Pictured above: Yakult, the original probiotic developed in 1935 by Dr Shirota, at Kyoto University in Japan
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The Health Protection Agency has estimated that up to 50 per cent of overseas travellers will experience 'traveller's diarrhoea' (TD) whilst abroad. A common condition often affecting those travelling to tropical or exotic locations.
To avoid this happening to you abroad, Professor Colette Shortt, visiting lecturer at the University of Ulster and Director of Science at Yakult, provides the following preventative measures.
Use only water that is boiled, from sealed bottles or that has been treated with sterilisation tablets for cleaning teeth.
Be vigilant about washing your hands, particularly after going to the toilet and before preparing food as germs can live on surfaces
Stick to foods that are freshly cooked and sizzling hot, or fruit and vegetables that you can peel yourself. Where possible, avoid shellfish (which can carry toxins from contaminated waters); salads (which can harbour bacteria, often through being washed in contaminated water); unpasteurised dairy produce and dishes containing raw egg. Avoid foods that have been washed under the tap, and don't have ice in your drinks unless you are certain it is sterile.
Inspect restaurants for flies; if they are visible on tables or in the toilet, you can be sure they are present in the kitchen. Do not share cutlery items with others.
Always seek medical help if symptoms are extreme or prolonged. Medical advice should be sought immediately if you notice blood in the faeces or if the TD is accompanied by fever and/or vomiting.
You can get a free information pack which includes tips for healthy eating and a guide on how your digestive system works (Guide to the Gut), on
Tel: 0845 7697 069.
Visit: Yakult
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Live beneficial bacteria in the intestine help protect your digestive system against unfriendly bugs. Prepare for your holiday by taking a good quality probiotic such as Yakult or Leben each day for a few weeks before travelling. When you arrive, look for similar probiotics (which are available in many foreign countries), or top up with traditional yoghurt. TD causes considerable fluid loss, so drink plenty of clean (bottled or boiled) water as well.
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"Traveller's diarrhoea can be caused by a range of bacteria and viruses, including well-known culprits such as Campylobacter, Salmonella, Shigella, E coli and Rotavirus. Transmission usually occurs through hand-to-mouth contact (for example touching a contaminated surface and then putting your hands to your mouth), or through eating food infected with bugs (which may have been transferred through flies, or simply poor restaurant hygiene)."
— Professor Colette Shortt
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