Stay healthy while travelling.

By Kripa Watts

I just returned from a quick trip to Hamburg. It was a 5 day visit – not long considering the travel time there and back was 24 hours each way. Even if I had been traveling first class (maybe next time), that kind of time spent in transit, coupled with the nine hour time difference and the inevitable jet lag is enough to rattle even the most hardy physique and nervous system! I, on the other hand, have a fairly sensitive system; I have to be careful with my choice of foods because certain edibles just don’t agree with me, my digestive system objects if my routine becomes erratic, and disrupted sleeping patterns don’t necessarily bring out the most sunny side of my personality!

Planning a supplement program in advance of traveling is one the best ways to ensure a happy and relaxing vacation. Since digestive issues are often one of the main causes of concern when traveling, the first supplement that goes into my bag of tricks is one of MegaFood’s excellent enzyme formulations – MegaZymes or High Active Enzymes are super blends that can be taken with each meal to help your body break down the food properly and enable you to digest and assimilate the nutrients fully. If you have specific dairy or gluten sensitivities, keep a bottle of Gluten & Dairy MegaZymes handy – it’s not always easy to find out exactly what is in the food you are eating (especially if the menu is not in your native language), and this specific formulation offers extra protection from digestive discomfort. Don’t leave without taking your MegaFlora or MegaFlora Plus (Kids n Us MegaFlora is great if your children will be travelling with you). This broad spectrum, high potency probiotic can help maintain digestive regularity (and keep you smiling). It is fine outside of the refrigerator for up to a couple of weeks – just take what you are going to need for your trip and leave the rest in your refrigerator at home.

To help maintain energy levels and protect myself from ‘free radical attack’ I rely on my MegaFood Multi and an additional antioxidant such as the Complex C – this ensures that I am getting a good range of nutrients on a daily basis, even if I have been limited to airplane food for a couple of meals! And finally, because of the added concern of catching an illness due to confined travelling conditions, poor air quality and general susceptibility as a result of added stress, I always take a little extra immune support. Maitake Gold 404 is one of my favorite mushroom complexes, or you might consider Liver Strength (Purple Reishi Antler) if you are likely to indulge in an alcoholic beverage of two more than usual.

Aside from my MegaFood supplements, I like to pack at least a couple of essential oils – Tea Tree for minor skin irritations and Lavender to keep my head clear. Dr Bach’s famous Rescue Remedy is another staple in my bag of travelling companions – a couple of drops in my water bottle and I’m good to go.