I’ve been going to Mexico almost yearly for at least a decade, so naturally I get a lot of questions surrounding what to pack, especially in the event that you were to get traveler’s diarrhea! I’m definitely proactive when it comes to this topic, so let’s unpack what I pack to always be prepared…

What is Traveler’s Diarrhea?

Traveler’s diarrhea is caused by eating or drinking food/water contaminated with bacteria, viruses, or parasites. It’s the most common illness that affects travelers.

Bacteria can include E. Coli or Salmonella. Viruses can include Norovirus (also known as the stomach bug or stomach flu). And parasites like Giardia are a common culprit. 

Traveler’s Diarrhea Symptoms

While traveler’s diarrhea is often evidenced by the obvious symptom – diarrhea, of course – it can also lead to other symptoms such as:

• Abdominal pain and cramping
• Bloating
• Nausea and vomiting 
• Blood in the stool

Tips to Prevent Traveler’s Diarrhea

Whether these are common sense tips you already know or a few hacks you hadn’t thought of, they can go a long way in preventing traveler’s diarrhea so you don’t have to get to the miserable point of fighting sickness after the fact!

• Wash hands often. 
• It’s important to be cautious with produce. If ordering groceries at your destination, always be sure to wash fruits and veggies thoroughly. In areas where water quality is a big concern, and especially for raw fruits and veggies, it’s best to stick with ones you can peel (like bananas or oranges) and avoid pre-cut or unwashed produce. Also be mindful of salads or raw garnishes at restaurants, as they may have been rinsed in contaminated water. 

I use my Branch Basics travel soap and for washing produce (use code TAYLORDUKESWELLNESS). Again, if water quality is a huge concern, I would wash produce with bottled water. Here’s a great article detailing how to naturally clean fruits and veggies. 

• If water quality is a big concern in the area you’re visiting, be sure to brush teeth, wash foods, drink, etc. only from bottled water sources. Avoid ice from the tap as well. Again, this pertains to more extreme conditions. 
• Personally, I do not eat raw fish. To me, the risk is just not worth the reward!
• Drink bottled water only. I always prefer glass over plastic but lets be honest, glass isn’t always an option.
• Take 1-2 capsules of a digestive enzyme with HCl like Xymogen Xymozyme HCl at every meal, which helps with digestion and killing off pathogens. The dose of Hydrochloric acid (HCl) in the digestive enzyme mimics our stomach acid. HCL is a strong acid produced by the stomach lining that plays crucial roles in digestion and protecting the body from infections. 
• Avoid raw or undercooked meat, fish, and shellfish. 
• Build up your immune system and strengthen your gut before traveling: 2 capsules daily of Ortho Molecular Viracid, 1 scoop daily of Ortho Molecular SBI Protect and Therbiotic Saccharomyces Boulardii (a protective probiotic that supports gut health and fights pathogens). I swear by SBI Protect yall!! My husband got sick twice in Mexico when we first got married, and we did SBI Protect for 2 weeks prior to the last trip, he was perfectly fine and he also did take a digestive enzyme at every meal too. 

*Note, pregnant and nursing women should not use Viracid. Personally, if I were pregnant and nursing, I would take a Vitamin C like Xymogen Xcellent C (in place of Viracid) along with SBI Protect and Saccharomyces boulardii. I would also take a digestive enzyme pregnant. 

What I Bring With Me

Many people are surprised to find that I don’t travel with an entire medicine cabinet! I’m a “just the essentials” kind of girl, so I only like to bring what I feel is most necessary or useful for traveling, specifically. Here’s a short list of the supplements I carry. Some are for everyday use and others are for “just in case.” 

