Digestion is a big issue for many of my patients. This can be difficult to regulate in your daily life, let alone while you travel.
Bloating, constipation and gas are common after sitting for an extended period of time, or while on vacation and indulging in new food, alcohol, or even a different water source. Another issue I see in my patients while traveling is anxiety and I find that these two conditions are often linked.
Here are a few of my favorite tips for common issues while traveling:
Stay Hydrated:
Water, water, and more water. I can’t stress enough how important it is to stay hydrated. Most digestion issues stem from not enough water (which is common after traveling on an airplane) and can clear up quickly with proper hydration.
- Stay especially hydrated a few days before you travel rather than after.
- Find a reusable water bottle that is NOT plastic. I like stainless steel or a glass bottle will also do!
Probiotic For Regularity:
A probiotic can help strengthen your gut flora and regulate your immune system. When the gut is unbalanced with unhealthy levels of certain bacteria, you are more susceptible to diarrhea and other health problems. Taking a daily probiotic can help keep your gut in check.
- Flora Max: Our clinic’s #1 best selling supplement.
- It’s vegetarian, gluten and dairy-free and contains 100 billion CFU per capsule.
- No refrigeration necessary so it’s great for traveling.
- Take one capsule per day.
Magnesium For Constipation:
Constipation is common when traveling and can cause a lot of discomfort.
- Breathing exercises like this one called “Breath Of Fire” is great for easing anxiety that can often trigger constipation.
- Papaya is another fiber rich food known to relieve constipation, and its seeds are anti-parasitic, so they’re great for adding to a smoothie.
- Mag Citrate: A magnesium supplement we carry that’s great for promoting regular bowels and relaxing the nervous system.
- Take 2-4 capsules at night.
Prevent & Treat Food Poisoning
New cuisine is fun to try, but it can also cause your body stress when you’re not used to consuming it.
- Hista-X: A histamine blocker that protects against exposure to foods you may not typically eat.
- These enzymes break down food in the digestion track and help prevent and treat an intestinal infection.
- Take two capsules a day.
Sun Safety:
Sun exposure is high in the summer and skin protection is crucial. There’s nothing worse than a sun burn on your first day of vacation.
Too much sun is not only bad for your skin but it is also very dehydrating.
- Always wear a hat, preferably one with a wide-brim.
- Wear proper sunblock (SPF 30 or higher) that protects against UVA and UVB—I love this all-natural one from Coola.
- Apply and reapply sunblock LIBERALLY every two hours. You should use about a tablespoon on your face, which sounds like a lot, but that is what you need to make it effective.
As always, remember to have fun while you travel. Embrace the culture, take care of your body and trust the process.
xo,