nausea
• Fever
• Moderate to severe abdominal cramps
• Loose stools

Studies have shown how in almost 80% of cases, traveler’s diarrhea is triggered by bacterial growth, mostly due to E. coli. Luckily, there are multiple ways to combat this condition, like using a probiotic like Saccharomyces Boulardii.

How Saccharomyces Boulardii Works On Your Gut?

At the outset, one must know that S. Boulardii is a distinct species of the Saccharomyces genus, which houses several species of yeasts essential to food production.

No wonder, Saccharomyces Boulardii is readily good for the human digestive tract to keep symptoms of traveler’s diarrhea at bay. Typically, traveler’s diarrhea or for that matter any type of diarrhea is generally caused by:

• Bacterial infections
• Rotavirus
• Food intolerance and allergies
• Parasites enter the digestive tract through food and water 
• Side effects of antibiotics
• IBS (Inflammatory Bowel Disease)

Saccharomyces Boulardii also reduces the duration and frequency of diarrhea in infants and adults alike. Unlike other probiotics, Saccharomyces Boulardii is highly resistant to varying temperatures and gastric juices that contain HCL, pepsin, and even bile salts. Several studies have concluded the same via in-vitro testing.

Are There Any Side Effects Of Saccharomyces Boulardii?

Probiotics like Saccharomyces Boulardii generally have no side effects whatsoever.

However, pregnant women with a compromised immune system and individuals allergic to yeasts are advised to consult a doctor before taking Saccharomyces Boulardii to prevent unwanted side effects like:

• Excessive gas build-up
• Fungal infections, and
• General feeling of weakness
  

Nevertheless, several ongoing researches have depicted how Saccharomyces Boulardii when used as a probiotic can prevent a string of gut-related issues from occurring.

For a good number of people inclined towards a holistic way of living, the consumption of probiotics like Saccharomyces Boulardii is becoming common. It’s only evident how people prefer taking a supplement to stay healthy rather than waiting to fall sick and start taking other medicines with side effects.

The statistics speak for themselves- Harvard Health Publishing report predicts probiotics supplement sales worldwide will surpass $17 billion by 2027.

What Can You Do To Prevent Traveler’s Diarrhea?

While taking Saccharomyces Boulardii as a probiotic is always an option, there are still a few things that you can do to keep travelers’ diarrhea from occurring.

• Maintain good hygiene– It all goes back to second-grade science books where you are taught to wash your hands before eating. If you’re traveling and can’t find water and soap, use a hand sanitizer. Things like that should be common now, given COVID has changed the world forever. 
• Check your plates- Besides personal hygiene, it is also necessary that you check the plate where food is served. Ensure they are cleaned regularly and dried well. When traveling, use packed disposable plates only.

Wrap Up

A research study from 2016 shows how Saccharomyces Boulardii as a probiotic supplement can not only treat traveler’s diarrhea but also prevent it from happening. However, that shouldn’t be the only reason to consider Saccharomyces Boulardii as a supplement.

• Over 70% of our immune system comprises our gut, and Saccharomyces Boulardii promises a range of protection for the gastrointestinal tract.
• Saccharomyces Boulardii aids in digestion and effective absorption of nutrients, like breaking down dietary sugars.
• Unlike other yeasts, Saccharomyces Boulardii works towards restoring the balance of good and bad bacteria minus permanent colonization of the gut.

Here Are Some Of The Most Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Saccharomyces Boulardii:

Q: Does Saccharomyces Boulardii help cure IBS?

A: There is considerable evidence to suggest Saccharomyces Boulardii improves the life conditions for IBS patients, offering quick and sustained relief from frequent abdominal pain, inconsistent bowel movement, and abdominal distension.

Q: Is there any natural food high in Saccharomyces Boulardii?

A: While supplementation is a common way to include Saccharomyces Boulardii in your diet, fruits like lychee, kombucha, mangosteen, and even some dairy foods like kefir are rich in Saccharomyces Boulardii.

Q: What are the common side effects of Saccharomyces Boulardii supplements?

A: Usually, people with comorbidities and pregnant women are not advised to take Saccharomyces Boulardii as a prebiotic. However, the most common side effects of taking a probiotic-rich in Saccharomyces Boulardi are flatulence, bloating, and constipation. However, these are temporary and usually subsides as the body starts adjusting to the probiotic.

Have you ever had travelers’ diarrhea?

How did you manage the situation? Did you take any probiotics?

Let us know in the comments below.