Rumbling tummies, gas build up, and loose stools are not ever comfortable for anyone. These symptoms can be excruciating when flying on an airplane, especially when gas bubbles expand at higher altitudes, bathroom use is limited, and we are confined to our seats for long periods of time.
Intestinal issues of any kind for travelers of any age don’t mix well with airline travel.
What can we pack to prevent or deal with these symptoms when away from the comforts of home? You may have heard of probiotics as they seem to be the new thing on the grocery shelves, in yogurt, smoothies, infant formula, etc. Are all probiotics the same? I hadn’t really thought much about it before this past month…
Last December, my 5 year old son took his first ever round of antibiotics for bacterial pneumonia. The antibiotics were effective immediately and he was 100% back to his healthy self.
Or was he?
The very next month I noticed increased complaints of stomach pain. Although the complaints were mild, I noticed he was uncomfortable and I could often hear his tummy rumbling. I had started my son on probiotics from our local health store immediately after the 10 days of antibiotics, but they didn’t seem to have worked.
Reality check: Antibiotics can be a lifesaver wiping out bad bacteria, but unfortunately, it also wipes out the good “friendly” bacteria and messes up the delicate balance of powers in our digestive systems. My son’s tummy was at war and his friendly bacteria weren’t around to help out against the “bad” bacteria.
Then I was contacted by the company BioGaia about their probiotic which they believed should be included in our Products Worth Packing page. BioGaia offers a probiotic for children (and adults) available in various forms. I read through their press kit and was amazed at the extent of research and numerous (over 60) clinical trials that have been done over the years and the wonderful results they demonstrated. But I wanted to know for myself - Does it really work?
My son started on 5 “drops” daily of the BioGaia Probiotic. Added to a small amount of juice, he drank every last bit.
This past month was a busy month for our family. But all of a sudden I realized… Hey – I haven’t heard any tummy complaints in a long time! When asked, my son confirmed he didn’t have any more tummy pain or uncomfortable rumbling or gas.
The probiotic strain from BioGaia is Lactobacillus reuteri – this is is one of the world’s most studied probiotic strains. To date more than 60 clinical studies have been done demonstrating its effects (yes, it even helped those babies with colic! Colicky babies on planes? Hmmm… you might want to check these probiotics out if your baby suffers from colic. That can be a nightmare at home or on the plane!).
Where is this “friendly Lactobacillus reuteri bacteria” found? The commercial strain of L. reuteri was derived from the breast milk of a woman from the pristine Andes mountains.
BioGaia offers probiotics in 3 forms: liquid drops, chewable tablets, and straws.
There are two options that travel well; the chewable tablets and the straws (the liquid version must be refrigerated and so is best left at home). The straws contain the daily recommended amount of probiotic inside each straw (children will not even realize they are adding some health to their drinks)! One straw per day is all that is required for the proper dosage when kids drink 3-4 ounces of a beverage through the straw (avoid hot liquids as this can damage the probiotics). I will be packing the chewable tablets for our upcoming trips, as this takes the least amount of room in the luggage and the entire family will benefit.
Probiotics are especially important when traveling as the stress of travel combined with unfamiliar foods and lack of routine can throw any traveler’s GI system off. Whether traveling or not, respect the GI system after antibiotic use and consider starting probiotics immediately. The great thing about probiotics is that you can start taking them before problems arise and prevent GI symptoms.
BioGaia does a great job answering common questions: explaining Probiotics, why their product is special, and why the dose for adults is the same as for children – all this and much more can be found at www.childrensprobiotics.com.
Where can BioGaia Probiotics be purchased?
I like that I can order directly online from the company or by calling toll-free (877) 776 0101 AND they offer Free Standard Shipping on orders over $20.
You can also print out this order form (provided on the website) and bring it to the pharmacy of your choice. It is not a prescription product but they can order it for you and have it available within 24 hours.
Tomorrow I will fly cross-country with my 5 year old son. Yes, it will be a long flight from CA to FL. But now that the tummy issues are under control, that flight will be so much more comfortable! Thank you BioGaia!
As with any supplement, vitamin, medication or treatment; consult with your child’s physician before administering products to your child.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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