5 Tips for Travel Wellness

• Posted on 7 May 2018
• By Dr. Adrian den Boer
• Posted in Travel
• 0

1. Supplements

Aside from your regular supplement regime, there are a few add-ons that we never leave at home. Traveling can wreak havoc on your immune system and your gut, so a few essentials we take along target those areas of health specifically.

• Essential Defense:

• Mycotaki:

Mycotaki is an excellent blend of 7 different mushrooms which aids natural T-killer cell production and supports cellular defenses for a healthy immune system. Mycotaki was formulated to support an immune system under stress. When traveling, this is often the case. It is the supplement of choice to take to keep the immune system boosted and to prevent illness while flying.

• Probiotics:

One of the most enjoyable aspects of traveling is being able to try new cuisines and flavors. This does, however, mean the digestive tract will be exposed to foods and bacteria that it has never encountered. Our microbiome populations play a vital role in how our immune system responds to toxins and illness. In fact, scientists at Harvard University have shown microbiome to alter rapidly when dietary changes are implemented. To make sure the immune system stays boosted and the gut microbiome is “happy”, we supplement with probiotics like UltraFlora Spectrum and UltraFlora Acute Care (if one is traveling to a country with questionable water/food sources).

• AmeriGel:

Accidents happen. That’s why we always have AmeriGel wound dressing on hand… It provides a moist environment to quicken the healing process and help prevent wounds from becoming infected.

• NeoRelief/Traumeel:

NeoRelief and Traumeel (available in-store only) are both topical ointments/gels that soothe pain and inflammation. If you get a sprain or pulled muscle while on vacation, these are your go-to treatments.

Pro Tip: They are also very helpful to apply to sunburn due to their anti-inflammatory properties.

2. Decrease Stress

Everyday stresses like work, relationships, and the constant need for online interactions can, over time, wear down on the body and suppress the immune, digestive, and reproductive systems. These issues can contribute to chronic issues like high blood pressure, mental illness, heart disease, etc.

3. Unplug

84% of cell phone users claim that they would not be able to go a single day without their cell phone. We are so over attached to technology! Take time to truly experience life, family, and friends. Based on the overwhelmingly high levels of mental health issues including anxiety, ADHD, and depression, we could do with a little less screen time. Vacation is your chance to retrain yourself to become less dependant on technology for happiness and fulfillment.

4. Increase Sleep

Most adults need between 7 and 9 hours of sleep each night. According to the CDC, 1 in 3 adults do not get enough sleep. Sleep deprivation actually activates stress response in your body and raises cortisol levels. Over time, sleep deprivation can have chronic and systemic negative effects on your stress response systems. On vacation, you can toss your stress aside. Traveling is the perfect time to get yourself back on track and well-rested again (except for the obvious transition if you are crossing time-zones).

5. Indulge Responsibly!!

It can be so tempting to stop all healthy habits and eating patterns while on vacation. The problem is, this doesn’t give your body a chance to recuperate from the stress of everyday life. Vacation is the perfect time to hit the reset button and recharge yourself because you have the time to put into it. You don’t need to throw all your healthy habits out of the window. In fact, you shouldn’t! Pick and choose how you want to indulge and the entire vacation will be much more enjoyable because you will feel so much better.

References:

"1 in 3 adults don’t get enough sleep." Center for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC, 16 Feb. 2016, https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2016/p0215-enough-sleep.html. Accessed 26 Apr. 2018.

“5 Things You Should Know About Stress.” National Institute of Mental Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/stress/index.shtml.

Lawrence, David A., Corrine F. Maurice, Rachel N. Carmody, David B. Gootenberg, and Julie E. Button. "Diet rapidly and reproducibly alters the human gut microbiome." NCBI, 23 Jan. 2014, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3957428/

. Accessed 10 May 2018.

Leproult, R., Copinschi, G., Buxton, O., & Van Cauter, E. (1997). Sleep loss results in an elevation of cortisol levels the next evening. Sleep: Journal of Sleep Research & Sleep Medicine, 20(10), 865-870. http://psycnet.apa.org/record/1997-38275-003

Smith, Aaron. “The Best (and Worst) of Mobile Connectivity.” Pew Research Center: Internet, Science & Tech, 30 Nov. 2012, www.pewinternet.org/2012/11/30/the-best-and-worst-of-mobile-connectivity/.