Could Probiotics Be New Travel Wonder?
March 27, 2007. As frequent visitors to the luxury vacation rentals of exotic places, we were especially intrigued by an article on probiotics, or "good" microorganisms. The Washington Post reported on the possibility that probiotics, found in health supplements and some yogurt, may be helpful in fending off travelers' diarrhea, or TD.
While TD only affects about one in five travelers to developing countries, it can still be a nuisance. The culprit is usually bacteria from infected drinking water or food. So can "good" bacteria combat the "bad" bacteria?
The short answer is maybe, although no hard scientific evidence backs this up.
Biocodex is suggesting its product, Florastor, may help if taken "twice daily before, during and for a few days after a trip." The product has had a following with Europeans for about 50 years, and one study suggested yeast related to Florastor's active ingredient was helpful.
Scientists interviewed for the article suggested there is no study that provides conclusive evidence. They were measured in the criticism, however, and many said the use of probiotics could not hurt.
Sounds like the jury is still out on this one.
Of course, nothing could ever stop us from visiting Mexico or Belize. Next time we go, however, we're might just pack some probiotics.
