Summer vacations and traveling adventures can perform wonders for your heart, mind and spirit, but they can also have a toll on your physical health if you're not careful. Many travelers understand first-hand the unfortunate risks to digestive health that often "come with the territory," so to speak. Travelling, backpacking, even a simple camping trip (among other routes of exposure) can introduce foreign microbes to the digestive tract, resulting in mild to severe digestive problems that could be difficult to diagnose. But in the event that you keep the beneficial bacteria colonies in your gut healthy and strong, your chances of experiencing such digestive imbalances are far less, whether or not you're in a fresh place or your personal backyard. In addition, beneficial bacteria can strengthen your current health in a number of ways.Digestive Health may be the Cornerstone of VitalityOptimal digestion is actually the cornerstone of any health restoration and maintenance program, for most reasons. From complete nutrient absorption to immune health, and also brain and neurotransmitter function, digestive health directly influences an array of critical processes within the body. And much of these digestive-related functions hinge on the presence of healthy bacteria colonies in the digestive tract. New studies are revealing insights into the far-reaching health advantages, complexity and uniqueness of the friendly bacteria which reside in and all around us, flourishing under the right conditions. One of the most beneficial strains being studied is named Saccharomyces boulardii. read more is a beneficial ("friendly") yeast that can thrive inside our digestive systems, so it's considered "non-pathogenic." T here fore S. bouliardii colonization in the gut is healthy and beneficial, unlike pathogenic yeasts such as Candida albicans. Widely used in Europe now for many years, numerous studies have demonstrated S. boulardii's beneficial effects in both treating and preventing diarrhea, which occurs in a wide variety of circumstances including acute microbial infections, antibiotic use, and in several chronic gastrointestinal disorders.Studies have shown that friendly yeast reduced the incidence of acute diarrhea in adults and children. Tests done on travelers discovered that the ingestion of S. boulardii significantly reduced the incidence of traveler's diarrhea which occurs when foreign microbes enter the machine. Taking S. boulardii can also help prevent the onset of diarrhea as a side effect of antibiotic use.Important Information for anybody Taking AntibioticsPseudomembranous colitis is really a serious digestive complication which can occur with the use of antibiotics. Antibiotics may be necessary for acute infections, but they also kill the beneficial bacterial populations in the digestive system, and allow harmful bacteria and microbes to take over. One particularly bad bacteria overgrowth that can occur with some antibiotic use is named Clostridium difficile. This bacterium produces toxins that may cause very serious and potentially life-threatening diarrhea, that is then treated with more antibiotics, developing a vicious cycle. However, studies on our friend S. boulardii are showing excellent results in the prevention and recurrence of this dangerous kind of colitis. Furthermore, S. boulardii has been proven to stimulate immune antibody production contrary to the C. difficile toxin specifically, together with stimulate the production of enzymes in the digestive system that help to breakdown this serious toxin. S. boulardii also inhibits the growth and reproduction of the harmful Clostridium bacteria. In case you are taking antibiotics or have taken them in past times, including S. boulardii in your daily program might help protect your digestive and general health naturally.Help for Irritable Bowel SyndromeAnother digestive condition helped by S. boulardii is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), that is characterized by a group of chronic digestive symptoms including abdominal pain often associated with multiple, loose stools. S. boulardii again comes to the rescue, proving its ability to normalize the stool and reduce the quantity of daily bowel movements. Anyone experiencing IBS should see a qualified practitioner who assesses for bacterial overgrowth, parasites, inflammatory markers, food sensitivities, etc., that may all contribute to the outward symptoms of IBS.Natural Anti-Inflammatory ActionsS. boulardii also communicates with the organism in which it lives (you!) and will help regulate inflammation through the entire body. It can this by modifying inflammatory pathways and inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory chemicals. S. boulardii also promotes the body's production of natural anti-inflammatory chemicals to help keep inflammation in check, an important key to long term health and vitality.Saccharomyces boulardii is a wonderful ally in the ever broadening family of beneficial organisms which provide protection from disease and help keep us healthy. Keep S. boulardii at heart if you ever get yourself a case of diarrhea, have to take antibiotics, or create a candida overgrowth. Pack some S. boulardii in your travel bag if you are planning a trip, as it might save you from the real "traveler's blues" and allow one to enjoy your long awaited vacation. For more tips about maintaining digestive health and wellness, visit http://www.dreliaz.org.Dr. Isaac Eliaz is really a respected author, lecturer, researcher, product formulator, and clinical practitioner. He has been a pioneer in neuro-scientific integrative medicine because the early 1980s. Dr. Eliaz is a frequent guest lecturer on integrative medical approaches to health, immune enhancement, and cancer prevention and treatment. To find out more, please visit http://www.dreliaz.org.