Traveler’s Gut: How to Eat Adventurously Without Regret
Let’s be honest...we're all talking about explosive diarrhea right now, haha. While we can laugh about it, digestive issues while traveling are no joke, and I’m here to help you lower your chances of experiencing them on your next international trip.
Travelers gut is a very real thing, and it can happen for several reasons. Many people assume it is always food poisoning, but that is not necessarily the case.
When we travel abroad, we are eating and drinking things our bodies are not used to. Maybe a fiery Sichuan dish in China, a strong coffee in Istanbul, or several days of stinky cheeses and rich sauces in Paris. Even when the food is perfectly safe, these changes can still cause constipation, diarrhea, or general stomach discomfort, cue travelers gut.
Travel also exposes our digestive systems to unfamiliar microbes and bacteria, including both helpful and harmful ones. If the harmful ones begin to take over, you'll know. Just ask me about Cuba, circa 2017.
So, what foods and drinks do I avoid when traveling internationally? Other than a few sketchy street vendors in India, I don't avoid anything. Trying dishes from countries around the world is one of the reasons are love to travel.
So how have I only gotten travelers gut once in all my travels?
My secret is two things:
A simple probiotic. I find that supporting my gut before and during a trip helps me feel more prepared when introducing my system to new flavors.
LifeStraw water bottle. Its activated carbon filter removes 99.99% of parasites, microbes, and microplastics while also reducing chlorine, odors, and organic chemicals, improving the water’s taste.
Don't let the fear of travelers gut keep you from experiencing the flavors of your destination.
Keep Traveling,
Mo 🌍