• SAVA Magnesium – Two every night, regardless of where I am!
• A binder- For any tummy troubles. I take this daily on an empty stomach to be proactive and definitely at the onset of not feeling well (queasy, nauseous, diarrhea, etc.). Codeage Binder +, Ortho Molecular Z-Binder, Quicksilver Scientific Ultra Binder, GI Detox by Biocidin Botanicals are great options on Fullscript.
• An Immune Support- I’ll take one to boost immunity on longer or more extensive travel. Also great for if I feel myself coming down with something. Immune Support by Needed or Rapid Immune Boost by Herb Farms are great options on Fullscript.
• SAVA Electrolytes – For daily hydration, but also if you get sick. 
• Biocidin– A great natural alternative to Ciprofloxacin (aka Cipro) antibiotic if you come down with something. It has antibacterial, antiviral and antiparasitic properties. 
• Boiron Arsenicum Album and Boiron Oscillococcinum (both can be found on my Fullscript) – These can be taken at first hint of nausea and /or vomiting. You can also find these locally at some health food stores that carry Boiorn.  
• Ivermectin – Did you know it’s actually super effective at combating all kinds of illness?! If you’re in my TDW Membership, then you probably do!

What I’d Do If I Got Traveler’s Diarrhea

Sometimes it happens no matter how diligent you are. Traveler’s diarrhea can be absolutely miserable, so you want to have a plan (and all of your products on hand!) in the event that it would happen. Here’s my personal traveler’s diarrhea emergency plan:

• Start Biocidin Capsules. Biocidin is an all-natural antimicrobial with 18 powerful botanical extracts and oils that detox the entire GI tract of harmful parasites, bacteria, and pathogens. Take 2 capsules 2x/day. Continue for 3-7 days beyond symptom resolution. 
• Start a binder like Codeage Binder +, Ortho Molecular Z-Binder, Quicksilver Scientific Ultra Binder, or GI Detox by Biocidin Botanicals available on Fullscript. . This is the first thing I do at onset or if I feel it coming on. This powerful charcoal-based supplement literally binds to pathogenic organisms and toxic waste for easier excretion from the body. I take the dose  on an empty stomach with a full glass of water in a perfect world, but let’s be honest, if the nausea/vomiting are about to hit, I can only get it down with a sip of water and that’s totally okay. It is important to note that you don’t take a binder  unless it is 1 hour apart from other medications and supplements.
• Sip on water with electrolytes. Don’t try to chug water right away, and read this article for more information on acute symptoms and what I do.
• Until symptoms remediate, avoid foods that can irritate the GI tract, such as spicy foods, high fat foods, alcohol, and caffeine. 
• Once symptoms resolve, work on restoring the integrity of the gut. My favorite support  for this is immunoglobulins like IgGI Shield™ Immunoglobulins by Designs for Health, Immuno SBI Powder or Capsules by Biotics Research, or SBI Protect Ortho Molecular available on Fullscript.. Include my Gut Healing Green Soup as a staple in your diet for a few weeks. And be sure to take advantage of all of the resources in my article All About Gut Health: Master Roundup of Articles, Symptoms, and Easy Actions to Improve Your Gut Health. 
• Continue to prioritize hydration. If you’re losing a lot of water through the bowels, it’s always a good idea to replace electrolytes. I never travel without my SAVA Electrolytes for everyday wellness as well as if I get hit with a bug! 

*Note, if you continue to experience persistent gut symptoms, you may consider diving deeper and getting a GI Map test via the TDW Membership in order to determine whether certain parasites, bacteria, or pathogens are the issue. 

*Note, for Children…the above supplements are all supplements I would personally feel comfortable using with my children. 

• I would use Clark’s Rule to adjust the adult dose based on the child’s weight. 
• Regarding Biocidin Drops, I would go with Biocidin Liquid  for children, which would be easier for dosing. Children’s dosing is 1 drop per 10 lbs of body weight 2x daily. 

*Note, for Pregnant and Nursing Women…

• We do not suggest pregnant and nursing women take a binder or Biocidin. Immunoglobulins, digestive enzymes and immunoglobulins are generally pregnancy safe. They would be fantastic supplements to take in order to build back up the integrity of your gut if your provider approves, but we suggest you work closely with your health care practitioner during an active experience of traveler’s diarrhea. 

Extra Resources:

• • Traveling Healthy
  • My Travel Essentials: What to Pack on Your Next Trip
  • Traveling with a Toddler: Healthy Snacks and Screen Free Ideas
  • All About Gut Health: Master Roundup of Articles, Symptoms, and Easy Actions to Improve Your Gut Health