Travel Safely Guide

By Anne Salazar, Clinical Herbalist

We are fast approaching the holiday travel season.  Why not get there healthy, stay healthy, and return relaxed and healthy?

Travel is typically a time increased vulnerability to illness; change of environment, time zone adjustments, stress, close quarters with groups of people, shifts in eating habits, all contribute. And now, we find ourselves in a time of even greater susceptibility due to the current pandemic. Rest assured there are definite tools we can share with you to keep the journey safer and healthfully more pleasurable.

 

Travel Prep

It's important and wise to prepare ahead of time if you are able. It is far easier to prevent illness than it is to treat it! Fortifying your immunity is key to staying safe and happy while traveling (or any time for that matter).  So let us suggest a few key ways to boost your immunity as you prepare to travel this holiday season:

 

  • Probiotics A healthy biome makes up 70% of your immune system. With a healthy gut, you are assured of good immune protection and support.  Our favorite and best selling probiotic is Pure Encapsulation’s Probiotic 5. However, a probiotic that does not require refrigeration such as this one, is easier when traveling.
  • Medicinal Mushrooms One of the best ways to ensure a vital and balanced immune system! These powerhouses support all immunity functions and assist the body in dealing with all manners of stress. They are both adaptogenic and immune supportive. One of the best is Host Defense's MyCommunity which is a blend of 17 different mushrooms. Another really popular one (especially for flying) is Mycoshield travel size peppermint throat spray. Spray right in the back of the throat to calm your mind as you are breathing recirculated air.
  • Vitamin D3 Clearly the science is strong regarding this immune supporter.  D3 is KEY to a strong and vital immune response.  It is both prophylactic in action against attack, and protective during infection. We can highly recommend a number of good Vitamin D products.  One I particularly like is INNATE Vitamin D as it is very bioavailable.
  • Herbal Allies if you really want to bump it up ahead of time, you can add in a good botanical formula designed with anti-microbial herbs and/or immune-boosting herbs.  You can take it prophylactically to get your immune system humming. As long as you are not already ill, you can take a small dose daily.  One that really fits the bill is our very own Immuno Well RX. It contains Astragalus which has long been known for overall immune protection (with especially lung-protective qualities, as well).  It also contains Echinacea, Isatis, Garlic, Forsythia Fruit, and Honeysuckle Flower; all of which are indicated for viral activity. 

 

On The Road or Plane

 

While traveling it is vitally important to continue being diligent regarding immune protection and support.  Any or all of the above suggestions are appropriate to begin or continue.  Just bring your travel pill pack along with you. Here are a few suggestions to keep on hand for use along your journey.

  • If you are crossing time zones, it is best to mitigate the physical stress of circadian rhythm shifts.  These throw off sleep, and as we all know sleep is the great healer. My very best choice, hands down, is this extraordinary product NO JET LAG. Melatonin can also be very supportive to rebalance or maintain circadian rhythms.
  • As we all know, physical hygiene is important while traveling.  Bring along this well-loved Grown Alchemist travel-sized gel sanitizer to protect your hands while keeping your skin hydrated.
  • Don’t forget your mask, and also maybe a backup mask too. 
  • Hydration, hydration, hydration.  Make sure to be conscientious about getting enough water during your travels. Dehydration can set you up to be more vulnerable to infection and can cause discomfort while traveling, as well as interfere with good sleep. Its always a good idea to add electrolytes to your water, to ensure efficient hydration and prevent muscle cramps.

 

Destination Suggestions

Once you are at your destination, its always good to have a few things on hand in case something comes up. Many of the above suggestions will continue to be useful. For instance, if you find yourself getting a cold or flu, you can bump up your daily dosage of Immuno Well Rx. While continuing your D3 and probiotics should go a long way in keeping you protected.

 

  • Tummy Troubles oftentimes travel means eating differently than one is accustomed, of course, many times this IS the time to splurge. But if you haven’t eaten meat in months and then decide to eat mom's turkey, you might want to take digestive enzymes so you don't regret it. Digestive enzyme supplements contain an appropriate amount and blend of enzymes that cover the basic macronutrients so that you are covered even if your body is not accustomed to seeing some of the foods you decide to eat. Less common but still more common when traveling is catching a stomach bug. If you are looking for an overall stomach soother (think natural alternative to Pepto Bismol) check out this awesome product, which contains an awesome TCM blend of herbs. 
  • Sleep support Finding oneself in a different sleeping situation can be off-setting, even in the best of circumstances. So bringing along a gentle sleep aid to get you there can only be helpful.  We are a big fan of Remedy's Sleep Formula which is a blend of both melatonin and sleep supporting herbs. 

 

Something that is becoming a new normal for many travelers is pre or post COVID testing. We continue to offer appointments for Rapid COVID Antigen tests. We recommend booking your appointment in advance as we anticipate increased demand around peak holiday travel days.

 

Whatever you do, wherever you plan to go, please let us assist in making your travels the very best they can be.  We are here to serve!! Wishing you all safe travel and happy holidays!