Travel Supplement Checklist
- Oregano Oil
- Electrolyte Powder
- Probiotics – both kids & adults
- Omega-3
- Ginger candy or capsules
If travel is a part of your summer list, don’t let common maladies keep you from enjoying your trip. Here are 5 must-have supplements for travel.
Oil of Oregano
No one wants to be stuck in the bathroom on vacation! Keep bad bugs at bay with oil of oregano, an herb with strong antimicrobial action. Active compounds in oregano, carvacrol and thymol, may be responsible for this action and may in part explain why the oregano plant and oregano oil inhibit the spread of intestinal pathogenic bacteria like E. choli and Salmonella. Research has shown that carvacrol, is effective against norovirus, a common cause of vomiting and diarrhea.
Electrolytes
Dehydration can happen anywhere…when you are surrounded by water, on a plane, or on a hike. Even mild dehydration can drain your energy, make you weak and cause inability to think clearly. Severe dehydration can lead to dizziness, nausea, vomiting or even heat stroke. Flying, sweating, and illness can all contribute to dehydration. To counteract dehydration, be sure to drink plenty of water during travel and activities, and add electrolyte powder as needed to help maintain normal electrolyte balance and hydration.
Probiotics
Travelling can be disruptive to normal digestion and elimination. Probiotics can help fight these disruptions. Probiotics protect and promote the health of the GI tract and encourage balance in the intestinal tract. They help keep bad bugs and viruses at bay, and help support overall regularity. Numerous shelf-stable probiotics are available, making it an easy choice for travel. If not using them daily, start a week before travel and continue taking for the duration of the trip.
Omega-3s
For most, travel includes lengthy periods of sitting – in the car or on the plane…or in the airport! Unfortunately, this could increase chances of forming clots in the blood. Omega-3s can help prevent inflammation of blood vessels and formation of clots. As a bonus, omega-3s also help maintain healthy immune function.
Ginger
Ginger is a known digestive tonic, improving digestion, reducing gas, and alleviating nausea. Studies have shown ginger to be very effective in relieving the nausea and queasy feelings associated with motion sickness. In fact, a couple of studies have found that ginger may be as effective as some anti-nausea medications with fewer side effects. Sip on real ginger ale, or keep ginger candy or capsules on hand to take as needed.
