Heading off overseas can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. Experiencing the culture of another country means exposure not only to exotic places and people, but also to local and exotic foods. For anyone with a sensitive stomach, just the thought of this can trigger a mild panic attack.

When travelling away from the comfort of home, the familiarity of a different location, climate and diet can take a little getting used to. Some of us revel in the thought of trying a variety of street foods and local cuisine, while for others, it means managing a healthy gut, so tummy upsets don’t interrupt a well-planned holiday.

If you’re planning to head overseas and would like some extra support for the health of your digestive system, why not consider Saccharomyces boulardii? Colloquially known as SB, Saccharomyces boulardii is a specific type of probiotic that not only supports healthy gastrointestinal function, but also helps to reduce the occurrence of the symptoms of traveller’s diarrhoea.

The travel buddy for your gut – SB is the perfect accompaniment to your travel kit.

What is SB?

SB is a probiotic yeast that was first discovered in the 1920s by the French microbiologist, Henri Boulard. Boulard noticed locals were consuming a special tea they had made from the outer skins of mangosteen and lychee, using it to protect themselves during an outbreak of cholera, a diarrhoeal infection caused by a specific strain of bacterium that can infect food or water.

On investigation, Boulard was able to isolate the compound, identifying a specific probiotic yeast that was later called Saccharomyces boulardii, in honour of its founder[1].

How does it work?

SB works through several different mechanisms, including promoting the health and integrity of the gut lining, interacting with the microbiome and any potential pathogens in the gut, as well as binding to those pathogens to protect against any ill-effects. Given its activity, SB is commonly used for diarrhoea symptoms.

When should SB be used?

Studies using SB have demonstrated a significant reduction in the occurrence of traveller’s diarrhoea when given 5 days prior to travel and continued throughout the duration of the trip[2]˒[3].

A further meta-analysis of 12 randomised controlled trials of various probiotics (including SB) for the prevention of traveller’s diarrhea found a significant reduction in the risk of traveller’s diarrhea when probiotics were used[4].

Herbs of Gold Probiotic + SB

Herbs of Gold Probiotic + SB contains 6 billion CFU of SB in a probiotic complex. The probiotics in this formula have been specifically chosen for their ability to survive stomach acid and reach the intestines, where they colonise. Herbs of Gold Probiotic + SB helps to support beneficial intestinal flora while also reducing the occurrence and relieving the symptoms of traveller’s diarrhoea.

References:

[1] McFarland L. V. (2010). Systematic review and meta-analysis of Saccharomyces boulardii in adult patients. World Journal of Gastroenterology, 16(18), 2202–2222.

[2] Kollaritsch, H., Holst, H., Grobara, P., & Wiedermann, G. (1993). Prevention of traveller's diarrhea with Saccharomyces boulardii. Results of a placebo controlled double-blind study. Fortschritte der Medizin, 111(9), 152-156.

[3] Kollaritsch, H., Kremsner, P. E. T. E. R., Wiedermann, G. E. R. H. A. R. D., & Scheiner, O. T. T. O. (1989). Prevention of traveller’s diarrhea: comparison of different non-antibiotic preparations. Travel Med Int, 6(6), 9-17.

[4] McFarland, L. V. (2007). Meta-analysis of probiotics for the prevention of traveller's diarrhea. Travel Medicine and Infectious Disease, 5(2), 97-105.