Stay healthy even when you travel
Nothing can spoil a trip faster than getting sick. I know this because I travel a lot. Whether for business or pleasure, I know the anguish of stomach cramps on a bus in Africa or food poisoning after dinner in Vancouver. Whether you plan to travel abroad or closer to home, being well-prepared goes a long way in preventing the problem from happening or resolving it quickly. I was fortunate to quickly overcome food poisoning in Vancouver, but the cholera I contracted in Africa took longer to heal.
Planning can set the stage for a healthy trip. As a licensed Holistic Nutritionist, I offer the following tips that I provide to my clients and follow myself.
- Boost your immunity before you go. When it comes to immunity, the best defense is a good offense. Ask an employee at your local Health First Member store about immune supplements to boost your defenses.
- Prepare a first aid kit for digestive care.
- Pack probiotics! These are the good microbes that keep your digestive system balanced. Renew Life® Ultimate Flora Critical Care is a 12-strain formula that contains 50 billion active cultures in a stable and convenient format, perfect for travel.
- Include DigestMORE® HCl, digestive enzymes that contain betaine hydrochloride (HCl). The enzymes in the formula help support digestion and HCl increases the acid level in the stomach to help maintain a sterile environment.1 After all, you never know what new "friends" are lurking in your food.
- One week before you leave, include BoulardiiMAX in your daily routine and continue taking it throughout your trip to help prevent antibiotic-associated traveler's diarrhea. BoulardiiMAX is a probiotic that helps reduce the risk of diarrhea and promote intestinal and gastrointestinal health.1 You can take it with Ultimate Flora Critical Care.
- Continue your exercise routine. Don't use your trip as an excuse to skip your workouts. Walking on the beach counts! You'll be surprised how quickly you fall behind if you abandon your exercise routine while on vacation.
- Eat healthily! Choose fruits and vegetables, lean protein, beans, and legumes to nourish yourself. Bring nuts, seeds, fruits, vegetables, and trail mix as healthy snack options.
- Drink plenty of water. Planes are dehydrating. So, bring an empty reusable water bottle to get through security and fill it on the other side. On your excursions, hikes, or beach walks, bring your water bottle with you. Dehydration is particularly noticeable in tropical climates.
- Stick to your supplement regimen. Use a multi-day pill organizer or buy stackable containers at your dollar store to save space in your suitcase. Add your daily supplements to each slot, and you'll be more likely to remember to take them.
- Be prepared. Pack an antiviral herbal tincture in case you start to catch something during the trip. The sooner you take it after symptoms start, the better.1 Your local Health First store can help you choose the right product.
- Protect yourself from the sun. If you are traveling to a sunny destination, don't forget your sunscreen. There can be many harmful chemicals in sun protection products, so consult the Environmental Working Group's "Guide to Sunscreens" to help you choose the best for you and your family.1
- Don't worry! If your flight is delayed, you forgot to pack something, or things don't go as planned, take a deep breath and make new plans with a calm mind. Stress weakens the immune system, which can make you vulnerable to illness.1 Give your stress a vacation, and you'll be surprised it's not there when you get home.
The best-laid plans can go awry when it comes to exotic foods, unfamiliar water, and much more, so boost your immune system, stick to your health routines, be prepared for anything, and most importantly, relax and have a great trip!