Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are good for your health, especially your gut. They are often called “good” or “friendly” bacteria because they help keep your gut healthy. Probiotics can be found in some foods, such as yogurt and sauerkraut, and supplements.  Some people believe that probiotics can also protect you from getting sick when traveling to a foreign country. This is because when you travel to a new place, you are exposed to new and potentially harmful bacteria that your gut may not be used to.

By taking a probiotic supplement with some of these seven top probiotic strains, you can help keep your gut healthy and protect yourself from getting sick while traveling, while also benefiting from other probiotic health benefits.

Lactobacillus acidophilus

Lactobacillus acidophilus is a common probiotic strain that can be found in yogurt and other fermented foods. It is one of the most well-studied probiotic strains, and it has been shown to have a variety of health benefits. L. acidophilus has been shown to improve gut barrier function, reduce inflammation, and promote the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut. This strain as a good probiotic can help with digestion, diarrhea, and other digestive issues that water or new food can create. You just need to take 1-10 billion CFUs (colony-forming units) per day.

Additionally, L. acidophilus has been shown to boost the immune system, lower cholesterol levels, and reduce the risk of colon cancer.

Bifidobacterium longum

Bifidobacterium longum is also often found in fermented foods such as yogurt, kimchi, and sauerkraut. It is one of the most commonly used probiotic strains, and like L. acidophilus, it has a variety of health benefits. Besides being good for gut health, B. longum has also been shown to boost the immune system and reduce inflammation. This probiotic can help with several digestive issues such as constipation, diarrhea, and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

However, one of the most intriguing benefits of B. longum is its ability to improve mental health. This probiotic has been shown to reduce anxiety and depression, and it may even help with memory and cognitive function. If you’re not sure about the connection between guts and mental health, consider the fact that 95% of the body’s serotonin (a neurotransmitter that plays a role in mood) is produced in the gut.

Lactobacillus plantarum

Lactobacillus plantarum is another common probiotic strain that can be found in fermented foods. The difference between L. plantarum and the other probiotics on this list is that it is more resistant to stomach acid and bile, which means it is more likely to survive the journey through the digestive system and arrive alive in the gut. This makes L. plantarum a great choice for people with digestive issues such as IBS or Crohn’s disease.

L. plantarum has a variety of health benefits, including the ability to reduce inflammation, improve gut barrier function, and boost the immune system. This probiotic can also help with weight loss by reducing appetite and increasing metabolism, so it’s very often a part of weight loss programs and supplements. If you’re looking for a probiotic to help with digestive issues or weight loss, L. plantarum is a good choice.

Bacillus coagulans

Bacillus coagulans is a type of bacteria that forms spores, which are resistant to heat, acid, and moisture. This makes B. coagulans a great choice for people who have trouble digesting probiotics. Some probiotics are killed by stomach acid before they have a chance to reach the gut, but B. coagulans can survive the journey and provide health benefits.

On the other hand, B. coagulans is not as well studied as other probiotics on this list. However, it does have several potential health benefits, including the ability to improve gut health, boost the immune system, and reduce inflammation. If you’re looking for a probiotic with a strong safety profile, B. coagulans is a good choice to take on the travel.

Kluyveromyces marxianus

Kluyveromyces marxianus is another type of yeast that is often used as a probiotic. This strain is known for its ability to survive in hostile environments, and it is effective in treating diarrhea. Additionally, Kluyveromyces marxianus has been shown to improve gut barrier function and reduce inflammation.

The difference between Kluyveromyces marxianus and Saccharomyces boulardii is that Kluyveromyces marxianus is more resistant to stomach acid. This makes Kluyveromyces marxianus a good choice for people with digestive issues or who are taking antibiotics.

However, Kluyveromyces marxianus is not as well studied as other probiotics on this list and may not be suitable for people with yeast sensitivities or allergies. If you have to choose between Kluyveromyces marxianus and Saccharomyces boulardii, it would depend on your individual needs and where you’re traveling.

Saccharomyces boulardii

Saccharomyces boulardii is a type of yeast that is often used as a probiotic. Unlike other probiotics on this list, S. boulardii is not a bacteria but it still offers many health benefits. This probiotic can also be used to prevent traveler’s diarrhea and Clostridium difficile (C. diff) infection.

S. boulardii is also special because it is one of the few probiotics that is effective in children. This probiotic can help with diarrhea, constipation, and other digestive issues in children. If you’re looking for a probiotic for your child on the road, S. boulardii is a good choice.

On the other hand, even if it helps with gut health, this probiotic may not be suitable for people with yeast sensitivities or allergies. Since it is yeast, it can cause an overgrowth of yeast in the gut if taken in large quantities. It is recommended to start with a lower dose and increase gradually to avoid any side effects.

Bifidobacterium infantis

Bifidobacterium infantis is particularly beneficial for infants and young children, as it helps to establish a healthy gut microbiome. This probiotic can also help with constipation, diarrhea, and other digestive issues in children. Additionally, B. infantis has been shown to reduce inflammation and boost the immune system, and this can be very important when traveling. If you’re looking for a safe probiotic for your child, B. infantis is a good choice.

Of course, make sure to choose a product that specifically contains B. infantis, as many probiotic products do not contain this strain.

Probiotics are essential for gut health, and there are many different probiotic strains available. Each of these probiotics has its own unique set of benefits, so it is important to choose a strain that meets your individual needs.

However, if you’re looking for an effective probiotic that will keep you safe when traveling to another country, any of the seven strains listed here would be a good choice.