A Probiotic for Health Outcomes in Short-Term Overseas Travel

With the improvement of living standards, travel has become a common form of leisure. However, travelers often face changes in living environments, dietary habits, and sleep schedules, all of which can impact the gut microbiota and lead to a range of health issues.

Dietary changes during travel are one of the key factors affecting gut microbiota. Food composition and preparation methods vary widely across regions, introducing novel bacterial strains into the gut. These new strains may compete with the host's indigenous microbiota, causing dysbiosis and gastrointestinal problems such as traveler's diarrhea. Additionally, high-fat diets and low-fiber intake can disrupt gut microbial balance, leading to constipation. Beyond diet, jet lag, stress, and hygiene conditions also influence gut microbiota. For example, frequent cross-time-zone travel disrupts the circadian rhythm of the gut microbiome, impairing the host's metabolic health. Furthermore, exposure to contaminated water or food during travel may introduce pathogenic bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Shigella, and Campylobacter, which can disrupt gut homeostasis and cause gastrointestinal infections.

Changes in gut microbiota not only affect gastrointestinal health but may also trigger respiratory and allergic symptoms. Studies have shown a close relationship between gut microbiota and the immune system; gut dysbiosis can lead to immune dysfunction, increasing the risk of respiratory infections. Additionally, alterations in gut microbiota may influence allergic responses, with exposure to new environments and foods during travel potentially exacerbating allergic symptoms.

Probiotics-live microorganisms that confer health benefits to the host when administered in adequate amounts-have garnered widespread attention for their potential to enhance human health. These beneficial microbes, primarily from the genera Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, promote gut health by modulating the gut microbiome, supporting immune function, and improving digestion. Research indicates that probiotics can alleviate symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease, while also enhancing overall immunity and reducing infection risk. Furthermore, their role in regulating the gut-brain axis highlights their potential to improve mental health. Therefore, rational probiotic supplementation to maintain gut microbiota balance is of great significance for promoting human health.

This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of probiotics in maintaining gut microbial balance and improving health outcomes during short-term travel. By assessing microbial composition, immune markers (e.g., sIgA), respiratory symptoms, allergic and gastrointestinal symptoms, anxiety disorders, sleep quality, and well-being indices, the study seeks to demonstrate the benefits of probiotic supplementation in mitigating travel-related health issues.