Travel food affects gut health, experts say

Experts report that foods eaten while traveling can reshape the gut microbiome, and that foodborne illness acquired on trips can persist and increase the risk of post-infectious digestive conditions.

When people travel, the foods they eat can influence the immune system and reshape gut bacteria. Medical experts note that traveler's diarrhea and other foodborne illnesses can disrupt the gastrointestinal tract and may persist after a trip. Dietary patterns often change while away, with more processed items and less fiber reported. The discussion centers on how those shifts can affect gut function and the potential for longer-term symptoms. Key points: - Travel can alter the gut microbiome, with reported dietary shifts such as more ultra-processed foods and reduced fiber while away from home. - Foodborne illness acquired during travel can introduce pathogens that linger and are reported to raise the risk of post-infectious conditions such as IBS or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth; one expert cited that about one in nine people who experience food poisoning develop IBS. - Experts report preventive measures often mentioned in clinical guidance, including avoiding uncooked foods and local tap water in some settings to reduce exposure to unfamiliar microorganisms. - Many travel-related dietary changes are reported to be reversible after returning to usual eating patterns, and clinicians say evaluation is appropriate if symptoms persist. Summary: Travel-related food choices and exposures can affect gut health and, in some cases, lead to longer-term digestive conditions. Experts report that many changes reverse after returning home and note that clinical evaluation is appropriate when problems continue. Undetermined at this time.