If you have been scrolling through travel content lately, you may have noticed a small glass vial making quite a common appearance. It is not a beauty product or an energy shot. It is a probiotic supplement called ‘erceflora’. Travellers heading to Vietnam, Thailand, and the Philippines and other parts of Southeast Asia, are packing it alongside their sunscreen and travel adapters.
The idea is simple. Street food is one of the biggest attractions of any trip in the world. Eating local is a huge part of the experience. But unfamiliar food, new bacteria and changes in diet can often leave travellers dealing with an upset stomach.
This is where erceflora comes in. The vials contain Bacillus Clausii spores. It is a type of probiotic that is said to survive stomach acid and heat. The spores are designed to support gut health and help maintain the balance of good bacteria in the digestive system, particularly when the body is exposed to new environments and unfamiliar foods. Travellers drink them before meals to avoid stomach problems.
Vietnam has seen a sharp rise in tourist interest this year, with destinations like Phu Quoc Island reporting a high number of visitors. Whole Southeast Asia has become an increasingly popular destination for travellers from South Asia, because of the easier visa process and affordable travel options.
However, nutritionists point out that simple habits like drinking bottled water, washing hands regularly and not overeating unfamiliar food are the most effective ways to stay safe.
For travellers of Bangladesh, the message is clear: enjoying local food is a big part of any journey, but it comes with responsibility. A little caution may play the biggest role in keeping the trip enjoyable from start to finish.
