Even for those exploring a different US state, the stress of packing for the family and making sure everything is left organized at home can imbalance the sensitive gut flora. The change to normal dietary routine and local water and other fluid intakes can also alter the balance of our gut flora and affect bowel movements. The gut flora has a huge impact on the functioning of our digestive and immune systems. 

Depending on your vacation destination, there is a 5-50% chance that you could experience a bout of travelers diarrhea¹. Especially when abroad, local strains of bacteria will be new to the body and therefore, may cause some gut disturbance compared to those microbes we are familiar with at home². Since childhood, we have built up a team of antibodies waiting ready to fight common invaders but are not ready for unknown foreign bugs. 

Probiotics are being used successfully as a travelers diarrhea remedy and tested in studies to support healthy digestive and immune systems at these times. A review of all 940 studies between 1977 to 2005, concluded that a probiotic was able to significantly prevent travelers diarrhea with no serious adverse reactions¹. One study looked at a group of tourists visiting Turkey where travelers diarrhea affected 40% of the tourists compared to only 24% of those who took a lactobacillus containing probiotic food supplement^1,2. A multi-strain probiotic containing Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum was shown to be particularly beneficial¹.

Bio-Kult is a unique live bacteria dietary supplement with 14 probiotic strains. We recommend taking Bio-Kult capsules as a travelers diarrhea remedy two weeks before, during and two weeks after your vacation to assist with travelers diarrhea.

It has been reported that women visit their GP more frequently with urinary tract discomfort during the summer months.²  A possible cause of this may be an increase in sexual activity, dehydration and a warm moist urogenital environment. It is even suggested that sitting around in a damp swimsuit may increase your susceptibility.

In more than 80% of cases detailing symptoms of urinary tract discomfort, the common cause appears to be the overgrowth of the bacteria E. coli normally originating from the digestive system.  Such symptoms are more common in females and this is likely due to the close proximity of the bladder to the rectum. If E.coli has reached the bladder, the body’s natural defence is to flush it out with urination. Unfortunately if given the chance, the E.coli is able to attach itself to the bladder wall using its pili (hair-like structures).  It is when the E.coli attaches to the bladder wall that they are able to multiply and cause the common urinary tract discomfort. 

Drinking two litres of water each day which will help to keep the urine at an appropriate pH as well as encouraging the bladder to flush out any harmful bacteria regularly. Reducing alcohol, caffeine and sugar from the diet can also help to maintain a healthy bladder, as these can be possible triggers for some.

As this discomfort may originate from a bacterial overgrowth in the gut, another recommended solution is to support the gut flora with live bacteria from either fermented foods or a live bacteria supplement.

Bio-Kult Pro-Cyan is an advanced triple action formulation containing cranberry extract, live bacteria and vitamin A. One of Pro-Cyan's key ingredients is vitamin A which contributes to the normal function of the immune system and the maintenance of mucous membranes, found in various places within the body including the intestinal lining, vagina and urinary tract.