A GUIDE TO HEALTHY TRAVEL

With Spring break just around the corner and Summer on the (not so distant) horizon, it’s time to start planning your next vacation!

For many, travel is one of the greatest experiences in life:  visiting a new place creates a sense of wonder, and we often come away from a trip refreshed, inspired, and full of incredible memories to treasure forever.  Seeing different parts of the world offers a new perspective on life, and presents an opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture, history, cuisine, and activities. 

However, travel can negatively impact our health, especially when visiting far off countries that require days of travel, big time zone changes, and a whole new environment for the body to adapt to. Of course this doesn’t mean we shouldn’t travel, for the benefits far out-way any stressors! But we can learn to equip ourselves with the proper tools and practices to best support the body throughout our next big adventure. 

Today on the blog, we’re sharing a guide to healthy travel:  from techniques to minimize jet lag and tips to help avoid foreign parasites, to our favourite ready-made snacks for on the road and the most essential supplements to bring on any vacation. This guide is one to bookmark for all your future adventures! 

PRIORITIZE HYDRATION

Between the low humidity levels, tiny drinks from the beverage cart, and not wanting to get up to pee, dehydration on airplanes is incredibly common. But being dehydrated decreases energy levels, increases fatigue, and causes headaches and dizziness:  not symptoms we want on vacation. 

To prevent dehydration, pack a large reusable water bottle and remineralize your water to increase absorption. We recommend stocking up on Prairie Naturals Morning Rise and Shine single-serving drink packs, a yummy tasting electrolyte mix that can dissolved in water. Ener-C is a great on-the-go low to no-sugar multivitamin drink mix packed with 24 vitamins and minerals including zinc and 1,000mg of vitamin C for energy, immunity and hydration.

MINIMIZE JET LAG

Try fasting — Studies show those who fast on airplanes are 7 times more likely to avoid jet lag than those who don’t. This is because our body’s internal clock is heavily influenced by meal times, and by fasting for 12 — 16 hours before arriving at our destination, we ‘reset’ the body to sync up with our new time zone. 

Consider Melatonin — Melatonin is a natural sleep hormone made by the body, but can also be taken in supplement form to help induce sleep. Prairie Naturals Sublingual Melatonin resets the body’s sleep-wake cycle, reduces symptoms of jet lag, and helps you transition more easily to a new time zone. 

Practice Earthing — “earthing” or “grounding” is the practice of walking barefoot to soak in the earth’s healing energy. This negative charge emitted by the earth reduces inflammation and increases energy levels. Many believe that ‘earthing’ as soon as you get to a new destination will help reset your inner body clock, while leaving you more refreshed and connected to the new environment. 

Supplement Magnesium Glycinate — AOR’s Magnesium Glycinate helps relieve stress and calm the body naturally, acting as a gentle aid to combat insomnia. 

WARD OFF PARASITES

Contracting stomach bugs (particularly travelers diarrhea) is common while traveling in developing countries all over the world. Aside from avoiding unfiltered water and foods that have likely been contaminated with bacteria, parasites, or viruses, the following supplements offer natural support: 

Activated Charcoal — Activated Charcoal is a powerful detoxifier that binds to various toxins in the body and neutralizes their effects. Prairie Naturals Digest Force contains both activated charcoal and a therapeutic dose of ginger root to correct diarrhea, reduce intestinal infection, and alleviate nausea, cramps, and bloating. 

Grapefruit Seed Extract — Nutribiotic Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE) is a powerful anti microbial and antibacterial, and is believed to help prevent a variety of illnesses by warding off bacteria and viruses. 

Probiotics  — Keep your gut healthy and strong while traveling with Garden of Life’s Once Daily Probiotic. Unlike other probiotics, this supplement doesn’t require refrigeration, making it a convenient choice for travel. 

KEEP THINGS REGULAR

Constipation is no fun, especially while on vacation. But it’s more common than ever during travel, since being in an unfamiliar environment, a new routine, and a potential whole new time zone all interfere with regular elimination. The following products are great to pack in your suitcase to help keep things regular no matter where you are. 

Magnesium citrate — We love Natural Calm magnesium drink mix to help keep things regular while also supporting a calm nervous system.

Traditional Medicinals Smooth Move Tea — A gentle laxative tea blend containing senna, licorice, fennel, and orange peel. 

AID DIGESTION

One of the best parts about traveling is indulging in the local cuisine. But suddenly eating a large variety of foods your body isn’t used to can often lead to bloating and tummy troubles. These gentle herbal aids naturally support optimal digestive function, so you can enjoy the full food experience without discomfort. 

Harmonic Arts Bitters — a herbal tincture containing butter herbs that stimulate the body’s natural enzyme production. Take prior to meals to help get your digestive juices flowing!

Harmonic Arts Calm Belly Tea — A soothing blend of fennel, marshmallow root, meadowsweet, peppermint, and ginger to promote optimal assimilation of nutrients and help settle nausea, indigestion, and gas.

READY MADE MEALS & SNACKS

Swap overpriced airport food and gas station snacks for nutrient dense, ready made snacks to nourish and fuel your body during a long travel day. 

Oat of the Ordinary Instant Oatmeal — these single portion instant oatmeal packets are high in protein, low in sugar, and infused with superfood ingredients. All you need to do is add water! 

Mid-Day Squares — When you need a quick snack to keep blood sugar stable and sustain energy levels, look no further than Mid-Day squares: a real food, low sugar protein bar that tastes like a chocolate bar to satisfy sweet cravings.

Hornby Bars — An organic energy bar made right here in BC, loaded with oats, peanut butter, and raw honey. They make a great meal replacement while on the go! 

Seafoam Granola — a delicious and oh so addictive grain-free granola blend made locally right here in Roberts Creek! 

Blender Bites Smoothie Pucks — if your travel plans include a cooler, these superfood smoothie pucks are a must! Containing protein, superfoods, and probiotics, simply add water and blend to create a delicious and nourishing smoothie.  

SUN SUPPORT

Don’t let a sunburn ruin your fun! These non-toxic products offer gentle sun protection and burn healing without the nasty chemicals found in conventional sunscreens. 

Natural Sunscreen — Conventional sunscreens are laden with harmful chemicals and toxic ingredients. Choose a natural option without sacrificing effectiveness with Biosolis SPF, an organic waterproof sunscreen offering high sun protection. 

Aloe — Lily of the Desert aloe is an age-old remedy for healing sun-burned skin. An essential for any sunny vacation! 

NATURAL FIRST AID KIT 

It’s always a good idea to plan for the unexpected, especially when traveling with children:  Cuts, scrapes, and stressful situations are all possibilities while adventuring in foreign places. 

Arnica — A well-known homeopathic remedy for treating swelling, pain, inflammation, and wound healing. Boiron Arnica tablets fit easily into a purse or wallet to be carried at all times. 

Rescue Remedy — Bach Rescue Remedy is a popular Flower Essence that’s been used worldwide for over 80 years to offer emotional balance in times of turbulence. Flower essences are safe for the whole family, and an effective option for high-stress travel days. 

Colloidal Silver gel- Antimicrobial & antibacterial. Safe to use on open wounds to speed healing! A must have for your natural first aid kit.

Written by: Hannah Schmitt