How can probiotics help with traveler's diarrhea?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Probiotics may help prevent traveler's diarrhea by supporting a healthy gut microbiome, according to several research studies. Certain strains, such as Saccharomyces boulardii and Lactobacillus, have shown the most promise in reducing the risk of digestive issues while traveling abroad.

However, probiotics aren't a guaranteed solution, and diarrhea can stem from many causes—including bacterial infections, viruses, food intolerances, or underlying conditions—each requiring different treatment. If you're experiencing symptoms or want to prepare before a trip, don't guess. Take a free, instant, online symptom check to better understand what may be going on and get clear guidance on your next steps.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026

Important Next Steps

Discover likely causes of travelers diarrhea Learn if your symptoms need care today Find out if probiotics helped your diarrhea See OTC options for travelers diarrhea relief Find a doctor for travel-related diarrhea Understand home remedies for diarrhea relief Discover whether your diarrhea needs urgent care

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Explanation

Traveler's diarrhea is a common issue for people visiting new places. Probiotics are healthy bacteria that can help keep your stomach healthy.

How Probiotics Help

Prevention: Some studies suggest that taking probiotics can lower the chances of getting traveler's diarrhea. They help by keeping a balance of good bacteria in your gut.
Types of Probiotics: Different types of probiotics might work differently. The studies show that certain strains are more effective than others in preventing diarrhea.

What the Studies Say

McFarland's Study (2007): This research looked at many studies and found that probiotics can help prevent traveler's diarrhea.
Alharbi & Alateek (2024): This study also supports the idea that probiotics can help in preventing diarrhea during travel.
Bae's Analysis (2018): This research combined results from many trials and found similar benefits of probiotics.

In summary, taking probiotics might help you avoid getting sick when you travel, but it's important to choose the right type. If you're experiencing digestive symptoms during your travels, you can use Ubie's free AI-powered symptom checker to better understand your condition before consulting with a healthcare provider about supplements.

(References)

McFarland LV. (2007). Meta-analysis of probiotics for the prevention of traveler's .... Travel medicine and infectious disease, 17298915.
Alharbi BF, & Alateek AA. (2024). Investigating the influence of probiotics in preventing .... Travel medicine and infectious disease, 38458507.
Bae JM. (2018). an adaptive meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Epidemiology and health, 30189723.

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