Stay Healthy Abroad

Jan 29, 2021 | The Healthy Way Newsletter

Travel: the time to explore new environments. Environments filled with exotic flora and fauna and experimenting with local cuisines. It can be like playing roulette with our digestion, opening us up to attacks on our immune system.

However, none of that is a reason not to explore this beautiful planet of ours. So we’ve developed a list of some precautions to take before heading to the airport for your next exotic experience.

Pre-travel vitamins

Rounding out your body’s vitamin and mineral content by taking a daily multivitamin is always a good idea. Be sure to include Zinc, B-complex, Vitamin C, and Vitamin D3 to strengthen your immune system before and after your trip. We work with Fullscript to deliver the best supplements right to your door.

Our bespoke intravenous vitamin treatments are mixed in a saline solution, bolstering your hydration level while delivering the goods your body needs for adventures.

Hydration

While “drink more water” is self-explanatory, it’s twice as important when travelling. When spending time in an airplane, breathing recycled, dehumidified air, dehydration plays a waiting game that it’s bound to win. When the airline attendant asks what you’d like to drink, skip the coffee and wine and opt for a bottle of water. Or don’t, but if you don’t, double down on the water after landing.

Travel supplements

Travel is exciting! Experiencing new places, new situations, the unexpected, and general thrills throw your body’s adrenal glands into high gear. Your mind may be on vacation, but your body is on active duty, so help it manage the added activity with natural supplements:

Adaptogens

Reishi, Ashwagandha, Holy Basil, and Siberian Ginseng can help fight stress, anxiety, and fatigue. Begin taking your preferred adaptogen at least a week before you travel. Natural supplements take time to build up to their peak efficiency. And for those afraid of flying, try a Passiflora supplement.

Antimicrobials

Pathogen killers that support your digestive and immune systems in warding off new strains of bacteria your body may not be accustomed to. Start warding off traveller’s diarrhea early with antimicrobials like oil of oregano, grapefruit seed extract or colloidal silver.

Melatonin

The supplement of choice for fighting jet lag as it helps rebalance your body’s circadian rhythm. Most melatonin supplements suggest taking the dose before going to bed in your new destination, and doing so for a couple of days until you feel you’ve adapted [get instructions from our bottle].

Probiotics

Keep your gut flora well-oiled (metaphorically speaking). It’s of extra importance while travelling because of the sheer breadth of possible encounters with new foods and drinks. Water-borne bacteria differ significantly around the world (as do food care standards); a seemingly innocent salad may harbour a nasty surprise when eaten in a foreign land. Keep your gut in shape before and during your trip by supplementing with a quality probiotic.

Ginger

The world renown remedy for easing nausea, upset stomach, indigestion, and even motion sickness. Sometimes there’s no need to try over-the-counter medication when a natural supplement is even better. Keep some natural ginger chews with you at all times for those unexpected moments. Moreover, taking digestive enzymes can help prevent digestive discomfort.

First aid kit

A classic first aid kit is always welcome when going away. You can purchase a travel-sized one at any pharmacy or make your own.

We always include:

Adhesive bandages (multiple sizes)
Adhesive tape
Alcohol-based hand sanitizer
Antiseptic wash (like alcohol or iodine pads)
Activated charcoal and Alka-Seltzer
Blister pads or moleskin
Gauze
Safety pins and scissors
Arnica ointment or pellets for bruises

Suncare

Whether you’re surfing, snowboarding, or something in between, you always need to protect your skin from sun exposure. Your skin is more vulnerable to sun damage when exposed to the reflective glare from sea and snow. Burns no fun and can cause long-term damage that leads to melanoma.

Look for natural ingredients such as zinc oxide: a mineral that creates a physical block from the sun. Additional compounds such as vitamins E or C will also give your skin a nice boost of topical antioxidants. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has a comprehensive list of safe sunscreens for any and all occasions.

Prescriptions

If you’re taking any prescription medication, please be sure to have enough for the duration of your trip, plus a couple extra doses, just in case. Always make sure that your prescriptions are labelled and that you have a doctor’s note if necessary, as some medications might not be universally understood or accepted.

Travel is a beautiful thing. Please get as much from your adventures as you can, no matter how relaxed or extreme they may be.

If you’re travelling soon and want to review how to best prepare you and your family before heading away, get in touch. Together we’ll make sure that you’re ready to tackle any adventure that lies ahead.

Here’s to your next adventure,
Dr. Elena Krasnov, N.D.
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