Saccharomyces Boulardii: Your New Travel Essential This Summer
What is Saccharomyces Boulardii?
Saccharomyces boulardii is a non-pathogenic yeast that is classified as a probiotic. Unlike many other probiotics, which are bacteria, S. boulardii is a yeast that can withstand harsh gastrointestinal conditions, making it highly effective in promoting gut health. Discovered in 1923 by French scientist Henri Boulard, this probiotic has been extensively studied for its beneficial effects on the digestive system.
How S. Boulardii Supports Digestive Health:
Prevents Traveller’s Diarrhoea: One of the most common ailments affecting travellers is traveller’s diarrhoea, often caused by consuming contaminated food or water. S. boulardii has been shown to significantly reduce the incidence of traveller’s diarrhoea. A study published in the Journal of Travel Medicine found that travellers who took S. boulardii had a lower risk of developing diarrhoea compared to those who did not (McFarland, 2010).
Restores Gut Flora: Changes in diet, stress, and exposure to unfamiliar pathogens can disrupt the balance of gut flora during travel. S. boulardii helps to restore this balance by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria and inhibiting harmful ones. This probiotic yeast produces lactic acid and other compounds that create an environment conducive to the growth of good bacteria (Czerucka et al., 2007).
Boosts Immune Function: S. boulardii enhances the immune response by stimulating the production of secretory Immunoglobulin A (IgA), an antibody that plays a crucial role in the immune function of mucous membranes. This can help protect against infections that travellers might encounter (Kelesidis & Pothoulakis, 2012).
Supports Digestive Enzymes: This probiotic also aids in the production of digestive enzymes, which can improve nutrient absorption and overall digestive efficiency. This is particularly beneficial when trying new and diverse foods that might be hard to digest (Buts et al., 2006).
Resistant to Antibiotics: One unique advantage of S. boulardii is its resistance to antibiotics. If you need to take antibiotics while travelling, which can disrupt your gut flora, S. boulardii can help maintain gut health without being destroyed by the antibiotics (McFarland, 2010).
Practical Tips for Taking S. Boulardii While Travelling
Start Before You Go: Begin taking S. boulardii a few days before you travel to build up your gut’s defences. This can help prepare your digestive system for any potential disruptions.
Continue During Your Trip: Take S. boulardii daily throughout your trip to maintain gut health. It’s available in capsule and powder form, making it easy to incorporate into your routine.
Stay Hydrated: Staying hydrated is essential, especially when travelling. Proper hydration supports the effectiveness of probiotics and overall digestive health.
Combine with Other Probiotics: For an extra boost, consider combining S. boulardii with other probiotics that contain beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus Reuteri or a multi-strain complex.
Conclusion
Travelling should be about enjoying new experiences, not worrying about digestive issues. Saccharomyces boulardii is a robust probiotic that offers a host of benefits for maintaining gut health on the go. From preventing traveller’s diarrhoea to boosting your immune system, S. boulardii is a reliable travel companion that can help ensure your trip is as enjoyable and stress-free as possible. By incorporating S. boulardii into your travel routine, you can focus on the joy of exploring new places, knowing that your gut health is well taken care of. So, next time you pack your bags, make sure to include this mighty probiotic—it might just be the key to a healthier and happier journey.
Sources:
McFarland, L. V. (2010). Systematic review and meta-analysis of Saccharomyces boulardii in adult patients. World Journal of Gastroenterology: WJG, 16(18), 2202.
Czerucka, D., Piche, T., & Rampal, P. (2007). Review article: yeast as probiotics – Saccharomyces boulardii. Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics, 26(6), 767-778.
Kelesidis, T., & Pothoulakis, C. (2012). Efficacy and safety of the probiotic Saccharomyces boulardii for the prevention and therapy of gastrointestinal disorders. Therapeutic Advances in Gastroenterology, 5(2), 111-125.
Buts, J. P., Bernasconi, P., Crédicourt, C., & Van Craynest, M. P. (2006). Saccharomyces boulardii and intestinal enzymes. Acta Gastro-Enterologica Belgica, 69(3), 342-347.