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Excerpt from My China Syndrome

Travel Preparation

As a naturopath and educator, a very big part of my life is involved with consulting about and recommending to clients some very tiny organisms—good bacteria known as probiotics. Before my two-week trip through five major areas in mainland China, I increased my normal probiotics intake as a precaution against sanitation standards different from those at home in California.

First Signs of Distress

Our first night in Beijing was at a five-star hotel, complete with a warning not to drink tap water (or use it for brushing teeth). Anticipating rural areas with limited US-grade water, I resolved to eat and drink freely—including local tap water and ice—and manage my gut health solely with probiotics.

Controlled Experiment

I was taking approximately 10 billion CFUs of twelve different probiotic strains with each meal. On day five, I felt my first “gurgle”—a sign of looming intestinal distress. After one tour member succumbed to stomach issues, I doubled my probiotic dose for the next two meals and woke up feeling perfectly fine, then returned to my standard regimen.

Rigorous Itinerary

The sightseeing schedule was intense—departing hotels at 7:30 AM and returning around 10:00 PM, with little downtime. Physical stress, unfamiliar foods, questionable water, and lack of sleep all contributed to a high stress load. Despite the challenges (and even passing up snake wine), I maintained normal intestinal health throughout, never needing my over-the-counter diarrhea medications.

Key Takeaway

Probiotics proved to be a great travel companion, illustrating their power in real‐life situations. While I don’t recommend drinking unsafe water against local advice, my controlled experiment demonstrates how effective the right probiotic program can be.

Invitation

Settle into a comfortable armchair and journey with me through the book. Learn about probiotics and how they can transform your life for the better.