Traveler's Diarrhea 101: Why It Happens During Vacation

Vacations are meant for relaxation, adventure, and indulging in new experiences — not for unexpected visits to the bathroom. Unfortunately, traveler’s diarrhea is a common issue that can turn a dream trip into a discomfort-filled experience. But why does it happen during vacations, and how can you avoid it?

Here are some things every wanderer needs to know about traveler’s diarrhea. Also, learn how a probiotic like BIOME^® Gut Care can support your gut health during your trips.
 

What Is Traveler’s Diarrhea?

Traveler's diarrhea is an unpleasant gastrointestinal infection that affects travelers. It typically manifests as three or more loose or watery bowel movements in a 24-hour period, often paired with symptoms like cramping, bloating, nausea, vomiting, and mild fever.^1,2 While it’s usually not serious, it can be uncomfortable enough to put a dent in your vacation plans.

Traveler’s diarrhea usually hits within the first week of your trip, but it can show up anytime—during your stay or even after you get back.¹ The upside? With the right care and a few smart precautions, it’s totally manageable—and often preventable.
 

Why Does It Happen on Vacation?

Traveler’s diarrhea is most commonly caused by E. coli bacteria, responsible for nearly 30% of cases.¹ Other culprits include Campylobacter, Shigella, and Salmonella, which are usually picked up from contaminated food or water.¹ It can strike whether you're on a quick getaway or a long vacation. And unfortunately, getting it once doesn’t mean you’re immune in the future. This illness tends to be more common in warmer regions where sanitation is lacking and food safety practices may be less strict.¹

Common causes include:³

• Drinking tap water or consuming ice made from untreated water
• Eating raw or undercooked food
• Sampling street food without proper hygiene
• Neglecting hand hygiene before meals
   

Who Is Most at Risk?

While anyone can be affected, certain travelers face higher risks:
 

People Visiting Places with Poor Sanitation

In some destinations, the water supply and food handling practices may not meet the same hygiene standards you’re used to at home.⁴ Contaminated water used for drinking, making ice, cooking, or washing food can carry harmful bacteria, viruses, or parasites that cause traveler’s diarrhea. Eating street food or raw produce washed in unsafe water also increases the risk.
 

Travelers Going to Warm or Tropical Climates

Hot and humid environments create the perfect conditions for bacteria and other microbes to multiply rapidly.⁵ This makes food spoil faster and increases the chance of contamination.⁶
 

Individuals with Weakened Immune Systems

Whether due to chronic illnesses, certain medications, or medical treatments, people with compromised immune systems can’t defend themselves as effectively against harmful pathogens.⁷ This means even mild exposure to contaminated food or water can lead to illness.
 

Adventurous Eaters Who Try Exotic Dishes

Exploring new flavors is one of the best parts of traveling, but sometimes street vendors or small eateries may not follow strict hygiene practices. Foods might be prepared or stored in ways that increase contamination risks, especially if they’re served raw, undercooked, or served without essential seasoning.⁸
 

How to Protect Yourself

Preventing traveler’s diarrhea is much easier than you might think. Here are some key tips to keep your stomach happy while you enjoy your vacation:

1. Buy Your Own Water

   Always drink bottled or filtered water.⁹ Avoid ice cubes unless you’re certain they’re made from purified water. Even when brushing your teeth, use bottled water as a precaution.

2. Be Careful with Food

   Opt for hot, freshly cooked meals.⁹ Avoid raw fruits and vegetables unless you peel them yourself. When trying street food, assess the vendor’s hygiene and food preparation practices before indulging.

3. Practice Good Hygiene

   Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.¹⁰ Carry an alcohol-based hand sanitizer for times when handwashing isn’t possible.

4. Prepare a Travel Health Kit

   Bring essentials such as oral rehydration salts, anti-diarrheal medications, and possibly probiotics. Consult your healthcare provider about antibiotics if traveling to high-risk areas.

5. Try Gut Supplements

   Probiotics help introduce good bacteria into your digestive system, which can strengthen your gut and make it more resilient against the unfamiliar microbes that often cause traveler’s diarrhea. Look for a strain like Saccharomyces boulardii, which has been shown to help prevent or reduce the severity of diarrhea.¹² Start taking them five days before your trip and continue throughout your travel.

   Consider BIOME^® Gut Care. It is a probiotic supplement that contains 5 billion active CFUs of Saccharomyces boulardii. When taken together with proper diet and exercise, this supplement may help promote a healthy intestinal ecology, assist in addressing lactose malabsorption, aid in improving digestion, and help strengthen the body’s natural resistance against intestinal infections.¹³
    

Who Can’t Take BIOME^® Gut Care?

BIOME^® Gut Care is only considered for adult use. Moreover, avoid taking the supplement if you have an allergy to any ingredient in the product, a yeast allergy, are currently receiving antifungal therapy.¹⁴

BIOME^® Gut Care is available in leading drugstores nationwide and online via Shopee and Lazada.
 

MAHALAGANG PAALALA: ANG BIOME^® GUT CARE AY HINDI GAMOT AT HINDI DAPAT GAMITING PANGGAMOT SA ANUMANG URI NG SAKIT.