Taos Toilets: Altitude Lies Crashing Probiotics?
By Franklin Everett ShawThe crisp mountain air bites at your cheeks, a stark contrast to the sun blazing overhead. You’ve arrived in Taos, New Mexico, a land of ancient pueblos, stunning landscapes, and an altitude that can leave you breathless. But beyond the immediate effects of thin air, something else might be struggling: your gut. The unique environment of Taos, particularly its high altitude, can significantly impact the delicate balance of your gut microbiome, potentially rendering your usual probiotic routine ineffective, or even detrimental.
The altitude in Taos, hovering around 7,000 feet, presents a unique challenge. Lower oxygen levels can affect gut motility, slowing digestion and potentially leading to bloating and discomfort. This altered gut environment can impact the survival and effectiveness of probiotic bacteria.
Probiotics, live microorganisms intended to benefit the host, are not all created equal. The strains that thrive in a sea-level environment might not fare so well in the rarefied air of Taos.
Consider Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, a common probiotic strain often used for its immune-boosting properties. While effective at lower altitudes, its efficacy in Taos might be diminished due to the altered gut environment caused by altitude-induced hypoxia.
So, what’s a health-conscious traveler or resident to do? The key is to focus on probiotic strains known for their resilience and ability to function in stressful environments.
- Bacillus subtilis: This spore-forming probiotic is incredibly robust. Its spore form protects it from harsh conditions, including low oxygen and varying temperatures, making it a more reliable choice in Taos. Think of it as the special forces of the probiotic world.
- Saccharomyces boulardii: While technically a yeast, S. boulardii is a powerful probiotic known for its ability to combat diarrhea and support gut health during travel. It’s less susceptible to the effects of altitude and can help maintain a healthy gut flora balance.
- Bifidobacterium infantis: This strain is particularly beneficial for infants and can help establish a healthy gut microbiome. While research is ongoing, some studies suggest it may also help adults with digestive issues, and its resilience makes it a potentially good choice for the Taos environment.
Beyond strain selection, storage and consumption methods are crucial. Probiotics are sensitive to temperature and humidity.
Many people make the mistake of leaving their probiotics in a hot car or a humid bathroom. In Taos, with its dramatic temperature swings and dry climate, this is a recipe for disaster.
- Storage: Store your probiotics in a cool, dry place, ideally in the refrigerator, even if the label doesn’t explicitly require it. This will help maintain their viability.
- Consumption: Take your probiotics with food. This helps buffer the bacteria from stomach acid and increases their chances of reaching the intestines alive.
- Timing: Avoid taking probiotics at the same time as antibiotics, as the antibiotics can kill the beneficial bacteria.
Another challenge in Taos is the potential for “traveler’s diarrhea.” While specific data comparing Taos to other similar towns at lower elevations is limited, anecdotal evidence suggests that visitors often experience digestive upset. This could be due to a combination of factors, including altitude, changes in diet, and exposure to new microbes.
To combat this, consider these preventative dietary measures, tailored to the Taos region:
- Embrace Local Fermented Foods: Northern New Mexico has a rich culinary tradition. Incorporate fermented foods like chicos (dried corn) and traditional atole (a blue corn drink) into your diet. These foods naturally contain beneficial bacteria that can help support your gut microbiome.
- Be Mindful of Green Chile: While delicious, green chile can be harsh on the digestive system, especially for those not accustomed to it. Start with small amounts and gradually increase your tolerance.
- Stay Hydrated: The dry air at high altitude can lead to dehydration, which can further exacerbate digestive issues. Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
- Consider Prebiotics: Prebiotics are non-digestible fibers that feed the beneficial bacteria in your gut. Foods like garlic, onions, and asparagus are good sources of prebiotics.
One common pitfall is assuming that all probiotic supplements are created equal. Many over-the-counter probiotics contain low doses of bacteria or strains that are not well-researched.
- Look for Third-Party Testing: Choose probiotics that have been tested by a third-party organization like USP or NSF. This ensures that the product contains the ingredients listed on the label and is free from contaminants.
- Check the CFU Count: CFU stands for Colony Forming Units, which is a measure of the number of live bacteria in a dose. Aim for a probiotic with a CFU count of at least 1 billion.
- Read the Label Carefully: Pay attention to the specific strains of bacteria in the probiotic and research their benefits.
Another mistake is expecting immediate results. It can take several weeks for probiotics to have a noticeable effect on your gut health. Be patient and consistent with your probiotic routine.
Furthermore, don’t rely solely on probiotics. A healthy diet, regular exercise, and stress management are all essential for maintaining a healthy gut microbiome.
Think of probiotics as a tool to support your overall gut health, not a magic bullet.
In conclusion, navigating the world of probiotics in Taos, New Mexico, requires a nuanced approach. By selecting resilient strains, optimizing storage and consumption methods, and adopting preventative dietary measures, you can support your gut health and enjoy all that this unique region has to offer. Don’t let altitude sickness extend to your gut. Be proactive, be informed, and listen to your body. Your gut will thank you for it.